How does the CPA work if you cannot get hired to obtain the work experience?

I've passed 3 sections of the CPA exam and struggling to land a job.

I'm worried that if I pass all 4, I'll still never be able to become a CPA unless I get the working experience.

If I don't get hired, then I will never be able to get the CPA license, despite the "shortage" the AICPA keeps claiming.

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There's no time limit to land a job and get the one year of experience. Just finish your exams. You'll find a job eventually.

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There is a time limit! I think it depends on what state your in but from what ive seen you have five years at least here in wisconsin.

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There is no time limit in the states around me. I have checked all surrounding states and they don’t have time limits either. I hope you not only find work but that you like what you are doing!

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Where have you applied?

But for the CPA you have 5 years from the application date to get your hours.

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Keep in mind that the work experience doesnt need to come from an accounting firm. Working in industry/private also provides the work experience requirement.

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Try some larger firms. I know a lot of the mid sized firms like RSM, GT, CLA, etc have offices in Florida. There is a need so I’d start to cast a wider net.

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I started at Moss Adams as a fresh grad after never having had an internship there. Go straight to the source - reach out to the firms recruiter for that region or office and tell them your story. Make it sound compelling, not desperate. You are in a great position. Make sure they will cover all your testing fees and expenses for testing materials, plus a bonus once you pass the last test. I had already passed all mine when I started and they reimbursed me for the study materials and testing fees and gave me a bonus for passing them. It’s in the firms best interest.

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Where are you applying? Are you only looking for an industry position or public accounting? I don't know your state's CPA education requirements, but I assume you have a relevant degree for an accounting position?

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Larger firms are more likely to hire you. Small likely want someone already experienced. They have less resources to train you. For large firms, it’s part of the process.

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Yea that “shortage” was a big lie

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Also realize your marketability rises after you pass all parts. Agree with hitting top 10-15 firms and align your efforts with the firms recruiting cycles. Also target industry as someone else suggested, you need to do accounting-type things while supervised by a CPA who will eventually sign your experience form.

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Do you mention on your resume you’ve passed 3/4 exams? It might help.

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Darn it. I thought the same thing. Try smaller boutique firms. It’s how my former coworkers and I got our feet In the door to a big 4. We started at a 10 person audit firm in a smaller city. Worked there for 3 busy seasons and applied to big 4 as an experienced hire. Didnt have license yet either. Just an exam passed.

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Thanks all for your advice. I wasn't sure I'd get a response, so I appreciate all of the input.

For now, I'll just focus on the last test. I'm about halfway through Becker's material and should be able to test in August.

I'll post an update once I take the last exam and hopefully I can get hired before the 2025 busy season.

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Have you not reached out to a recruiter?

Do you have a violent criminal history or something? I think you should be able to walk into an audit position. Especially out of school - the programs really make it easy.

Pessimistic view, leave accounting before it's too late

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Keep trying. One issue may be that we fill all of our new hire positions a year+ ahead of time, so we don't have open spots right now. Another, unfortunately, may be that the places you've applied are shying away from a non-traditional hire, so definitely cast a wider net. I'm at a top 10 firm and generally really like non-traditional hires - they're usually more mature and care more about the work they're doing. You could also try applying for paid internship positions - we also love hiring our interns.

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RobertHalf Accounting and Finance is always the go to in between jobs ans especially just starting build hours for requirements just let the recruiters know where your at. There located in 50 states.

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Don’t forget that you can also use private accounting experience for the work requirement. Absolutely does not have to be at a CPA firm, at least in my state (Maryland).

If you didn't get a good position upon graduation. There are less chance left to land a good job in the future. Me is this case, you never know how hard it is to land a good job.

I’m at PwC in audit. Let me know if this is an area that interests you. Feel free to message me. My group needs new associates!

I’m thinking something else is the issue - either your resume (if you aren’t getting interviews) or your interview style (if you are but still aren’t getting hired).

If you still live close to where you graduated from, try finding out when their on campus recruiting day is for accounting firms and take the time (and a bunch of resumes) to go on that day to meet with a bunch of firms in person.

Also ask someone you admire/trust if they could look at your resume and do a mock interview and give you feedback.

We are have lots of entry level job openings and for most firms, having someone come in who has already completed the exams is a HUGE plus because many firms save a lot of money not having to reimburse your materials, test time, etc.

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