USA CPA/MBA - Job Search

[Fahad k]

Hi,

I am a CPA based in Chicago. I have also done my MBA in Corporate Finance from DePaul. I am currently working for a small personal injury law firm in downtown Chicago.

I am a hard worker, currently I am covering two roles. First one is Staff accountant and the second one is Medicare lien analyst. I have been working at this firm for almost 2 years. I want to make a switch to a bigger public accounting firm but I am not getting any interviews.

My resume is pretty solid and I have got it checked from various credible sources. I don't know what mistake I'm making in applying for jobs. I am currently on a work visa and my current employer has filed for my green card.

I am very passionate about working in audit. I have interned at PCAOB and PwC in the past and really enjoyed my experience there.

Any suggestions on how should I apply or network to get a job in audit with a decent size firm?

Thanks

Fahad

 

[Steve-LevelUp]

I suspect that the residency/green card issues are probably a contributing factor. Although it might not be clear one way or the other. In some cases, if there are questions regarding your residency, then they might bypass you for an interview, especially if they don't know you will be able to stay long term without visa issues. So, focus on your greencard, then, once received, ensure you reflect on your resume that you are a green card holder.

 

[Drmdcpa]

As I see it you have many issues.

Your status in the US is a big issue. Companies do not want to hire persons if they will not be able to work in the US after so much or so little time.

Also on this point, your current employer is assisting you with changing your status. Before the ink is even dry, you are trying to leave them. This demonstrates no loyalty and no appreciation. Who would want to hire someone like that.

On a different issue, the Big 4 are generally interested in hiring green fresh out of school people that they can shape and mold. They are less interested in people with experience unless you are a star. Being an MBA CPA does not make you are star. There are many of us.

With all that said and ignoring the sage advice given in the first response to you, networking at CPE seminars and local chapter meetings of the CPA societies would have greater impact than sending out resumes.

Also again ignoring the sage advice given, you would have better luck with smaller local and regional firms than the Big 4.

But again your status in the US needs to be addressed first.

 

[Fahad k]

Drmd Im the most loyal employee at my firm currently. Turn over is pretty high due to poor management. Partners are great though they agreed to file my green card based on my performance and I took charge of two positions in a short period of time. There is no free lunch in corporate America. I'm getting paid equivalent to staff 1 salary at a big 4, after my MBA/CPA plus 2 years of experience and mind you half of the fresh grads at big 4 are not CPAs infact some of them are never able to do it. I personally know people who had to switch practices at big 4 because they couldn't pass CPA exams. CPA is no joke!

 

[Drmdcpa]

You asked for insight but apparently do not need it.