Navigating the Path to Public Accounting: Seeking Guidance After Passing the CPA Exam

Hello everyone,

I’m reaching out to share my journey and seek your advice as I navigate the often challenging job market for public Accounting professionals.

Having successfully passed all sections of the CPA exam and holding 150 credits, I come from a strong analytical background, previously working as a Financial Analyst and Operations Analyst in logistics. Through these roles, I’ve honed my skills in planning, reporting, and data management, becoming quite adept with tools like Excel and Power BI.

Recently, I’ve made the strategic decision to pivot toward public Accounting as part of my long-term plan to establish myself in the U.S., and I currently reside in Texas. However, I’ve encountered some significant obstacles in my job search. Many accounting firms seem to have a standard requirement for applicants to possess:

• A U.S. accounting degree
• At least one year of public accounting experience

Regrettably, I do not meet either of these criteria, which has made securing interviews particularly challenging.

I am open to a range of opportunities within the field, ideally aiming for a position around $60,000, and I would consider relocating for the right role. While pursuing a master’s program to bolster my credentials would be beneficial, it’s simply not feasible at the moment as I have a dependent to support.

I’m reaching out to see if anyone has faced a similar situation during their career transition or if you have any advice on how to break into public accounting without local qualifications or experience. Your insights would be greatly appreciated as I strive to take the next step in my professional journey.

Thank you for your support!