Overcoming Hurdles in the Job Market: A CPA’s Journey to Break into Public Accounting

Hello everyone,

I recently achieved a significant milestone by passing all sections of the CPA exam and accumulating 150 credits. With a solid background as a Financial Analyst and experience as an Operations Analyst in logistics—where I honed my skills in planning, reporting, and data management—I feel well-prepared for a career in public Accounting. I’m proficient in vital tools like Excel and Power BI, which I believe are essential for success in this field.

As I transitioned to public Accounting with the goal of establishing a long-term career in the United States, particularly in Texas, I’ve encountered some unexpected challenges. Many Accounting firms seem to have strict requirements, including a U.S. accounting degree and at least one year of public accounting experience, which I unfortunately do not have.

This situation has made securing interviews quite difficult. I’m not overly selective regarding the role—I would consider positions with salaries starting around $60K and am even willing to relocate if necessary, including opportunities at local CPA firms. However, pursuing a master’s program isn’t feasible for me at this time, as I have a dependent to support.

I am reaching out to this community for guidance and insights. Has anyone else faced a similar transition? How did you manage to navigate the job market despite lacking local credentials or experience? Your advice would be greatly appreciated as I seek to break into public accounting!

Thank you for your support!