Navigating the Job Market as a CPA: Seeking Guidance for a Successful Transition into Public Accounting

Hello, everyone!

I’m excited to share that I have successfully passed the CPA exam, holding all sections under my belt! With 150 credits completed and experience as both a Financial Analyst and an Operations Analyst in the logistics sector, I’ve developed a strong skill set in planning, reporting, and data management. I consider myself quite adept at working with data tools like Excel and Power BI.

With a newfound goal of pivoting into public Accounting as part of my long-term plans to settle in the U.S.—specifically Texas—I’ve encountered a significant hurdle. Many firms are seeking candidates with:

• A U.S.-accredited Accounting degree
• At least one year of public Accounting experience

Unfortunately, I lack both of these qualifications, making it challenging to secure interviews in my desired field.

I want to emphasize that I am flexible. I would be happy with a salary in the vicinity of $60K and am open to relocating, including to a local CPA firm. Pursuing a master’s degree isn’t feasible for me at the moment, as I have a dependent to support.

I would greatly appreciate any insights or experiences from those who have faced similar challenges. What strategies or approaches have you found effective for breaking into public accounting without having local credentials or prior experience? Your advice would be invaluable as I navigate this transition!