Navigating a Career Transition into Public Accounting: Seeking Guidance

Hello everyone,

I am excited to share that I have successfully passed all sections of the CPA exam and I currently hold 150 credits. My professional background includes roles as a Financial Analyst and an Operations Analyst in logistics, where I honed my skills in planning, reporting, and data management. I am well-versed in Excel and Power BI, making data handling a strong suit of mine.

Recently, I’ve made the decision to pivot towards a career in public Accounting as part of my long-term goal to establish myself in the U.S. I am currently situated in Texas, but I’ve encountered some roadblocks in my job search.

The primary challenge is that many firms are looking for candidates with:

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

Unfortunately, I meet neither of these criteria, and this has made securing interviews particularly challenging.

I’m not selective when it comes to job opportunities; I would gladly accept a position with a salary in the region of $60,000, and I am open to relocating for the right local CPA firm. Given my current circumstances, pursuing a master’s degree isn’t a viable option for me, as I have a dependent to support.

I am reaching out to this community in hopes of gaining insights or advice from anyone who has faced a similar challenge. What strategies can one employ to break into the field of public accounting without having the required local credentials or experience? Any guidance or personal experiences shared would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!