Navigating the Job Market After Passing the CPA Exam: Seeking Guidance

Hello everyone,

I’m reaching out to share my current situation and gather insights from those who might have faced a similar challenge. I’m excited to share that I have successfully passed all sections of the CPA exam and have accumulated 150 credit hours. My previous experience includes roles as a Financial Analyst and an Operations Analyst in the logistics sector, where I honed my skills in planning, reporting, and data management. I am well-versed in analytics and have a strong command of Excel and Power BI.

With a desire to pivot into public Accounting for a sustainable career in the U.S., I recently relocated to Texas. However, I’ve encountered significant roadblocks in my job search. Many firms are looking for candidates with specific qualifications, such as:

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

Unfortunately, I do not meet these criteria, making it challenging to even secure interviews for available positions.

My salary expectations are quite reasonable at around $60,000, and I am open to relocation, even considering opportunities with local CPA firms. Pursuing a master’s program is not feasible for me at this time due to my responsibilities as a primary caregiver.

Has anyone else navigated a similar path? I would be immensely grateful for any advice or insights on how to break into public accounting despite lacking local credentials or experience. Your shared experiences and recommendations could be invaluable to me as I strive to transition into this field. Thank you!