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

Hello everyone,

I’m reaching out to the community for some guidance as I embark on my journey into public Accounting. I have successfully completed all sections of the CPA exam and hold 150 college credits. My professional background includes roles as a Financial Analyst and Operations Analyst within the logistics sector, where I honed my skills in planning, reporting, and data management. Additionally, I am quite adept at utilizing tools like Excel and Power BI.

Currently based in Texas, I’ve decided to pivot into public Accounting as part of a long-term goal to establish myself in the U.S. However, I’ve encountered some barriers in the job market. Many firms seem to have specific requirements, such as:

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

Unfortunately, I do not meet these criteria, and this has resulted in a significant challenge in securing interviews.

I want to be clear that I am flexible regarding my job search. I’m looking for positions that offer around $60K annually, and I would be open to relocating for opportunities, including roles at local CPA firms. However, pursuing a master’s program is not a viable option for me at this time, as I have a dependent to support.

I am curious if anyone else has found themselves in a similar situation and can share insights or strategies for breaking into public accounting without the conventional credentials or local experience. Any tips or experiences you can offer would be invaluable to me as I navigate this transition. Thank you in advance for your support!