How to Get a Job in an Auditing Firm

It seems that a newly passed CPA’s dream had always been to get a job in any of the Big Auditing Firms in country.  Being previously connected with Ernst & Young, I could still remember the excitement that I had when I was invited for an interview in the firm and then was hired as an associate auditor of the firm.  Let me share to you the following tips on how to get a job in an Auditing Firm.

1. Grab the opportunity. The auditing firms usually conduct pre-employment examination in CPA review centers.  Grab the opportunity to take that examination while you are still reviewing for the CPA Board.  It will be an advantage to you since after the auditing firms have known that you pass the CPA board exam, they will congratulate you and will invite you for an interview at their firm.  You will be the first priority over those who are to take the pre-employment examination after passing the board. 

2. Prepare your resume immediately after you passed the board exam. Never wait for a month before you prepare your resume or update your resume.  You should put already put on your resume your CPA title.  That adds value to your name.  Pass your resume to the hr department of the firm (this is applicable to those who did not take the pre-employment examination).  You should wait for their call for an invitation for an exam. 

3. Give your best shot on the pre-employment exam.  If you are invited for the exam, be early on the examination venue.  Some think that the examination is just for formality sake but actually the examination is being used to evaluate your capability as well as your strengths (whether you would be fit for assurance, computer audit, tax services or management services).  The examination usually include essay questions, personality tests and accounting problems (audit, IT, etc).

4. Prepare for the interview.  If you passed the exam, you will be texted or be called for an interview.  If you think you are ready for this, do not think so.  Prepare. Do not be overconfident.  (Click here fortips for having a successful interview.)