Why can't I get an interview at a public accounting firm?
Experienced accountants looking to transition often hit a wall trying to secure interviews, watching senior associate job listings reposted repeatedly without response. This barrier prevents qualified professionals from breaking into public accounting despite holding industry experience and passing most CPA exams.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1applying to small firms
- 2focusing on firms that value ERP and controller experience
- 3Applying from regional firms like RSM, Grant Thornton, or BDO
- 4Applying as a senior accountant from industry during the fall
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 2How to choose between mid-tier accounting firms
- 2How to get clients for a new accounting practice
- 2What do year-round accountant services actually include?
- 6Does starting in private accounting ruin your career?
- 4How to find a responsive accountant for a small nonprofit
- 9How to break into accounting as an international student with a low GPA