Candidate:

Mr. Big 4 CPA

About Me:

I am in a big four assurance role, I currently work with clients in the private equity and alternative asset management space. I finished my M.S. in accounting as the top-ranked student in my class (4.0 GPA). Attended both undergrad and M.S. at the same mid-tier private college in the Northeast (think Fordham). I come from a middle-class blue-collar family.

Schools:

Target School: Wharton

Considering: Chicago Booth, Harvard

See More Profiles For: Wharton

Application Status: Open

Details:

Undergrad School: Mid-tier private school

Undergrad Major: Accounting, Minor in CS

GPA: 3.92

GMAT: 730

Age: 25,  Ethnicity: White

Other Degree/Certification: B.S. and M.S. in Accounting and CPA

School Name: Mid-tier private school - NY

Extracurriculars: Sit on the staff leadership council (firm sponsored), sit on the corporate responsibility committee (firm sponsored), piloted digital process automation program (firm sponsored), held president or VP positions in multiple business honor societies (Beta Gamma Sigma, Beta Alpha Psi etc.). No significant additional EC.

Work History:

Title: Senior Associate - Assurance Big 4

Industry: Accounting

Company: Top Firm

Length of Employment: 2 yrs, 6 mos

Big Life Wins:

Obtaining my CPA, getting the top rank in my M.S. Accounting class, running a half marathon after having reconstructive surgery on my leg.

Post MBA Goal:

I would like to shift from working in a retrospective focused role in assurance (essentially performing work over investment decisions that have already occurred) to making a career shift to a more front-office role at an asset manager (preferably with a focus on sustainable investing).

Odds:

Join in! Click here to assess the odds of Mr. Big 4 CPA

The Experts Rate The Odds At: 37%

See what the industry experts have to say:

  • John A. Byrne, P&Q Founder & Editor-In-Chief | Odds Assessment: 35%

    This could really go either way. While the basic stats are in line, you are a white dude at a Big 4 firm in assurance having gone to a mid-tier school for both your undergraduate and master’s degree in accounting. I do think it is a plus that you are working with PE and alternative investment clients. It’s also a big plus, of course, that you earned a CPA, achieved the top rank in your M.S. Accounting class, an ran a half marathon after having reconstructive surgery on my leg. That last one is super impressive and makes me like you very much. It is also what will help you get out of the pile.

    5 years ago
  • mbaMission Odds Assessment: 35%

    Hi Mr. Big 4 CPA! This is Kate Richardson, Senior Admissions Consultant. I am a former Big 4 employee and have advised many Big 4 applicants over the years, so I can understand your desire to switch from a field that is backwards looking to one that is more proactive and forwards looking. Your work background will be fairly well known to admissions committees, so make sure to highlight where your experiences differ from what’s typical, like if you’ve been given responsibilities ahead of schedule, or worked with interesting/high-profile clients (sounds like you have), or been selected for work committees (which it also sounds like you have). I also think the personal story you bring to your applications will be really important — like talking …

    5 years ago Read the full review
  • Stratus Admissions Counseling Odds Assessment: 40%

    Dear Mr. Big 4 CPA, it’s Lisa Cummings of Stratus Admissions. Congrats on finishing the half marathon, that’s no small feat for anyone! I spent several years working in private equity and alternative investments as an analyst, then as an investor so I am very familiar with that space. Your stats will certainly put you on the radar of your target schools although your years of work experience will be on the low side. Your work extracurriculars are all impressive, when you say “firm sponsored” does that mean they tapped you for those positions? What was your role in the digital process automation project and what impact did that have on your company or group? You are on the leadership …

    5 years ago Read the full review

The Community Currently Rates The Odds At: 30%

  • 25% | 5 years ago

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