Hello, greater A71 community.
I've been lurking around for a bit, but never registered - so here I am.
I am Gonzalo, a New York native relocated to California (and looking to get licensed there) currently living in South America.
I am wrapping up my last few classes, and hoping to take (AND PASS) the CPA exam this year. I am kicking off the official studying cycle tomorrow, with the assistance of the Yaeger and Ninja clans.
I'm down in South America for work - I manage the AR/AP department for a US public company. All in all, I have five years of experience in the accounting and banking sector. My work experience requirement is checked off, but not the attest portion - so my CPA license will be a general one.
I am looking into applying at the Big 4 - it seems like a pretty strong right of passage (of course, depending on what one wants to do in the future). My idea is to keep my current job until then, take a few months off to focus only on the exam, then apply for the job after (hopefully) getting licensed.
Considering I have no public accounting experience, should I apply as a recent graduate or as an experienced professional? Any insight from anyone in the business?
Thanks, and happy New Year!
- Gonz