Increasing Employablility

bhur

Hi all, first time poster.

Im undertaking the DCU Postgrad Dip in Accounting in september, having had two interviews with a big four firm in November i feel as if im lacking in some respects. I expect to come out of my undergrad (law + business) with a 2.1, but need to boost my CV as I wont be able to afford another year at uni (ie. a masters). Does anyone have any information on courses etc that would boost my cv in the eyes of the big four? As im dreading doing the dip and not getting any offers this year either. Also are the chartered accountants diplomas available to non-members?

I appreciate all responses and many thanks in advance

bhur

Bump?

thefa

Just the opinion of a former accounting student. I wouldn't be too discouraged in your position seeing as you managed to get a couple of interviews with the 'big 4' despite not having a degree or a specialism (within your business degree) in accounting. Putting in the info that you're in the process of doing the diploma in Accounting will stand to you as much, if not more, than any accounting undergrad come the milk rounds next year. No short term courses you could do come to mind but if you could get a few months experience over the summer at some accountants it would help.

To become a chartered accountant you need 3.5 years experience with a training company and pass all your exams afaik(I'm going for ACCA which is more relevant to what i'm doing). You can do the cap 1s(your diploma..) and cap 2s(masters, other educational bodies or yourself) but pretty sure you need to be with a training firm to do the FAEs. Doing the CAP 1/2 costs a lot less when doing them outside a college/university.

Think beyond the big 4 also. I'm in the very early stages of getting qualified with a company in industry and we had the auditors in last week and seeing what work they do, I'm happy with how things worked out. If you want to definitely be in practice then a small to medium size firm could provide a more rounded experience.

bhur

Thank you for your advice, its encouraging to say the least!

May i ask how did you get into industry?

bhur

Bumpy?

I got into industry on a six month contract doing basic accounting stuff and was made permanent.

That was a while ago though - have a look at grad ireland and the jobs sites as some companies are still hiring accounting graduates directly.