requirements question.. Please advise

jus_tin4

Hi,

Im applying for the usually grad programs, but this has something that has been throwing me off to say the least.....

I got 380 in my lc and a 2.2 finance accounting degree.... this was due to some personal issues i was going through up until.... I understand that this is going to be an issue

However since i graduated in 2012 i went to BCFE to study music performance( something i wanted to persue before entering into the real world so to speak.. im in my last year of that course and am taking ACA Cap 2 exams tax and audit through their elevation program.

My question is; is it unlikely I will get any interview with big 4/ mazars? and if so can anyone direct me on what to do? where is the best way of finding accounting jobs in small practises/firms?

Thanks for your time

bigmc23

jus_tin4 wrote: »

Hi,

Im applying for the usually grad programs, but this has something that has been throwing me off to say the least.....

I got 380 in my lc and a 2.2 finance accounting degree.... this was due to some personal issues i was going through up until.... I understand that this is going to be an issue

However since i graduated in 2012 i went to BCFE to study music performance( something i wanted to persue before entering into the real world so to speak.. im in my last year of that course and am taking ACA Cap 2 exams tax and audit through their elevation program.

My question is; is it unlikely I will get any interview with big 4/ mazars? and if so can anyone direct me on what to do? where is the best way of finding accounting jobs in small practises/firms?

Thanks for your time

its quite likely your application will get rejected by the bigger firms with your 2.2 and 380 points. I dont know what to say about that music course but if you do gey any interviews they will likely query you about it etc. Best way for you to look is the vacancies section of CAI website.

Morte

They would take mitigating circumstances seriously but you'll have two main issues which could cause problems. Firstly, your personal problems were going on for 4+ years if they lasted from before your leaving cert to finishing your degree. You now presumably have 1 year free of the personal problem. Depending on the nature of the issue there may be a strong chance of this reoccuring or there may not. If it's not something that you can definitively say will not be an issue in the future then they would be wary of hiring you.

The second issue is that it's unclear what your ability level actually is. It's fair to say you have more potential than the 380 that you got in your Leaving. But that doesn't automatically mean that the issue free you would have got 100 points more. 50 points more would be a big jump but would probably still be below the level expected. If you can't point to something that would give proof of your real level then they probably can't evaluate you.

Small firms will use the usual websites, recruitment agents and so on to advertise vacancies. The CAI would also keep a list of those firms looking for trainees. Best of luck in your search.

jus_tin4

Thanks for the advise!

My state of mind, of lack of, if im being honest, was due to one major isssue and then the relapses where due to smaller events. In 3rd year i was off a 2.1 by 2.9%. however saying that i understand that it is what it is and im not trying to use it as a cop out as such.

[QUOTE=Morte;86774353 If you can't point to something that would give proof of your real level then they probably can't evaluate you.[/QUOTE]

Just on this point, I was as active and as positive during this time, being working with a relatives pr company, doing volunteer work and working on my fathers farm. However i feel that im really lack in the relative experience work even though in this day and age its sort of hard to usless you know the right people... saying that, this is my reason for asking about where to find where the positions are and how to go about it.

Im hoping going for the aca elevation will at least give me some sort of, well, i guess chance, even though i know its not going to be easy.

And the truth is, im 22 going 23 and i dont want to have to have to leave the country due to my results i guess,I want to stay in the country, I love this place despite what our government and banks have done and still are doing.I guess my circumstances sorta and recovery gave me the passion to give back to my country.... sound patriotic and all but I still believe this is a great country.

myshirt

On the basis of the information provided, reject, reject, reject.

These guys want tough, tough individuals with consistent and proven ability. 380 and a 2.2 is not good enough.

In terms of personal problems, it's plain and simple - we all have a cross to bear in life, you have to be able to cope. End of.

That can be a harsh thing, and may seem unjust, particularly depending on your personal problems. But that's it unfortunately. That's life.

Your only chance is if you find sympathetic ears after you beat a robust independent assessment system. The particular system used is designed to ensure no manuel override; simply, no one person can make decisions on a candidate from interview to hiring, there are checks and balances.

Another option would be to prove yourself in other ways, volunteer for experience, mix with business circles, commerce events, use every contact you have, get known.

Ultimately, take ownership, grab this goal by the balls. And good luck

jus_tin4

Thats for all the comments!

Its hard to swallow but i appreciate the honestly and finally getting it laid out straight!

currently looking up every trainee,assistant position possible!

despite my result, i still plan on trying to get a job next year and start working off my experience and finishing cap 2 then hopefully i might be in a better position!

TitianGerm

jus_tin4 wrote: »

Thats for all the comments!

Its hard to swallow but i appreciate the honestly and finally getting it laid out straight!

currently looking up every trainee,assistant position possible!

despite my result, i still plan on trying to get a job next year and start working off my experience and finishing cap 2 then hopefully i might be in a better position!

Hi Justin.
Just my two cents. I graduated in 2008 1% off a 2.1. I got 480 points in my leaving cert. I've only just got a graduate position now in the last two months after years of searching.
I enrolled on the elevation programme at CAP 1 level last year and CAP 2 module 2 this year. I just wish the elevation programme had been introduced a little earlier. It is a credit to the institute and has really helped me.
I believe the elevation programme is what got me my opportunity and I wont give it up now.
Just keep working hard OP and it'll pay off. And when you get a chance do not let the employer ever question if he made an error hiring you !!

jus_tin4

Thanks emmet! I can understand the reality of my situation, as it not getting any easier economical out there!

I really just wanted to see was it possible to do what I'm doing so to hear that falls kindly on my ears!