Expert: Don Sadler - 12/4/2007

Question
Dear Don,

I want to ask a Question about the CPA Certificate

1- If I Got the CPA it will be more easy to get an Audit Job in U.S.A.?

2- I didn't got a Permenant Residence in the U.S.A. Could you Please Tell me if this will make a Problem to me to find a job in U.S.A. even I got the CPA?

3- I didn't have Exprience in the Accounting nor Auditing after I got the CPA It will obstacle me in order to shift to accounting job?

Thank You and awaiting your response.

Best Regards,
Moheb  

Answer
Moheb,

I will try to answer your questions as I understand them.

1- If I Got the CPA it will be more easy to get an Audit Job in U.S.A.?

If you have a CPA certification, it will be easy to obtain a job in the USA. The CPA is a very highly regarded certification... it is also very difficult to obtain.

2- I didn't got a Permanent Residence in the U.S.A. Could you Please Tell me if this will make a Problem to me to find a job in U.S.A. even I got the CPA?

Generally, you must prove you have a "right to work" which would be a social security number, a document showing you are a US citizen, or a "green card" which is an alien registration card showing permanent residency.  I am not positive about the legal aspects of right to work.  I do know that many companies will sponsor a foreign person for specialized work. IF you have the CPA, you should consider asking a major accounting or auditing firm if they will sponsor you.  Also, some companies do not check for the right to work so it is possible that even if you are in the USA illegally, you can find work.

3- I didn't have Exprience in the Accounting nor Auditing after I got the CPA It will obstacle me in order to shift to accounting job?

I am not sure I understand your question. However, if you are asking me about an accounting job when you have the CPA but no accounting or audit experience, I will tell you that will not be a problem.  Most university graduates do not have experience but they can get accounting jobs.  Your problem may be education as most upper level accounting jobs require a college degree in accounting.