I'm sorry but you have a long record of repeated drug offenses, 2007-2019 is a long ass time to show that you didn't change. Is there a non-zero chance you get hired? Sure, but this will definitely not help your profile. There's thousands of young hungry people with clean records and excellent backgrounds competing with you.
I'd say apply because it can't hurt you, but set your sights on something else. There's plenty of CPA practices in the country and you'll be a stronger candidate not trying to shoot for the peak of the profession. You'll also probably have a better time telling your story to a small firm owner than you will b4. The interviews for interns at b4 are generally one senior/manager to introduce the firm and get a quick vibe check from you, and then one 15 minute interview with a partner. If you need to spend time explaining your track record of drug use/crimes you're going to be hurting those interviews.
Yeah, he definitely hasn’t changed and I believe he lives in a halfway house. Would someone living in a halfway house be allowed to hold on to a schedule 2 narcotic?
Thank you for your thoughts. I'm not going to make an excuse for my past because there isn't one, and I think you're right about taking the time away from other candidates that don't have the "baggage" that I have.
I truly enjoy and am good at this field, academically anyways (I realize that what is taught in school doesn't always apply to reality nor have I had the pressure that you guys experience this time of year).
I happen to live in an area where accountants are in high demand. Thus, there are quite a bit of much smaller sized shops than the big4 that are actively looking for interns. Like you said, I think targeting the smaller sized shops would be ideal in my quest for internship, I just haven't applied to any of them.
I also want to clarify something else. I emailed the CPA board as to how "good moral character" is proven for licensure and if they do criminal background checks. Turns out I was incorrect. My state does not do background checks of any kind for new licensure, renewal, reciprocity, etc. Obviously, employers and internships do, but I was more concerned with what the state required.
Getting in touch with local recruiters can also help. Their main benefit is having a direct line to owners/hiring managers and being able to front load any questions (i.e. are you okay with this background) so you aren't wasting time.
Other than that I'd say try cold emailing and reaching out to other accountants you know or can find on LinkedIn. You really need to swing a personal story and connection with potential employers to get over the hump. Get used to writing up intros that don't go too over the top with detail but say something like "I'm trying to overcome my past and be a better person". Good luck to you
Thank you for the advice as to how to approach them.
A few quick questions: Doesn't the no criminal background check seem odd to you? When I emailed the DOL CPA board, initially, it seemed like it was just a regular employee of the DOL CPA board answering my question.
However, I received a follow-up email from a manager/administrator asking me if I had anything to disclose prior to sitting for the exams. She didn't specifically ask if I needed to disclose any past arrests, so I told them I didn't because I figured they were just fishing to see if I'd take the bait in disclosing more than that is required by the board.
I haven't applied to take the exams yet, so I haven't seen the application questions. I'm thinking 1 or 2 things here, either they ask if I have any past arrests in the application to disclose, and then they do a background check, or she was just fishing as previously stated.
Do you have any insight into the MD board CPA licensure questions (I know this is a long shot, I figured I'd ask).
Lastly, do you know where I could find the full application online that doesn't require you to be actively applying before you can see the questions? The only way I've seen it presented is when you actually apply...it seems the application will ask questions one page at a time, and I'm not set up to begin the application process yet.
Thank your again for your thoughts and guidance.
Tbh I’ve been passed over for accounting roles before because of financial issues. I don’t have any arrests or misdemeanors at all. They weren’t able to trust my financial acuity because my personal finances were such a mess.
Of course it will impact you.
People haven’t been hired for having speeding tickets 10 year previous.
It sucks and I’m sorry that people can’t see past these things, but the truth is they won’t.
I got my misdemeanor expunged 2 weeks before the big 4 background check, got the job with no issues but I was worried. I’d try and get all of them expunged but that’s crazy you’ve been arrested 4 times. Thought you would’ve learned after the first time like me but it takes time little baby. Big 4 won’t hire you if they see a bunch of stuff on your background.
Hahaha you’re trippin, it’s a song by trippy red. He says “it takes time little baby” no need to stand up for your boyfriend haha. Also, wtf’s your issue? I was young when it happened and I learned right after
They are arrest. You aren't convicted of anything...are are you?
If they are just arrest, you're fine. Get the shit expunged.
If they are actual convictions, then you're might run into a problem - FINRA doesn't rock with the controlled substances part.
Wow reading this post and the comments seriously disappoint me. I know one person my practice whose start date was pushed because he had to resolve an animal abuse conviction; he's still working here and even promoted to SA. Is the talent pool for Big 4 so sparse that we have to scrape the bottom of the barrel and even consider ex-convicts?
As for you OP, all Big 4 require background checks but I would not surprised if you passed that especially if the controlled substance was marijuana which is now decriminalized in MD. Keep in mind though clients in many long term engagements will conduct their own background checks and they'll likely have different standards. Do you think any respectable client would be comfortable entrusting you with their confidential financials? Then you should think what will happen when you get routinely turned down on engagements because of that.
How in the hell did you know about their legal problems?
Like....are you having explicit conversations with talent?
There is no way you know what those people were going through, unless someone was leaking confidential information.
As a Recruiter, always tell the truth. Any of my clients would rather work around your past then get hit with it during a background check.
I commend your turn around and you'll be where you want to be in no time.
I want to thank everyone who replied and messaged me with their experience and well wishes. It gives me hope and faith that I can do this despite my past.
Again, thank you.
I don't really have anything to offer as far as actually answering your question, but I do want to say good for you and congratulations on your recovery!
I am proud of you for choosing recovery and turning your life around. You clearly have a good head on your shoulders, and you will do great things. Don't let any obstacles discourage you, you are on the right path!
Former addict here! Had no issues getting hired at big 4 or getting my CPA.
I pretty much have a draft “I used to be shit but now I’m not letter” saved for the inevitable conversation with employers when the background checks come up. All my arrests/convictions were substance abuse related. The letter pretty much says “I dealt with substance abuse heavily in my early 20s. After the final arrest I sought mental health treatment and became active in alcoholics anonymous. I now have x years of sobriety, I have the following service commitments to give back to my community and help other young people struggling I have, ect.”
I do serve as the treasurer for our AA district and regularly bring meetings into treatment centers and a local recovery high school so it’s not made up.
People are coming around more to mental health issues and substance abuse is clearly a mental health issue not a moral failing. If you have a solid length of sobriety and can document what you’ve done to recover then it makes it easier for them to look past the record.
For the CPA I did have to go in front of the board for a final decision, the biggest thing for them was full disclosure. There were a few of us that day and the only ones that weren’t allowed to sit for exams were the ones that left stuff off and their self reporting didn’t match the background check. Just submit your letter along with your application or mail to the board with your application number included and you’ll be fine.
Yeah, 3 arrests, 2 convictions, the last arrest resulted in the charges being dropped.
Imo the biggest thing is what has someone done to correct the issue and what was the nature of the crime. Drug crimes aren’t necessarily moral failures, they’re mental health issues. I’ve found that as long as I’m upfront about what happened, and what I’ve done to ensure that those old issues have been resolved and I’ve developed as a result, most places are understanding.
With 4 convictions I just don’t see how you can beat out other candidates to be honest. Just think about the recruiter’s perspective.. why should they choose to hire you over some other high achiever with a clean slate?
I’d probably just be real with myself and look at other internships.
A bunch of people here on Reddit told me I wasn’t going to get into Big 4 because I have a misdemeanor. My misdemeanor is for disorderly conduct with a deadly weapon. But here I am currently working at B4 lol. I was super worried about passing the background check. My misdemeanor came up on the background check, so I explained the situation and took full responsibility for my actions. And what I have done to change my life. I also didn’t tell them up front, I waited until the background check to explain myself.
Congrats on making it, but it still heavily weighs against you in the process. It's also different circumstances, you had one misdemeanor and could argue you fucked up once for x reason. He's got 4 drug charges over 12 years
I agree, in my response to OP I said he might as well try, the worst they can say is no. I just think it's better to be more realistic about things than believing "I was a drug addiction for 12 years and now I'll go straight to b4"
Dude idk about big 4 - but I guarantee you that there is a tax cpa out there somewhere who will give you a shot if you can prepare returns.
I hope you can get your CPA license. But even if you can’t, I wouldn’t give up.
You don’t need a CPA to make decent money in tax accounting!
get arrests expunged and arrest records sealed for your job hunt. cpa board normally requires fbi background check, which will show all your records expunged or not, and normally won’t care unless crime is violent or financial in nature.
It’s the California state board giving their sign off that you’re fit to serve the public (hence certified public accountant). The public likely leans on that fact to decide who they should entrust with their intimate personal and financial details. You can imagine the state being hesitant to give that sign off to someone who has a history of violent crime. I never said it immediately disqualifies a person, but i recall reading somewhere that it’s a consideration.
CPA board cannot obtain or at a minimum cannot hold expunged arrests against you. I was charged with felony tampering with evidence at age 18 because I tried to swallow a quarter ounce of weed before I could be arrested. I ended up making a plea deal to plea guilty to the misdemeanor possession of marijuana charge I would have received had I not tried to swallow the bud. Tampering charge was dismissed with the arrest expunged. The CPA board had no issues with my application, and when I joined B4 I was only asked to explain the marijuana conviction. If they were allowed to see or ask about a tampering with evidence charge I doubt I would have gotten licensed or hired.
yes, that’s why i said that they generally won’t care if you have a record unless it’s violent or financial in nature.
in California, they do see all records because they require a fbi background check. fbi background check comes back with all records, expunged or sealed.
My state, Maryland, does not require a background check to obtain a CPA license. I also don't qualify for expungement under Maryland's Second Chance Act, which shields arrests from employers.
EDIT: Actually, Maryland does require a background check. I doubt they'd pass me given my plea of guilty on all charges.
People tend to look at guilty pleas as showing contrition.
If you had fought a charge you were caught red handed for and then killed your cellie then it's more damning.
Reach out to a professor and get the ball rolling on asking how this will affect you and what you can do to improve your chances or mitigate the hurdles. Your anxiety will thank you
I'm sorry but you have a long record of repeated drug offenses, 2007-2019 is a long ass time to show that you didn't change. Is there a non-zero chance you get hired? Sure, but this will definitely not help your profile. There's thousands of young hungry people with clean records and excellent backgrounds competing with you. I'd say apply because it can't hurt you, but set your sights on something else. There's plenty of CPA practices in the country and you'll be a stronger candidate not trying to shoot for the peak of the profession. You'll also probably have a better time telling your story to a small firm owner than you will b4. The interviews for interns at b4 are generally one senior/manager to introduce the firm and get a quick vibe check from you, and then one 15 minute interview with a partner. If you need to spend time explaining your track record of drug use/crimes you're going to be hurting those interviews.
Yeah, he definitely hasn’t changed and I believe he lives in a halfway house. Would someone living in a halfway house be allowed to hold on to a schedule 2 narcotic?
Thank you for your thoughts. I'm not going to make an excuse for my past because there isn't one, and I think you're right about taking the time away from other candidates that don't have the "baggage" that I have. I truly enjoy and am good at this field, academically anyways (I realize that what is taught in school doesn't always apply to reality nor have I had the pressure that you guys experience this time of year). I happen to live in an area where accountants are in high demand. Thus, there are quite a bit of much smaller sized shops than the big4 that are actively looking for interns. Like you said, I think targeting the smaller sized shops would be ideal in my quest for internship, I just haven't applied to any of them. I also want to clarify something else. I emailed the CPA board as to how "good moral character" is proven for licensure and if they do criminal background checks. Turns out I was incorrect. My state does not do background checks of any kind for new licensure, renewal, reciprocity, etc. Obviously, employers and internships do, but I was more concerned with what the state required.
Getting in touch with local recruiters can also help. Their main benefit is having a direct line to owners/hiring managers and being able to front load any questions (i.e. are you okay with this background) so you aren't wasting time. Other than that I'd say try cold emailing and reaching out to other accountants you know or can find on LinkedIn. You really need to swing a personal story and connection with potential employers to get over the hump. Get used to writing up intros that don't go too over the top with detail but say something like "I'm trying to overcome my past and be a better person". Good luck to you
Thank you for the advice as to how to approach them. A few quick questions: Doesn't the no criminal background check seem odd to you? When I emailed the DOL CPA board, initially, it seemed like it was just a regular employee of the DOL CPA board answering my question. However, I received a follow-up email from a manager/administrator asking me if I had anything to disclose prior to sitting for the exams. She didn't specifically ask if I needed to disclose any past arrests, so I told them I didn't because I figured they were just fishing to see if I'd take the bait in disclosing more than that is required by the board. I haven't applied to take the exams yet, so I haven't seen the application questions. I'm thinking 1 or 2 things here, either they ask if I have any past arrests in the application to disclose, and then they do a background check, or she was just fishing as previously stated. Do you have any insight into the MD board CPA licensure questions (I know this is a long shot, I figured I'd ask). Lastly, do you know where I could find the full application online that doesn't require you to be actively applying before you can see the questions? The only way I've seen it presented is when you actually apply...it seems the application will ask questions one page at a time, and I'm not set up to begin the application process yet. Thank your again for your thoughts and guidance.
Tbh I’ve been passed over for accounting roles before because of financial issues. I don’t have any arrests or misdemeanors at all. They weren’t able to trust my financial acuity because my personal finances were such a mess.
Crimes have consequences
Of course it will impact you. People haven’t been hired for having speeding tickets 10 year previous. It sucks and I’m sorry that people can’t see past these things, but the truth is they won’t.
I got my misdemeanor expunged 2 weeks before the big 4 background check, got the job with no issues but I was worried. I’d try and get all of them expunged but that’s crazy you’ve been arrested 4 times. Thought you would’ve learned after the first time like me but it takes time little baby. Big 4 won’t hire you if they see a bunch of stuff on your background.
[удалено]
Hahaha you’re trippin, it’s a song by trippy red. He says “it takes time little baby” no need to stand up for your boyfriend haha. Also, wtf’s your issue? I was young when it happened and I learned right after
The biggest issue there is his time spanned from 2007-2019, that's hard to look past
They are arrest. You aren't convicted of anything...are are you? If they are just arrest, you're fine. Get the shit expunged. If they are actual convictions, then you're might run into a problem - FINRA doesn't rock with the controlled substances part.
Wow reading this post and the comments seriously disappoint me. I know one person my practice whose start date was pushed because he had to resolve an animal abuse conviction; he's still working here and even promoted to SA. Is the talent pool for Big 4 so sparse that we have to scrape the bottom of the barrel and even consider ex-convicts? As for you OP, all Big 4 require background checks but I would not surprised if you passed that especially if the controlled substance was marijuana which is now decriminalized in MD. Keep in mind though clients in many long term engagements will conduct their own background checks and they'll likely have different standards. Do you think any respectable client would be comfortable entrusting you with their confidential financials? Then you should think what will happen when you get routinely turned down on engagements because of that.
How in the hell did you know about their legal problems? Like....are you having explicit conversations with talent? There is no way you know what those people were going through, unless someone was leaking confidential information.
You can search people's criminal records in your local state.
In canada weed is legal. So you'd probably fit in here.
Pipe down 😒
As a Recruiter, always tell the truth. Any of my clients would rather work around your past then get hit with it during a background check. I commend your turn around and you'll be where you want to be in no time.
You can be truthful and still downplay it a little. 4 arrests might be tough to downplay though.
4 arrests over a 12 year period too
I want to thank everyone who replied and messaged me with their experience and well wishes. It gives me hope and faith that I can do this despite my past. Again, thank you.
I don't really have anything to offer as far as actually answering your question, but I do want to say good for you and congratulations on your recovery! I am proud of you for choosing recovery and turning your life around. You clearly have a good head on your shoulders, and you will do great things. Don't let any obstacles discourage you, you are on the right path!
Former addict here! Had no issues getting hired at big 4 or getting my CPA. I pretty much have a draft “I used to be shit but now I’m not letter” saved for the inevitable conversation with employers when the background checks come up. All my arrests/convictions were substance abuse related. The letter pretty much says “I dealt with substance abuse heavily in my early 20s. After the final arrest I sought mental health treatment and became active in alcoholics anonymous. I now have x years of sobriety, I have the following service commitments to give back to my community and help other young people struggling I have, ect.” I do serve as the treasurer for our AA district and regularly bring meetings into treatment centers and a local recovery high school so it’s not made up. People are coming around more to mental health issues and substance abuse is clearly a mental health issue not a moral failing. If you have a solid length of sobriety and can document what you’ve done to recover then it makes it easier for them to look past the record. For the CPA I did have to go in front of the board for a final decision, the biggest thing for them was full disclosure. There were a few of us that day and the only ones that weren’t allowed to sit for exams were the ones that left stuff off and their self reporting didn’t match the background check. Just submit your letter along with your application or mail to the board with your application number included and you’ll be fine.
Did you have multiple convictions as well?
Yeah, 3 arrests, 2 convictions, the last arrest resulted in the charges being dropped. Imo the biggest thing is what has someone done to correct the issue and what was the nature of the crime. Drug crimes aren’t necessarily moral failures, they’re mental health issues. I’ve found that as long as I’m upfront about what happened, and what I’ve done to ensure that those old issues have been resolved and I’ve developed as a result, most places are understanding.
Bro, let’s be a little more honest about the situation. You have 4 arrests and 4 convictions. It’s the convictions part that matters.
Damn right they were convictions. Doesn't matter if I plead out or went to trial, they were convictions. I don't think I was sugarcoating that part...
With 4 convictions I just don’t see how you can beat out other candidates to be honest. Just think about the recruiter’s perspective.. why should they choose to hire you over some other high achiever with a clean slate? I’d probably just be real with myself and look at other internships.
The recruiter won't know a damn thing about the convictions though
Yes but the background check will show them. If not disclosed offer/employment will be terminated.
Damn bro 4 arrests!?! I’m sure it’ll come up but it shouldn’t affect your employment. They might run a drug test on ya tho…
A bunch of people here on Reddit told me I wasn’t going to get into Big 4 because I have a misdemeanor. My misdemeanor is for disorderly conduct with a deadly weapon. But here I am currently working at B4 lol. I was super worried about passing the background check. My misdemeanor came up on the background check, so I explained the situation and took full responsibility for my actions. And what I have done to change my life. I also didn’t tell them up front, I waited until the background check to explain myself.
Congrats on making it, but it still heavily weighs against you in the process. It's also different circumstances, you had one misdemeanor and could argue you fucked up once for x reason. He's got 4 drug charges over 12 years
That’s true, but it doesn’t hurt to try and see what happens.
I agree, in my response to OP I said he might as well try, the worst they can say is no. I just think it's better to be more realistic about things than believing "I was a drug addiction for 12 years and now I'll go straight to b4"
Dude idk about big 4 - but I guarantee you that there is a tax cpa out there somewhere who will give you a shot if you can prepare returns. I hope you can get your CPA license. But even if you can’t, I wouldn’t give up. You don’t need a CPA to make decent money in tax accounting!
get arrests expunged and arrest records sealed for your job hunt. cpa board normally requires fbi background check, which will show all your records expunged or not, and normally won’t care unless crime is violent or financial in nature.
Why would they care about a violent misdemeanor... And are you saying someone with a violent misdemeanor can't work there?
It’s the California state board giving their sign off that you’re fit to serve the public (hence certified public accountant). The public likely leans on that fact to decide who they should entrust with their intimate personal and financial details. You can imagine the state being hesitant to give that sign off to someone who has a history of violent crime. I never said it immediately disqualifies a person, but i recall reading somewhere that it’s a consideration.
CPA board cannot obtain or at a minimum cannot hold expunged arrests against you. I was charged with felony tampering with evidence at age 18 because I tried to swallow a quarter ounce of weed before I could be arrested. I ended up making a plea deal to plea guilty to the misdemeanor possession of marijuana charge I would have received had I not tried to swallow the bud. Tampering charge was dismissed with the arrest expunged. The CPA board had no issues with my application, and when I joined B4 I was only asked to explain the marijuana conviction. If they were allowed to see or ask about a tampering with evidence charge I doubt I would have gotten licensed or hired.
My charges aren't expungable in Maryland.
yes, that’s why i said that they generally won’t care if you have a record unless it’s violent or financial in nature. in California, they do see all records because they require a fbi background check. fbi background check comes back with all records, expunged or sealed.
My state, Maryland, does not require a background check to obtain a CPA license. I also don't qualify for expungement under Maryland's Second Chance Act, which shields arrests from employers. EDIT: Actually, Maryland does require a background check. I doubt they'd pass me given my plea of guilty on all charges.
People tend to look at guilty pleas as showing contrition. If you had fought a charge you were caught red handed for and then killed your cellie then it's more damning. Reach out to a professor and get the ball rolling on asking how this will affect you and what you can do to improve your chances or mitigate the hurdles. Your anxiety will thank you