Forensic Accounting Background

Question

Hi!

First post, but used the site when I was studying for the GMAT several years ago (for accounting grad school). I've since graduated and started working in a forensic accounting position at a large firm (big 4 accounting firm). Will my experience in forensic accounting work help me stand out amongst my peers? I'm planning to work for two years and then apply to B-school, so I have one year left before I begin applying.

I have a 760 GMAT, 3.9 GPA in accounting from top 25 undergrad and 3.9 in grad school. Looking to get into top 15 school. Top scores are a given at the top schools, so how will my experience help me, if at all? I feel like a lot of auditors from big 4 apply to b-school, but how will my being in a specialty practice help? Will it make a difference at all?

Thanks!

ex21 · Answer

hello stella,

You definitely have great stats (as you mentioned). I don't know much about the applicant pool partly because I am not from a typical feeder industry. I think you may be over estimating the number of accountants at top Bschool. Accounts love accounting which does not always require an MBA. Sure there are some but a lot of accountants just shoot for a CPA and CMA to continue their accounting profession instead of the expensive MBA route. I could be making bad assumptions here (off of a small sample size) but I've visited 6 schools (5 in top 15) and interacted with a lot of students but only met 1 or 2 students who were accountants.

As a accountant I think we have to prove we are more than just number crunchers following a bunch of rules to the nth degree. Bschool is more about teamwork and leading others. You can definitely stand out with your background but approach it from the context of how will it help the schools? What can you offer the classroom, fellow students, and career oriented clubs? Setting yourself apart is more about knowing who you are, what the school is all about, and how can you contribute to the school. 
 
 I'm no expert about this but I figured I'd just give my 2cents. Good luck.

tenisprox · Answer

actually from what I can tell your scores are even above averages at the top schools so they have to help you. the work experience seems a little generic though I agree.

stompy · Answer

You have incredible stats. 760 gmat and 3.9GPAs? Work experience wise I think forensic accounting will just be viewed as Big 4 public accounting experience, meaning it is silver-level experience, meaning not horrible but not great.

If you can shape a good story, have solid career goals, explain the why mba, why this school, etc...basically if you can execute the whole application process well, I think you should be focusing on the top 10 schools. and not waste your time with anything beyond that. Harvard and Stanford will be reaches (as they are for 90% of the populace) given your work exp, but every other top 10 school is definitely do-able imo.

MrTunes · Answer

I came from an accounting background with a much lower GPA and somewhat lower GMAT score and I got into Duke and feel pretty confident that I would've gotten into any 10-15 ranked school.

I think all you need to do is make sure, via extracurriculars, essays, etc.,that the adcoms know you aren't just a number cruncher itching to hear about the next FASB statement.

In theory, this shouldn't be that difficult since if you were just an accounting nut, you likely wouldn't be applying.

good luck!

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