Applying from Canada for 2020, Big 4 audit background with CPA. Trying to figure out what kind of chance I have for my targets and potential for scholarship $$
Background and nationality:
- 26M, Canadian (Filipino ethnicity)
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)
- (Projected): potentially taking CFA Level 1 (very common in finance industry in Canada it seems like)
Undergrad Information:
- Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), double major in Accounting and Finance
- 3.3/4.0 (converted from 3.7/4.5)
- I should note there's a downward trend in last two years (2.8/4.0 last year, 3.0/4.0 last two years). ECs were all in last two years and wanted to focus being a more well-rounded student, not sure how bad this looks to adcoms. I know Rotman requires a 3.0 in last year so I'm worried about this
GMAT:
710 (Q48 V39 IR3 AWA?)
- IR score is low but my previous two attempts I scored an 8 and 5 so I think having that on my score report offsets the low 3
- Just wrote this past weekend so haven't gotten my AWA yet, I scored 5 and 6 on my first two attempts
Work experience and leadership:
- 2.5 years Big 4 Audit (3.5 years if you include university co-op terms - can these be included in WE?). Promotion to Senior, high ratings and excellent reviews, lead senior on largest client in the office ($700M revenues, $1B market cap), performed audit work over two acquisitions and multiple equity/debenture offerings
- 1 year Financial Reporting Manager in a publicly traded company in the newspaper/media industry, implemented new accounting standards for investments and lease accounting, not a lot of other career accomplishments in this role
- (Projected): potentially looking for a new job that is more related to finance (ie. FP&A, TAS, Valuations, investment analyst) to have something tangible that shows my commitment to the career pivot
Community and others:
Current:
- Board Director at a charity that provides food access/security/policy
- Treasurer at an animal welfare charity that helps find lost dogs
- Finance Committee member at a non-profit youth employment services organization
Undergrad:
- Vice President for co-op students association
- Corporate Events Coordinator for accounting students association
- Business case competition team member (we won school of the year)
Post MBA goals
- Investment banking (post-MBA associate at big 5 Canadian banks or boutique firm) or corporate finance
Anything else?
Targets: Rotman, Ivey, Schulich, Queen's
Far Reach: Cornell Johnson, Duke Fuqua
Questions:
- With my profile what are my chances for scholarship $$?
- Is my low GPA an issue when applying?
- Do co-op terms count towards WE?
- Should I take CFA level 1?