Will be doing applications next year in 2020. Big 4 audit background with CPA in Canada. Trying to figure out what kind of chance I have for my reaches and potential for scholarship $$ at my targets
Background and nationality:
- 26M (28 at matriculation), Canadian (Filipino ethnicity)
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)
- (Projected): potentially taking CFA Level 1 (very common in finance industry in Canada it seems like, even in IB)
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 in last year, 3.0/4.0 in last two years). I know Rotman requires a 3.0 in last year so I'm worried about this
GMAT:
710 (Q48 V39 IR3 AWA6)
- 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
Work experience and leadership:
Will have about 4.5 years in total at time of application:
- Current: 1 year Financial Reporting Manager in a publicly traded company in the newspaper/media industry, implemented new accounting standards for investments and lease accounting, managed 2 staff and reviewed their entries and reconciliations
- Former: 2.5 years Big 4 Audit. Promotion to Senior, high ratings and excellent reviews, lead senior on largest client in the office ($750M revenues, $1B market cap), performed audit work over three acquisitions and multiple equity/debenture offerings
- (Projected): potentially looking for a new job that is more related to finance (ie. FP&A, corp dev, 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
- Big Brother mentor
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
Targets: Rotman, Ivey, Schulich, Queen's
Reach: Cornell Johnson, NYU Stern
Questions:
- Any chance at all for my reach schools?
- With my profile what are my chances for scholarship $$ at my targets?
- Is my low GPA an issue when applying?
- Should I take CFA level 1?