Accounting after MBA

I am aware that this question has been asked many times before but I'm posting it because response can vary based on my profile.

I'm an international student (from India) in Canada and currently pursuing MBA at a state level school. The reason I chose this school was low tuition fee ($3k/year).

I have 4 years of software development experience which I gained while working with a very large IT company in India. Majority of my work was to develop billing and invoicing systems for $6Bn billing a year. But I'm no more interested to pursue tech industry.

I have taken 3 finance and one accounting courses during MBA. Last semester I passed CFA Level one exam in which I really enjoy financial reporting section. I have also registered for CPA in this state and taking one CPA PREP core course in my last semester of MBA.

In addition to that, I focus on networking and managed to make some good contacts in banks and accounting firms. My professor is in the CPA board so he is willing to introduce me to few professionals.

My target is Big4 because I think I would have better salary, benefits, and exit options. Long term target is to get into corporate finance division but I know how hard is it to move within departments.
There are many hurdles to get a accounting job.
1) I don't have accounting degree.
2) Current GPA 3.35, hoping to get at least 3.45 after graduation. Target is 3.5
3) city is very small and even though big 4 has offices in downtown, I'm not sure they are willing to hire MBAs.
4) I'm still in CPA PREP program and it would take a year to complete this before I start PEP.

I'm willing to move to another city like Waterloo or Mississauga where more jobs are available but competition is stiff. Canadian job market in Finance is overly saturated but not sure about accounting. I'm also willing to network hardcore to increase my visibility among recruiters.

What would you suggest? I would really appreciate if someone share genuine feedback. I'm more worried about being unemployed for long time and having an MBA. I would need to justify that why I chose CPA after MBA which could be the first question in interview. I'm 28 years old now, is age going to be a big factor for accounting firms?

I'm willing to share my resume if someone wants to have a look. Or please PM me if you have any specific suggestions.

 

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