Tax LLM without accounting degree? Forum

[rnen22]

Hey all, I am thinking about pursuing a tax llm at NYU/Georgetown next year. I am comfortable with working at a Big 4 after graduation, and even prefer that option to big law. I have a generic liberal arts degree though, and I am concerned that Big 4 firms won't want to interview someone without any accounting experience. So, for all those past Tax LLMs with no accounting experience, how did recruiting go? Also, is there anything I can do to try to improve my chances, such as trying to add additional courses in accounting?

Thanks

[Anonymous User]

I was poli sci and I didn’t have an issue with EY, KPMG, or PwC. I didn’t interview with Deloitte.

Edit: I was K-JD as well, so no useful world experience or anything.

[rnen22]

Cool, thanks for your comment. I'm just paranoid about paying a ton of money for this degree and not getting a job next year, lol. Do you have any tips on doing well in the program, and in recruiting?

[Anonymous User]

I was K-JD with an undergrad degree in philosophy. I never took any accounting classes in undergrad. I did my non-t14's joint JD/LLM program. I interviewed with KPMG, EY, and Deloitte. I received formal offers from both KPMG NYC and EY NYC and I received a verbal offer from the MD and senior manager at Deloitte (but I had already accepted KPMG so I never received a formal Deloitte offer). As long as you have a genuine desire to work in tax, and can really sell that desire, you'll be attractive to the Big4.

[Anonymous User]

The Tax LLM program is intense and gives you a good foundation in tax for big 4 work. Most firms dont care about your undergrad degree. Just do well in the program and you’ll be fine.

FWIW I was Econ and didn't take any accounting classes. I’ll be joining a Big 4.

[Anonymous User]

Hey all, I am thinking about pursuing a tax llm at NYU/Georgetown next year. I am comfortable with working at a Big 4 after graduation, and even prefer that option to big law. I have a generic liberal arts degree though, and I am concerned that Big 4 firms won't want to interview someone without any accounting experience. So, for all those past Tax LLMs with no accounting experience, how did recruiting go? Also, is there anything I can do to try to improve my chances, such as trying to add additional courses in accounting?

Thanks

Lack of accounting experience in undergrad is not an issue at all. If you took/will take tax classes in JD, that might help you as far as Big4 recruitment is concerned first semester of the LLM program. After that if you do well (or somewhat well), even the absence of a significant number of tax courses in your JD will not be detrimental, let alone the lack of accounting experience.

If you are still in your JD program, take tax classes. Otherwise, just work hard in the LL.M. program.