FASB/GASB PTA Application + Interview Process

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to provide some information about the FASB Postgraduate Technical Assistant program as there isn't a lot of updated info about the program and process.

Background:

• Currently a MAcc student
• Undergrad in Accounting + Analytics
• Teaching Assistant with some Research Assistant work on the side
• Passed all 4 sections of CPA (only 1/4 when applied, 4/4 by interview)
• Internships @ Fortune 100 Company, Tax Mid-market PA firm, Big 4 Accounting Advisory

Application Process:

1. First and most important thing about the application is you need a "nomination" from a faculty member at your school. I was lucky because a faculty member at my school had worked at the FASB before so they knew about the program and wrote the letter of recommendation aka nomination letter.
2. Also need to write an essay, there is no "topic" other than why you would like to participate in the PTA program. This is the hardest part and from my opinion the biggest differentiator on receiving an opportunity to interview or not. I would make sure to research the projects on the technical/research agendas and find 1-3 you are interested in and discuss those items. It is extremely difficult to write this essay because the lack of a clear topic and that written communication is one of the skills they weight the highest. I personally went through the draft/revision process 9 times before I submitted my application.
3. Lastly you will need to submit a resume and transcript, not much advice or recommendations here to be honest.
4. Only other thing is to know what you are applying for/want. Each school can nominate 4 students for PTA openings, 2 for the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and 2 for the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), 1 for each start time aka 1 FASB Summer, 1 GASB Summer, 1 FASB Winter, 1 GASB Winter. If you have a preference make sure that is known in the application process.

Interview Process:

1. My application was due around Thanksgiving time, November 23rd if I remember correctly and then you just have to wait. I received an email inviting me to interview the first week of January so it is some what of a long wait.
2. If you get invited to interview, first congrats it is not easy to even make it that far, as for the interview it is in-person at their office in Norwalk, CT. They will provide you a list of days and it is first come first serve for selecting the day you want. They will help set everything up such as the hotel and you do get reimbursed for any expenses to travel (Plane ticket, food while traveling, Uber/Carpool from Airport etc.).
3. A few weeks prior to the interview a current PTA will reach out and act as your "buddy", I scheduled a call with mine about 1 week prior to my interview just to ask any questions I had. You will also receive an interview schedule which has the times and people you will interview with.
4. The day of your interview will fly by, in the morning 2-3 current PTAs will take you to breakfast. This is another time to ask questions about the interview but also learn about everything outside the job, how do they like the Norwalk area, what do they do outside of work for fun etc. Then you will go visit the office and interview with 6 FASB/FAF staff. Each interview is different some are more technical/case interviews some are more behavioral. For the case interview remember there really is never a perfect answer, they just want to see your thought process and whether or not you can consider alternative opinions. Each interview is 30 minutes so sometimes there is time for questions and other time you are just straight to the next interview.
5. After the interviews 2-3 more PTAs will take you to lunch, similar to breakfast this is a time to just decompress after the interview and learn more about the PTA program, pros and cons etc.

Happy to answer any questions in the comments. Fair warning though, I check Reddit maybe once a week so it may take a little time to get back to you.