Anyone here works for the Big 4????
-
Jeff - another71.com
offlineadminI will designate/rename this as the official Big 4 thread. Thanks for starting...
Posted 7 months ago # -
Jeff - another71.com
offlineadminWhat's a starting salary in Big 4 these days? (I realize it varies by region)
Posted 7 months ago # -
Joe36y
offlineMemberhttp://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Deloitte-Tax-Consultant-I-Salaries-E2763_D_KO9,25.htm
gives a good baseline i would say
BEC: 82
FAR: 79
AUD: 85
REG: July 10thPosted 7 months ago # -
Jeff - another71.com
offlineadminNah...that's pretty basic info.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Jeff - another71.com
offlineadminhaha
Posted 7 months ago # -
Amz7
offlineMemberThose who got offers/work in Big 4-could you pls provide an insight on the best way to get in ?
Any special steps/methods...it seems really difficult to even get an interview.
Please advise...and congrats to those who got in :) It may be tough, but the experience in your resume will
be well worth it. Hang in there.Posted 7 months ago # -
Joe36y
offlineMember@Amz7
The best and easiest way to get in is through campus recruiting. You want to be associated with the Big 4 as soon as possible through their Leadership or internship programs.
If you are going through the experienced hire route a referral from a current Big 4 employee is a must! I forget the percentage, but most of the experienced hires are through current employee referrals. The Big 4 value their employees suggestions very highly.
But for the most part the recruiters are looking to see that you are a hard worker and can handle the long hours. And make sure you highlight this in your first round interviews. I feel like the first round interviews are harder than partner interviews because first round interviews you have to show that you have the skills. Second round interviews with partners are more to see if you fit personally with the culture. For my partner interview we talked about sports for a good 25 minutes haha.
BEC: 82
FAR: 79
AUD: 85
REG: July 10thPosted 7 months ago # -
IamBlessed
offlineMemberI wish i could work in the big four ... unfortunately i am a staff accountant at a small housing authority
If anyone has information on how to get in it would be greatly appreciated?
Is it even possible for me to get in since im not fresh out of college?
I have graduated from Rutgers University in 2009 and have been working as an Accountant since May 2010Posted 7 months ago # -
bronzy
offlineMemberI really am not sure the process outside of on campus recruiting. I was able to sign up through my universities website and was then contacted soon after with an interview schedule.
I interviewed for KPMG, PwC, Mcgladrey, GT, and Marcum..
GT didn't even write me back regarding a 2nd interview (bad blood between a family member who used to work there I suspect)
Mcgladrey denied me through email before I even arrived back from the interview.....
Got that sweet sigh of relieve through a KPMG offer, but ultimately accepted PwC which was offered on the spot... I didn't think I was getting any lolAUD - 7/23 75
BEC - 8/31 81
FAR - 10/14 81
REG - 11/29Posted 7 months ago # -
CA_Future_CPA_1222
offlineMemberI started a few months ago as a year two audit associate. I got in through an employee referal and crushed my interview and got an offer the same day. I worked for about 3.5 years in tax with small, local CPA firms and one business management firm. Nobody will ever recognize the names of those firms, but they will always respect the Big 4 label.
I don't know if I'll be here forever, but I'm very grateful considering what I dealt with in the small time CPA world. I just don't see the point in being a staff accountant at a small firm unless you have a clear path torwards partner.....or you want a 0 stress, low paying job with decent stability.
REG - 82
BEC - 79
FAR - 11/26/11
AUD - 1/2/12Posted 7 months ago # -
IamBlessed
offlineMember@CA_Future_CPA_1222 -- that is exactly why i want to move on to a public firm ... i dont even care if its not the big 4 and a decent sized public firm ... i really need to get out of this small authority ASAP ... idk what it is but i think theres something in my resume and coverletter that is a repellent to public firms ... i spoke to someone in HR from The Reznick Group a while ago and i was told over the phone i dont have enough experience 'multi-tasking' for me to be considered ... and the funny thing is it was a position that required only a years experience ...
Posted 7 months ago # -
CA_Future_CPA_1222
offlineMemberAn entry level position with a small CPA firm shouldn't be too difficult to get especially if you're willing to work for peanuts. I would recommend improving your resume some how. Maybe even writer “CPA Candidate” towards the top underneath your education section if you’re planning on sitting for the exams at some point. Your resume has to have something that would make you attractive to a CPA firm.
But I’d recommend trying to land a job with a Fortune 500 type company before ever settling in with a small mom and pop type of establishment. If you’re goal is to improve your resume over time and increase your overall marketability, then you might as well get in with one of the big boys as soon as possible.
I wasted too much time thinking that small CPA firms had any value.
REG - 82
BEC - 79
FAR - 11/26/11
AUD - 1/2/12Posted 7 months ago # -
IamBlessed
offlineMemberI already have CPA candidate stated in my summary statement .... any recommendations on how to spice up my resume that would be attractive to CPA Firms ... i want to get in with the big boys ASAP!!! i think the experience in priceless even though they work you like a slave ...
Posted 7 months ago # -
CA_Future_CPA_1222
offlineMemberWhich CPA firms? The Big 4 or some local ones? If you want to work for a small local one, I would advise to gon on craigslist and see what accounting jobs are posted. You can also look up all the local CPA firms in your area and either e-mail your resume to the contact listed on their website or hand deliver it to their front desk.
If you want to work at a Big 4 (or any of the top ten firms for that matter) you need to find someone who works there and is willing to put your information through and kinda fight for you......basically have that person send e-mails to the internal recruiters saying you'd be a good fit for reasons X, Y and Z.
You could also look up local "head hunters" or recruiters and tell them what you want. Reach out to a few of then, establish a relationship, and go from there.
REG - 82
BEC - 79
FAR - 11/26/11
AUD - 1/2/12Posted 7 months ago # -
CannotPassAgain
offlineMemberI don't know about all this criticism about small firms. I'm starting at a regional firm next week (only 4 locations at various metro locations throughout California) -- they have great benefits and a higher starting salary than any of the Big 4 (I've asked numerous classmates from school and my Becker classes). Sure, the name is not as prestigious as the Big 4, but I think it's a great start for a fresh college graduate. Not only do you learn more (I will be doing tax, audit, and consulting), and I think there's great chance for advancement at a smaller firm than vs. a Big 4.
I've spoke to a few ex-partners from the Big 4 and the reason they decided to leave is because they felt as if advancing through the ranks became highly political. There is a lot of ass kissing and bending over if you want to move to the top. If you're a straight-forward guy like me and can't stand bullshitting, Big 4 is not for you.
Do I still wish I could have been accepted at a Big 4? Most definitely. The only reason to slave away for 1-2 years at a Big 4 is to have that title on your resume, which will carry you throughout your career and open doors for you. However, if you want more work/life balance and career advancement, a smaller firm should definitely be considered.
FAR - Feb 2012
AUD - May 2012
REG - TBD 2012
BEC - TBD 2012
Becker 2011+2012; NINJA 2011 review notesPosted 7 months ago # -
ROACH
offlineMemberHow old are you guys anyways? I'm thinking about going back to get my masters in XXX (accounting related). The point really is to network and try to get recruited into BIG4.. thing is... by the time I graduate.. I'll be 29ish.. maybe even 30 (jesus).
I don't even work in public right now. Just a staff accountant. Hours aren't bad and I should be passing all exams first try within the next 8 months.
BEC - 66 (2/29/12) Retake on 5/1/12
AUD - (5/31/12)
FAR -
REG -Posted 7 months ago # -
BaseballCPA
offlineMemberI work for a big four firm...just got home from a 13 hour day...I love every minute of it. You're going to pay with your blood, but the benefits far outweigh the costs.
REG - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
FAR - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
AUD - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
BEC - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
Ethics - PASSED -- 1st AttemptPosted 7 months ago # -
wannabetxacctnt
offlineMemberI just started work at a big 4 firm this July and while I think it's great experience particularly when kicking off your career, be prepared to live and breathe work:( there is absolutely no work life balance, and waaaay too much office politics. It makes sense to stick it out for 3-4 years and then run as fast you can to find a job that won't make you cookoo!
Aud 83
Reg 83
BEC 73, 78
FAR-11/30Posted 7 months ago # -
IamBlessed
offlineMember@CA_Future_CPA_1222 -- I heard from The Reznick Group but as i mentioned according to them i dont have enough experience 'multitasking'
How do you guys feel about saving an internal recruiters phone number or email address and calling/emailing them and notifying them of your interest in the company? is that a little odd or normal?
Posted 7 months ago # -
CA_Future_CPA_1222
offlineMember@ IamBlessed I don't know what the "multi-tasking" thing means. Either that person was an idiot, or you need to make your resume say that you're a detailed oriented person who can learn quickly.
@CannotPassAgain. How do you know you learn more at a small firm than you do at a big firm? At a big firm you stard handling small pieces of a bigger picture and by the time you're two to three years in as Senior, you're essentially running that "bigger picture" project. Plus the Big 4 invests so much time and so many resources to send you to all sorts of local and national trainings. So tell me, how you learn more at a smaller firm? Smalelr firms don't generallty handle public clients.
REG - 82
BEC - 79
FAR - 11/26/11
AUD - 1/2/12Posted 7 months ago # -
CalCPASoon
offlineMemberI was at a regional firm, two offices, about 150 employees, and we had alot of public clients, and even some clients with international offices. After my first year, i was able to perform as a senior soup to nuts all aspects of the audit, including sox compliance audits. I could write all the managemet letters, audit equity and allowance, even audited other real estate owned and allowance for loan loss at banks during this whole financial institution meltdown. I also worked by myself on IPO's At a Big 4, I would still be auditing cash and AP!!!
We also had about 6-8 days of CPE training a year.
So yes, at a Big 4 you get the name recongnition, and maybe in 3-4 years you make senior and start auditing something other than cash and AP. At a really small local tax firm, yes you are alot less likely to get the same audit experience and formal training.
But all the hundreds of regional and mid-sized firms in between? THAT is where I think there is the most opportunitity.
CalCPASoon....CalCPAFinally! Yay I made it!
CPA licensed in California!Posted 7 months ago # -
markiux88
offlineMemberI was just curious because I've always had in mind working for any of the Big 4 and thought that if you work for the Big 4, then you would not have time to be on here..loll..flawed assumption..lol...Too bad I'm 23 already....Must be exciting to work there unlike this crappy job.....
Posted 7 months ago # -
CPAwinning
offlineMemberI currently work for one of the Big 4. I started earlier this year. I originally wanted to look at a regional or local firm, but after weighing the benefits I realized that the experience that you receive at a Big 4 firm is invaluable. I have learned more in 6-8 months than I think I could have in 2-3 years at a Regional or Local Firm. The work is hard and if you plan on working for the Big 4 you should plan on being challenged on a regular basis and working long hours. However, I have noticed that the work you do also depends a lot on the Partner/Senior Manager/Manager that you work for. They come in all different personalities. If you work for a cool Partner and with a cool team you won't be too overworked outside of busy season. However, some of the Partners take completely different attitudes on how they approach engagements/delegate work/don't think things can wait until the next day when in reality many things can.
I agree with some of the posts above that there is a lot of political bs within a Big 4 firm. A lot of the people who rise up the ranks in the firm are the ones who are the most personable and have a great people skills. They are not necessarily the most intelligent ones or the ones who are the best at sitting down and auditing to their hearts content. It it also important to develop a good relationship/friendship with the Partner who recruits you. If you do this then you will be put on higher profile engagements/with better teams. The individuals who are put on high profile engagements are often the ones who are noticed for high level performance and the ones that the firm will emphasis on keeping with the firm long term. Once again politics.
On getting hired. I do know that the the Big 4 focus a tremendous amount of time on recruiting on-campus. I also know multiple people in my office who came in as experienced hires. Being an experienced hire can be seen a regression at the beginning when you work for a Big 4 firm. I know of Managers who were hired from Regional firms who came in as Seniors and Seniors who came in as Staff 1 or 2 level when they first started. Most of them say they do not believe they could have operated effectively and efficiently at the Senior or Manager level with the experience they had in their previous jobs. I know my firm has put them on a faster track to be promoted to their old position instead of promoting them in normal fashion. To be an experienced hire I think it is important to know someone who already works for a Big 4 firm in order to have an IN. When trying to impress the Big 4 whether being a campus recruit or experience hire looking for a position I think it is important to exhibit confidence in your ability and strong social skills. The Firm has your resume so they know what you are capable of. They are typically looking for one more you can offer beyond your resume. The thing that I noticed that was of the utmost importance was having a strong knowledge of the firm and asking good questions. Also, have the balls to ask questions that other people would not ask. Also, don't be afraid of the Big 4. It is important to treat the people who are recruiting you as being on more of a personal level. Don't be scared to "Shoot the shit" as they say.
I am very happy with my job at the current point in time and honestly really do enjoy what I do. I would like to think I will be working with my firm for years to come, but that is difficult to say at this point. I never know how my career is going to progress or know what opportunities may arise in the future. What I do know is that I have made many invaluable contacts with clients and developed a lot of relationships in a short period of time. Whether I end up being a Partner one day working in corporate accounting in a distinguished position, or starting my own company I think working at a Big 4 is setting the tone for a successful future. That is my piece.
Posted 7 months ago # -
calisteph6
offlineMemberI recently had phone interviews with a Big 4 to be a possible experienced hire, ultimately they don't have any tax compliance openings right now for my area (small area) and I ended up getting another job, but it wasn't as hard as I thought.
I got a friend to send in my resume. Also, the recruiter looked me up on LinkedIn. I worked for about a year at a top 10 national firm (bottom 5) and I thought the Big 4 wouldn't be interested in me, but I guess they were. Try to get someone to send in your resume and be prepared for some really tough questions in the phone interview. I was a little caught off guard by some of them.
Posted 7 months ago # -
CannotPassAgain
offlineMember@CA_Future_CPA_1222
Everything I wrote was based on what I've acquired from speaking with alumni and other people who work or worked at Big 4. I'm saying a smaller firm can be a good place to start out for a college graduate because you gain a more breadth knowledge of everything (tax, audit, consulting) in your first years than at the first years at a Big 4.
A Senior at KPMG sat down next to me at a fraternity dinner and was telling me that the work can get very repetitive and tedious because due to the vast resources and amount of employees at a Big 4. Instead of learning about a wide variety of things at a smaller firm, you just become really specialized in a small area at a Big 4. Once again, this was based on his experience after a few years at a Big 4. Your mileage may vary.
Plus, if you are still in college and is just as confused as I still am, you may not know what path (audit, consulting, tax) to take. Once again, at a small firm you will have the opportunity to get your feet wet across all those aspects -- then after a few years you can decide what you want to specialize in. This transition makes much more sense to me than trying to decide what path you want to take only based on what you've heard from other people (which was actually the advice given to me by a Big 4 recruiter).
I was only defending the choice to work at a firm that's not a Big 4. It's okay, you will make it in this world. Do I still wish I had been accepted at a Big 4? Hell yes -- but my greatest problem is that I'm don't care for bullshit and I don't see myself as the totally outgoing suck-up that some people can be in order to "fit in" with the Big 4.
FAR - Feb 2012
AUD - May 2012
REG - TBD 2012
BEC - TBD 2012
Becker 2011+2012; NINJA 2011 review notesPosted 7 months ago # -
accountingstudent
offlineMemberI'm currently in the interview process for an audit associate position with KPMG (second rounds are soon!) I was wondering if anyone knows what percentage of people get offers after the second round interviews? I know it's different everywhere, but I'd like to get an idea of my odds.
Thanks!
Posted 7 months ago # -
valueofnothing
offlineMember@student - i was in a similar situation last year... from what i can tell, above 50%, below 100%. i didn't get to know enough people at the superday to know how many people did/didnt get offers, but i knew of some that didn't and a lot that did.
REG - 81
BEC - 88
AUD - 85
FAR - 81Posted 7 months ago # -
calisteph6
offlineMemberYea, don't discount regional firms, or smaller national firms (there are a lot in CA). The vault has a list out for 2011 highest paying public accounting firms and big4 isn't in the top 10. Similar to a company like Disney, they can pay people a little less because they still get a top people working for them for the name alone.
There are some awesome smaller companies in CA, JH Cohen, CBIZ, Rothestein Kass, etc. And if you ever do decide you want to move to the big4 it's an option after a few years at a smaller firm. Another good thing is the smaller firms aren't always in the city...sometimes they're a little outside of the city so it's a better commute.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Peanut
offlineMemberI have someone in Boston that's submitting my resume to one of the Big 4's that they work for. I'm nervous that the Big 4 she works for is done doing their hiring for 2012. Does anyone know if Big 4's finish their hiring for the new year before November of the previous year?
AUD 59, 72 :( 72 AGAIN :( :(
REG 59, 60, 80
FAR 67, 75
BEC 58, 79Posted 5 months ago # -
Tootsie
offlineMember@Amz7
Persistence. I was a non-traditional student and I really thought I didn't have a chance of getting in a big 4 firm because of my GPA and age, but I got 2 offers from 2 big 4 firms. I stayed on recruiters by emailing/calling them and following up, asked my professor to send a recommendation, was referred by alumni and current employees, and went to on-campus recruiting (was a joke), and after all of that, finally got a couple of interviews (through referrals I think). I went above and beyond and was hired. Good luck!
REG - Failed, retake TBD
BEC - 73, 68
AUD - 54, retake 5/26
FAR - 7/21
Will become a CPA in 2012!Posted 5 months ago # -
See Pee A
offlineMember@Peanut: unfortunately, 2012 hiring is largely done. Your best chance is keeping up and maybe if a spot intermittently comes up then you would be able to jump right on it. Assuming it's for the Boston office they may have more opportunities after busy season in the Apr-mid summer frame after a few seniors jump ship. My best advice is if it doesn't work out now, keep that relationship strong and get in there on time next summer and fall. Experienced hire recruiting works a bit differently and if they're even the slightest bit interested in you, then they will be straight with you and let you know when you come back if they don't have any openings right now. Good luck!
BEC 86 (08/30/11)
FAR 84 (10/13/11)
REG 88 (11/08/11)
AUD 86 (11/29/11)
Exam prep - Becker self-studyPosted 5 months ago #
Reply
You must log in to post.