[thechapman]

Hey everyone. Through reading quite a few posts on this site, it seems as if everyone seems to mention that “it depends on the city” when someone asks about a firm’s reputation or culture. While I absolutely agree with this, it seems as if there isn’t too much information for any cities out there. Recently I was told that a certain big 4 firm in the city I’m moving to is considered the “cool firm” as well as the most respected in that city. While I know the “cool” factor does not/should not matter, the most respected firm or the firm with the best clients in a city could be good information to have. Anyone have any personal opinions on a particular city? I mentioned the biggest 5 cities (NYC, LA, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia) just as a starting point. Thanks for any info.

Passed - 2014

[onmywhey]

I would say NYC, Chicago, SF/San Jose, Boston, LA.

New York City – Hands down best place to start, most companies, financial capitol of the US. Downside is work-life balance is worst.

Chicago- Second largest city in US, has many companies located there.

SF/SJ – The tech industry is booming out there

Boston – Similar to NYC in some respects, asset management and insurance big

LA – LA is big but don't know too much about it.

[onmywhey]

I would say NYC, Chicago, SF/San Jose, Boston, LA.

New York City – Hands down best place to start, most companies, financial capitol of the US. Downside is work-life balance is worst.

Chicago- Second largest city in US, has many companies located there.

SF/SJ – The tech industry is booming out there

Boston – Similar to NYC in some respects, asset management and insurance big

LA – LA is big but don't know too much about it.

[Mayo]

From a Big 4 audit perspective from what I hear from friends:

LA – tons of work (friend of mine said “Since January I've had no less than 60 hour work weeks”. This was in June), high stress, but good place to start if you're into getting clients in the entertainment industry. Also, big marquee city that will allow you to work anywhere in the country if the need arises.

NYC – Tons of work, high stress, insane cost of living with low relative pay, but awesome place to work if you're interested in financial services. Marquee place as well. Allow to work anywhere if you choose to leave.

Chicago – Great for financial services, but better pay/cost of living mix than NY. Not as good marquee name as NY, but very close. Also, tons of work and high profile (aka stressful but challenging) client base.

Houston – Tons of work/stress (see a pattern here?), great for Oil & Gas. Big city with recognition, but may be considered by some to be less sophisticated than NY, LA, etc. But basically gives you great access to all of the Southern, Midwestern, or Western US. NE less so, depending on a variety of factors.

Philly – No clue.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

From a Big 4 audit perspective from what I hear from friends:

LA – tons of work (friend of mine said “Since January I've had no less than 60 hour work weeks”. This was in June), high stress, but good place to start if you're into getting clients in the entertainment industry. Also, big marquee city that will allow you to work anywhere in the country if the need arises.

NYC – Tons of work, high stress, insane cost of living with low relative pay, but awesome place to work if you're interested in financial services. Marquee place as well. Allow to work anywhere if you choose to leave.

Chicago – Great for financial services, but better pay/cost of living mix than NY. Not as good marquee name as NY, but very close. Also, tons of work and high profile (aka stressful but challenging) client base.

Houston – Tons of work/stress (see a pattern here?), great for Oil & Gas. Big city with recognition, but may be considered by some to be less sophisticated than NY, LA, etc. But basically gives you great access to all of the Southern, Midwestern, or Western US. NE less so, depending on a variety of factors.

Philly – No clue.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Author]

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