Big 4 interview

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    Topic
  • #192852
    OlintoJr
    Participant

    Hi all-

    I am looking for a bit of insight into the interview process for the big 4 as I have one coming up soon.I have been in the workforce for over year now but am looking to step my career up a notch and gain some public experience at a big 4.

    I am a smart guy and have a solid accounting foundation (had a great GPA/have passed a couple sections of cpa exam) and am also a very hard worker. I know I would be a great fit, but I tend to get a bit nervous during interviews.

    Are there any big 4 recruiters out there or has anyone gone through the interview process recently that can shed some light as to what I can expect? Anything I should be sure to bring up in interviews or any advice on how to articulate to the recruiters that I know I would be a good fit?

    Your insights and advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks!

    FAR - 11/30/14 -79
    AUD - 2/19/15 -86
    BEC - 4/09/15 -86
    REG - 11/30/15 -87

    I'M DONE! ITS OVER! WOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

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  • #684276
    jonnyp
    Member

    Hey there, I went through the process of interviewing with Big 4 and thankfully received an offer for after I graduate. I can share with you some insight that I gained through it all. But remember, I'm just some stranger on the internet and my experience WILL vary from yours! Btw, i interviewed for Tax not Audit. (Not sure what you're going for)

    Some points:

    -Be prepared! Do not show up thinking you can “wing it”. I stayed up for hours researching not only about the firm, but general interview tips like the right questions to ask.

    -Some examples of questions to ask: 1) What industries does your service line specialize in? 2) What's an average day for you like? 3) What do you like most about your job specifically at this particular firm? 4) If “the customer is always right”, how do you convey to a client when you have significant differences in opinion as to how to proceed in a certain situation.

    I like #4 because Big 4 focus heavily on client service excellence and differences inevitably arise between the Company and client.

    -Be reasonably confident. At the end of the day, it all depends on who interviews you, which is beyond your control. Be as composed and articulate as possible. (I had one interviewer who liked my confidence, and another who thought I came across as a bit arrogant- like I said it's the luck of the draw)

    -Don't hesitate to come in with pre-written notes in your folder. Write down little things you found out about that firm and WHY you want to work for THEM in particular.

    -Take notes during the interview of the answers you receive.

    -Do not get too personal. You can be pleasant and amicable, but remain professional. I made this mistake and it almost cost me the offer.

    -Memorize your “tell me about yourself” answer

    -Come prepared with 5-7 situations you've been in to demonstrate your abilities (google “behavioral interview” questions)

    -Lastly, don't be afraid to “take control” at certain points, and to a limited degree. What I mean is, if you find an opportunity to open up about why you're perfect for the job, use it especially to insert examples from a past job situation. But don't trample the interviewer either. Make your points in the most articulate succinct manner.

    Deep breaths, my friend. You can do it.

    Becker Self Study
    FAR 5/21/15-- 83
    AUD 8/20/15-- 72, 10/8/15-- 68, 2/29/16-- 83
    BEC 11/30/15-- 77
    REG 1/20/16--81

    #684277
    OlintoJr
    Participant

    Thanks for the detailed advice, johhnyp. Very helpful!

    FAR - 11/30/14 -79
    AUD - 2/19/15 -86
    BEC - 4/09/15 -86
    REG - 11/30/15 -87

    I'M DONE! ITS OVER! WOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

    #684278
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Your uncomfortableness is what is going to get you the job. An entry level interview is a show. if you think you sound corny your doing a good job.

    Required prepared response:

    1) Know EXACTLY what you want. This is where you assure them you aren't going quit after you get your license.

    2) Why this big 4? This is where company research comes in. Know specifics and how you demonstrate their core values.

    3) Why you? “on the website I noticed your mission is XYZ. I have experience in xyz and am the perfect candidate to perform XYZ.

    #684279
    kleon52
    Member

    Not OP but thank you for the information provided

    Any more tips will be much appreciated!

    REG: 80
    AUD: 82
    BEC: 83
    FAR: 83
    Finished Feb 2015, 5-6months

    Ninja MCQ for AUD, BEC, & FAR

    #684280
    Samwise
    Participant

    I've been skimming related posts to this one, so I thought I'd post my story –

    I could use some advice on interviewing with big 4 from those who've gone through the process. I've managed to land an interview with Deloitte next week for an Audit Senior Assistant position, and to be quite honest I'm really nervous about it. I'm not exactly a Type A personality and I tend not to exhibit much confidence. My plan over the next few days is to do my research, review a list of interview topics I've received from a senior audit manager that I've been in contact with, and practice practice practice.

    Quick background on myself: I've already passed the exams (just got licensed a few weeks ago actually), have an MBA and a stable work history that I plan to use as leverage during the interview. I'm 28 and have no experience in public, which worries me. However I've been working in accounting roles at a law firm for 5 years and have been with the same company for over 10 years now, so I'm hoping this will catch the interviewers' eyes and demonstrate that I'm dedicated to my employer.

    On the networking front: I've been in contact with two recruiters, I've met with a senior audit manager, and I'm planning on having lunch with another senior manager this week. Several of my contacts in my network have put in good words for me too.

    One specific question I have for you all is whether having already obtained my license will be a key factor in the interview process. Other than that, any general advice/words of encouragement from my fellow Ninjas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for reading this long post.

    FAR: 84 (11/14/14)
    AUD: 90 (01/15/15)
    BEC: 82 (02/24/15)
    REG: 81 (05/09/15)

    MBA: 12/21/10
    CPA: 07/16/15 (KY)
    CMA: TBD?

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