Can I still work for a Big 4?

  • Creator
    Topic
  • #196985
    CoolMax42
    Participant

    So I worked for one of the Big 4 this summer and got a job offer for full time a week before my internship ended. The problem is my offer was rescinded four days later because someone reported me to HR and said I had slept on the job the first week of my internship. I did close my eyes for a bit my first week of being employed. I however never fell asleep during training or when engaged with a client, this was when I was unassigned and on my break. I don’t want to lie and say I got an offer so if I do get an interview I will be proactive and bring this up, along with what I learned from my mistake. I’m not a lazy person and this is one of those mistakes you make once. My question is: Do I still have a chance at getting an interview with a Big 4 or am I basically an accounting leper? I feel like they will most likely ask why I didn’t get an offer and not consider me after I tell them why. I am heavily involved on campus and have even gotten scholarships through two of the big four. Will this even help my case?

Viewing 7 replies - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
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  • #1868665
    SuperAccountingGod
    Participant

    No.

    AUD - NINJA in training

    BEC - NINJA IN TRAINING

    FAR - 74

    REG - NINJA IN TRAINING

    #1868731
    Nikki374
    Participant

    @coolmax42, dang sorry about what happened. I don’t think it’s impossible to get a job at another Big 4 but it may be tough. Can you get a recommendation from a manager you worked for while at a client? Also, let them ask you what happened and don’t dwell on it. Focus on your positive qualities and experiences. I messed up at my first Big 4 internship and ended up getting another internship at a different Big 4 firm and got an offer. I hope it works out for you!

    Never give up!

    FAR - 84 (11/13/17)

    AUD - 82 (5/3/17)

    REG - 75 (1/27/18)

    BEC - 75 (4/29/18)

    Surgent CPA Review only

    LICENSED IN OH

    #1868986
    SuperCPA
    Participant

    U got the 1 opportunity that many accountants dream of and…………. you blew it because you were “tired”.

    #1869025

    First off, I think you're going to get some harsh responses to this question so prepare for that. However, what you did was definitely not wise, should have just drank a ton of coffee and five hour energy's. However, If you were competent enough to get an internship, then you will be able to get other interviews, especially now that you have big 4 experience on your resume. Very rarely do big 4 recruiters reach out to each other for character references. If it ever comes up in an interview why you are not working at the firm full time after an internship just mention that you felt that you owed it to yourself to explore what was out there and what firm fits you best, because remember, these interviews should also be you interviewing the firms as well to see if you can stand spending countless hours with during busy season.

    I had an internship at a mid size regional firm and HATED what I did. I kissed butt because I saw how much the partners made and just wanted to drive a Ferrari one day. The whole firm saw right through that and at the end of the internship said they were not extending an offer because they felt that I truly didn't fit the role as a “an accountant”. I now have an offer from a big 4 firm and will be starting in September. Keep your grades up, stay active, and you'll land other interviews. Also remember, the big 4 isn't the end all be all of being a CPA. Universities b schools get donations from these big 4 firms up to wahoo so professors feel compelled to push that big 4 is the mecca of accounting and if you work at PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG then you walk on water. Explore your options and START TO GO TO BED EARLIER.

    AUD - 76
    BEC - 75
    FAR - 77
    REG - 81
    "No need to worry, my accountant handles that" - The Notorious B.I.G.
    #1869028
    alloverit
    Participant

    Given that you closed your eyes on a break and that cost you your future with the company, ask yourself this question: DO I REALLY WANT TO WORK FOR A BIG 4?

    If your answer is somehow “yes” then I can only assume you're very young and just don't know any better.

    Big 4 is for sheep, and I'm so glad I got into the accounting game late as they don't look at older (wiser) students.

    GO PLANT YOUR OWN FLAG! Screw them!

    FAR 81

    AUD 83

    BEC 93

    REG 84

    Ross

    #1869787
    ruggercpa2b
    Participant

    I would not mention that you slept on the job. First of all not everyone that interns gets an offer because they only take on so many people. Second not every person who gets offered a job takes it. I worked at a Big 4 and we had a few interns that were offered jobs and they turned them down because they realized they wanted to work for smaller firms.

    I have been guilty of taking car naps. But I have always left the premises and went and took a quick 30 minute nap in a Wendy’s parking lot. I also never tell people I am taking a car nap. I just say I am going out to lunch.

    AUD - NINJA in Training
    BEC - NINJA in Training
    FAR - NINJA in Training
    REG - NINJA in Training
    AUD - 1/6/18
    FAR - TBD
    REG - TBD
    BEC - TBD

    AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
    BEC - 8/20/2016
    REG - TBD
    FAR - TBD

    I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

    #1870975
    Missy
    Participant

    Since this post is 3 years old not sure the OP will ever see the words of advice LOL.

    Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

    Finance manager/HR manager

     

     

    Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
    Finance/Admin/HR Manager

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