[nigercpa]

So I know a lot of people don’t plan to stay in public accounting for the long term. I am just curious to know what the most appropriate answer to the question ‘ what are your long term goals” will be if asked by a recruiter in public accounting; big 4 or mid term firms. Also, how do I answer such questions to improve my chances of moving to the next stage of the interview. Thank you!

AUD - 87
BEC - 77
FAR - 83
REG - 77

Licensed in 2015

Far - Passed 83
Aud - Passed 84
Bec - Passed 77
Reg- Passed 77

[MaLoTu]

I always tell them that I want to take my career as far as possible in public accounting. I tell them that I would love to make partner, but I understand that not everyone is cut out for it. I would like to think I am, but I am only an outsider looking in.

However, I really do want to make partner. Above all you need to let them know that you don't want to leave in 2-3 years. They probably know more people than not are going to leave, but they seem to appreciate those who want to grow with the firm and they may have preference for the ones who plan to stay long-term because it is a better ROI.

Almost always from my phone... please excuse my typos!

All 4 passed - 2016

CA CPA

[Jim Deal]

I think you are fine to answer truthfully. I did and was hired by Big 4. Something along the lines of:

“Statistically speaking, much to the chagrin of my loved ones, I'll go out in a glorious ball of flames as I'm railed and ran off the track by year three because I'll be competing against the very best in the industry but would like to believe that I've got a shot at the checkered flag.”

OK, sorry, seriously:

“I realize that the turnover with the firm is very high and that opportunities for advancement become increasingly restricted with tenure. This highly competitive structure insures that only the very best and brightest are selected to lead the firm. The opportunity to learn from these individuals is in part what makes working for the firm such a valuable experience. My near and long-term goal is to prove myself an asset to the firm and deliver as much value as possible along the way with the hopes that I'll be granted the opportunity to advance.”

Of course you could just say that you want the entire world under your thumb by 2025 but that you're willing to settle for Partner—-you know, if you HAD to. 🙂

[nigercpa]

Thanks guys for the input.

AUD - 87
BEC - 77
FAR - 83
REG - 77

Licensed in 2015

Far - Passed 83
Aud - Passed 84
Bec - Passed 77
Reg- Passed 77

[Author]

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