[jensterzac3]

Hello!

I will be starting a full-time audit position with CohnReznick in January; right after my December graduation. I received an e-mail stating that the first week will be training, with the first day spent as an introduction to the firm and its philosophies. I am very nervous because I do not know what to expect. Can anyone tell me what their first day and week in public accounting (Big 4/non-Big 4) was like?

[Anonymous]

Have you ever had a root canal?

[Determined CPA]

chiguy4 – hahahhahahaaaaaaaa I literally laughed out loud haha

A - 75
B - 78 God is good.
F - 77 Answered prayers.
R - 84! Done!!

Paperwork sent - waiting for license!!
Still on a cloud and in shock. Through God, all things will happen.

[jensterzac3]

@chiguy4. No, I have never had a root canal but I get the analogy; it does make me laugh.

[Freyer002]

Hi Jensterzac,

I actually work for CRZ and congrats on getting a job here! Are you on the east coast or west coast? Honestly it isn't awful like everyone above says, but looking back on it you remember more bad than good. Your first few weeks you'll feel thrown into things because it is basically busy season, but you will get the hang of it and you will find most people at our firm are more than happy to help. Remember to keep an open mind through busy season and get ready for a better busy season then any of your friends at a Big 4, trust me we don't work like slaves here, but of course work extra hours.

FAR 66 (07/01/13), 75! (10/01/13)
AUD 64 (08/12/13), 80! (11/23/13)
BEC 84! (05/22/14)
REG 77! (08/28/14)
DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Failure is only the opportunity to more intelligently begin again"

[jensterzac3]

@Freyer002

Thanks for answering my question….I will be working work on the east coast. What is the latest you have stayed during busy season? Also, what sorts of tasks will I be given since I am new?

[Freyer002]

@Jensterzac: nice I work on the east coast myself! Honestly, I stayed until 9:30 as an entry level and that was my choice no one was pressuring me to stay late I just wanted to finish a project lol Not many people can say that for their first busy season at a firm but the other staff left between 8-9 everyday during busy season like me. I cant really tell you exactly what kind of things you will be doing since it really depends on your industry and clients. Are you in audit? If so you will see the big picture for your clients and do things like cash, PPE, and other easier to learn items. Hope that helps a little. My main advice is not to worry though, no one is expecting you to be an amazing auditor/tax accountant right off the bat and we're not cut throat here, ask whatever questions you want.

FAR 66 (07/01/13), 75! (10/01/13)
AUD 64 (08/12/13), 80! (11/23/13)
BEC 84! (05/22/14)
REG 77! (08/28/14)
DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Failure is only the opportunity to more intelligently begin again"

[jensterzac3]

@Freyer002

Awesome! Glad the expectations are set to minimum! Do you happen to work in the NJ/NYC office? WOW! 9:30PM is NOT late at all compared to the stories of my friends at Big 4. I am going into audit, but I do not know my industry.

[Freyer002]

@Jensterzac

hahaha yeah when I told my friend who works at Big 4 the latest I stayed his jaw hit the floor he was so pissed and the best part…. we make the EXACT same amount of money, but for me less hours. Nope not NJ or NYC, but I know most of the east coast has the same mentality and work hours. Best of luck!

FAR 66 (07/01/13), 75! (10/01/13)
AUD 64 (08/12/13), 80! (11/23/13)
BEC 84! (05/22/14)
REG 77! (08/28/14)
DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Failure is only the opportunity to more intelligently begin again"

[jensterzac3]

@Freyer002

That is the funniest part about Big 4 vs. Non Big 4 at the entry level……everyone is getting paid the same amount, only difference is the hours! Thanks for all your insight!

[Author]

Replies