Thoughts on Big 4

  • Creator
    Topic
  • #197428

    Ninjas,

    I’ve been seeing quite a few posts lately about the Big 4, and people feeling down & out about not getting called back/interviewed/accepted. I’d just like to share my story, and shed some light on how and why the Big 4 isn’t the end all, be all.

    I graduated from a well-respected Master’s program in 2009. When some of you were probably finishing high school, you’ll recall it was one of the worst economic/job environments this country has seen since arguably the Depression. I can vividly recall the pompous representatives from the Big 4 (and the mid-tier firms, for that matter) at our career-fair taking resumes with absolutely no intention of hiring a single one of us. Simply put, if you hadn”t been an intern with the firm; you weren’t getting hired, and even my classmates who were interns the previous summer were being deferred employment for one year.

    That said, I got a job in corporate accounting making next to nothing (with a Master’s) and did my best to learn how accounting worked in the real world. Spent a few years there, then moved into the private equity space. I am now a Controller for a private equity firm in the 3rd largest city in the country, and as you can see I still have 2 tests to pass and no Big 4 experience. In fact, I interviewed at a Big 4 firm where my brother was employed at the time and didn’t get hired. Now, I find myself explaining simple accounting concepts to the Big 4 staffers and seniors who perform our audit, and can go toe-to-toe with Managers/Sr. Managers/Directors. I guess this is a long way of saying, while the Big 4 is certainly great experience, and get it if you can; it isn’t a deal-breaker. I have several friends who are managers/sr. managers at Big 4 firms who despise it….so, keep that in mind when you’re worrying about your career prospects. I know the Big 4 is highly touted in academia, but don’t let that discourage you. There are other paths, just try to learn the most you can (whichever job you end up landing) and you’ll find your way.

    tl;dr,

    WarningBarrel20

    FAR: 78 (1/31/15)
    BEC: 81 (8/30/15)
    REG: 77* (10/10/15)
    AUD: 76 (11/28/15)

    ETHICS - 97

    *Failed 2x - 72, 68

    IL Candidate

  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.