[Hammer]

I have a phone screening with PwC tomorrow for an experienced audit associate, and as I understand it this is the first step before getting an actual interview.

I’ve only been in public accounting for 1 year. My current firm is local (40ish employees serving small – medium size businesses providing the full range of services). I applied to PwC on a whim, basically just to see if they would nibble.

Is 1 year too soon to even consider a move to Big4? I’m good at my job, enjoy public accounting, and I get along great with the partners and managers. I fully expect a promotion upon finishing the exam. But, PwC can obviously offer me a lot more. Money, Audits of issuers, exponential growth, and fantastic career opportunities when the time comes to say goodbye to public accounting all-together.

If moving to Big 4 right now isn’t too soon, how do I convince PwC of that?

FAR - 70, 81
AUD - 83
BEC - 77
REG - 70, 78

Licensed in Ohio.

Now what the hell do I do?

[Anonymous]

As far as I can gather, the one year mark is a good time to jump into Big4. They have a bit of attrition due to first years quitting, or not being up to expectations.

You probably won't have to convince them; however, if you do, I think you already hit the nail on the head:

“I'm good at my job, enjoy public accounting, and I get along great with the partners and managers. I fully expect a promotion upon finishing the exam. But, PwC can obviously offer me a lot more. Money, Audits of issuers, exponential growth, and fantastic career opportunities when the time comes to say goodbye to public accounting all-together.”

Just leave out the last part about saying goodbye to public.

[Anonymous]

I started at a regional firm in the Seattle area in January and started working at PwC in September, so your 1 year is definitely not too soon as I was only at my first firm for 8 months.

[Author]

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