[kjoonx2]

Hello All,

I am currently with a mid-tier firm in audit, and completed 1 year and have my CPA. I would like to switch to big 4 audit because I am currently in the federal sector, but would like to work on commercial audits. I am counting down the days I am able to jump to the big 4, and was wondering if I should wait until after commercial busy season.

I’ve read that if I applied during busy season that many managers/partners will be too busy for interviews and I’m afraid they will forget about me during the process. Also, I am nervous that if I do get a position, I will be placed into the middle of busy season with no experience with commercial audits. Should I wait till near the end of March or should I just jump ship now and begin my long journey with Big4, since I will probably lose the year I gained at the mid-tier firm?

[Anonymous]

Waiting until after busy season wouldn't be a bad idea. The Partners/Managers are fairly busy right now. Chances are they aren't hiring if they're not.

You'll probably be tossed to the wolves regardless of the time of year. There just happen to be less wolves after the audits are all wrapped up.

[OnMyWay732]

When you're ready for your life to be over.

Even though that was serious, I'll give you an actual answer. I would apply at a time that you can start in October/November time.

AUD - July 2014 - 76
REG - August 2014 - 82
FAR - November 2014 - 78
BEC - January 2015 - 81

DONE!!!!

Used Becker online. Who needs a text when you can burn your eyes out staring at the screen for months on end?

"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you're hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!"

[juuustin]

If they have an experienced hire opening, apply directly for it. They wouldn't keep an opening up if they weren't planning to actively accept and process applications. I'm not sure how training goes for experienced hires, but they most likely won't start you until you can at least go through the basic audit training. I think the next one for my firm is August.

MD Candidate: 10/1/14

FAR - 87 (11/23/14)
REG - 87 (1/30/15)
BEC - 89 (4/19/15)
AUD - 98 (5/30/15)

Ethics - 100

Experience - In Progress!

[kjoonx2]

thanks all for your responses! Also, for those of you who has worked or is currently working at a Big 4 know when people usually leave the firm? I know most leave after busy season, but I was wondering if it was during a specific month?

@juuustin also i'm planning to go through a referral process. Do you think going through a referral process will be more helpful than going through an opening on a website?

[fuzyfro89]

The heaviest departure period in audit is probably the middle half of the year (April-October). Some people start looking casually during busy season, while others don't until summer but realize they want to leave before the next year.

I will agree with the above. Don't apply now. You (likely) won't really progress much in the process until at least April, and by then busy season will be over, so they'll be assessing staffing and promotions and all that for the fall. Your best bet is probably summer through November, since the firms will have a better idea of how many experienced candidates they need instead of just casually interviewing people.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't reach out and try to form a relationship with someone (coffee, lunch, drinks after work, etc) to get to know them and try and make a connection, but just don't expect people to be forthcoming with their time until March or April.

[kettlecorn]

Does anyone have any idea when IT audit's busy season ends?

[Author]

Replies