[wannabetxacctnt]

Hey guys,

I will be graduating next May with my masters is Tax and Accounting and I have just received offers from Deloitte, PwC and KPMG in their tax practice. I am super confused because I really liked both Deloitte and KPMG. If anyone has worked for any of these firms in Atlanta and has some inside info on what it’s like-ppl, clients, culture etc, could you please let me know? I have to let the firms know by Dec 1st…so any input would be greatly appreciated. While I am excited about having options, I want to make sure I make the best decision and don’t have any regrets…thanks!!

[thorsbew]

Your best option is the spend more time with the people at the firms. With the long hours, the personalities of the coworkers will make you enjoy the job much more. Congratulations on your offers and good luck!

Aud - 65 + 79, BEC - 82, REG - 89, FAR - 86

[tax_vixen]

I agree with the above. The people are one of the highest factors for me. If I'm going to be spending long hours with folks, I better like them to some extent. I did not choose any of the above firms but that doesn't mean they don't have great people, it's a personal decision who you mesh better with.

AUD - 92 :: REG - 99 :: FAR - 92 :: BEC - 82

[Anonymous]

Do some research on the KPMG tax practice. If memory serves, they were involved in some illegal shenanigans a few years ago and are forbidden from practicing in certain areas.

[StudyInRI]

Based on your interviews, which place did you seem to like the best (based on your experience with the interviewers, and the whole process)?

Don't judge solely based on what they offer, because they should all be comparable. Even if it is a $5,000 difference and you think that's a lot of money — that's approximately $100 a week. You'll be eligible for bonuses, and have to deal with the people there. While $100 a week sounds like a lot, it really isn't, and especially not when you don't like the place you work. Once you get promotions and raises to the tune of $20,000 — then you're talking good money that you'll appreciate and that makes a difference.

The other thing to consider is whether you know any clients in the area served by these firms that you feel would be nice to work on… or if you think you're going to jump ship, would like to work for to possibly get an edge in. If PwC (for example) works on Client XYZ, and that is an area you're interested in — you may be able to end up working with that client, and who knows what will happen in time.

Best of luck with whatever you choose. But for Big Four, I think the “big” difference is going to be the people and experiences.

[Also, I hear Deloitte has the most, of all the Big Four, overtime for employees…]

REG - 97
BEC - 82
FAR - 86
AUD - 96 ... DONE!

[thorsbew]

Not to defend KPMG, but as far as I've seen, each of the big accounting firms have had a “scandal” with one of their locations. You should be more concerned if it is your particular location that was the cause of the scandal.

Just remember: We're training to be CPAs! Keep your ethics!

Aud - 65 + 79, BEC - 82, REG - 89, FAR - 86

[potatogun]

All of the Big4 has been in some crap. I say that as a big4 auditor.

That being said KPMG tends to get the most flack from other big4ers.

You're tax so i don't think the client market is as critical, so go off of the people you met. Obviously not everyone in the office is the same, but hopefully you got a feel for how some people are.

That's really your best bet. But either way it is all the same…

FAR 92 - AUD 91 - REG 94 - BEC 86

[Evan]

ChiGirl10 – everyone has had their problems, not just KPMG.

wannabetxacctnt – As someone who worked for four years in Big 4 tax I think that the biggest mistake that you could make is by chasing $$$ or specific clients. Pick the firm that you feel most comfortable with. By that I mean, make sure that you pick the one with the people that you fit in the best with and feel the most comfortable with. Remember that you will be spending a ton of time with these people so you had better like them and get along with them. Try and find any alumni or friends who have previously worked in any of these offices. I roomed with someone from the KPMG Atlanta office at my last KPMG training, but that was three years ago. He seemed like a pretty nice guy, but I can't even remember his name. So I am not much help there. If you go with KPMG, make sure that you eat at the Italian place that is located in a strip mall near the hotel while in Montvale. That was definitely the best Italian meal that I have ever had. Ask the people at the front desk of the hotel and they can have the shuttle take you there.

Most recent scores
BEC-80, FAR-79
REG-73 - 2/19/2011
AUD-74 - April 2011

[Author]

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