As a first year I had 15 days vacation and what ends up to be around 15 holidays when all is said and done. I cant speak for all firms but I doubt any of them GIVE you vacation days when you start, its normal to accrue them as you go. The fact that you aren't allowed to use them until the second year seems crazy to me. Add to that that you lose it if you don't stay??? That seems like it should be illegal...

That being said, my firm/managers had no problem with me running at a negative vacation balance for a month or two so I guess I could have taken a week off in my second month but I didn't see the point. Also, I was told that it is EXPENSIVE if you quit with a negative balance and have to pay it back so I would avoid that...

** To specifically answer your question, I have NEVER heard of ANY firm saying you cant take a vacation in the first year. My firm encouraged me to take a vacation in my Third month because we were going to be busy during my fourth.... If I were you I would get 1 year experience and apply to a better firm...

I start at KPMG in October and we have 5 weeks we can use right off the bat. There is no waiting period...we can also carry over 2 weeks into the next year and/or borrow 2 weeks from the future year. That could mean you could have a max of 9 weeks available to you after the first year (2 from first year, 5 from current, 2 from future year)!!!

I would think that if someone was planning a nice vacation or honeymoon, 9 weeks would be amazing :)

check out my blog: http://mycpajourney.blogspot.com/