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styleforum
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Joined: 20 Jul 2011
Location: United States
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Posts: 13

Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 09:49 \| IP Logged

Thanks for the replies! I started reading going concern on monday :) would the firm be familiar with that website? Also what is this 3 year promotional model that you are referring to? I thought it was 2 years for PWC. ALSO what do you mean by the industry groups. will I be given one spevific indiustry that I will stick to the whole 3 years? and how do I answer the what industry are you interested in answer?
Also, If I say my weakness is not having audit experience I feel thats everyone weakness coming in at entry level, and they would want something more personal. I though of saying ( well actually I read it, but it does apply to me ) that I take on too much responsibilitioes at times because I set very high standards for myself. and when working in a team Ive had trouble delegating tasks if I felt the others didnt have the same standards, but I have learnt to trust the other team members work and how everyone contributes to the final product in their owne valuable way?
ALSO , do YOU work at PWc?

cassinova73
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Joined: 07 Jul 2008
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Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 10:53 \| IP Logged

db729 wrote:

3-4) These definitely are questions that I can't help you answer.

I absolutely have to reiterate the fact that you should never put down another candidate blatantly by claiming you're better.But having a false sense of self worth is dangerous in the corporate world, especially in organizations as big as the Big 4.

1. So you admit question 3&4 are hard questions and i tried to give some suggestions while saying that they need refining and i am a douche???....I swear ppl like you!!smh

2. I never suggested for the OP to blatantly put down another candidate.. i suggested he make a general statement regarding working long hours which in fact alot of candidates arent prepared for....

3. How is having confidence in your abilities which one might have proven throughout their work history or school a false sense worth....

cassinova73
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Location: United States
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Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 10:59 \| IP Logged

bayareacctng wrote:

Audit is the best experience / training an accountant can get. It gives you insight into how firms work and operate, what makes them great companies, you'll get to work with the largest public companies, interact with management, and work with and become an expert in GAAP.

What are you strengths? You're great at teamwork, you work hard, you like constantly learning and building your skills.

You don't have an accounting background or work experience in audit, but you're a fast learner.

1. Great answer, admittedly better than what i could have came up with

2. Could be better than my suggestion but i dont know it seems too generic and dry...

3. doesnt really expalin a personal weakness

styleforum
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Joined: 20 Jul 2011
Location: United States
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Posts: 13

Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 11:16 \| IP Logged

I see were having fights over these questions.. so heres a better one , how would you handle conflict in the work enviorment or with a client? :)

db729
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Joined: 22 Apr 2010
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Posts: 256

Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 11:51 \| IP Logged

styleforum wrote:

There are definitely people at the Big 4 firms that read goingconcern. From what I've seen, more at the associate and senior associate level. Managers and above generally have more important things to deal with. In PwC, typical route to being promoted to a senior is after 3 busy seasons, as opposed to 2 years at the other Big 4. There are people that get promoted after 2 years at PwC, but you have to be at the top of your starting class.

Every single Big 4's assurance group is divided into different industry groups, i.e. they "specialize" in a certain type of client. For example entertainment clients, financial services clients, manufacturing and distribution, food and beverage, etc. That information is on every single one of the Big 4's websites. When you first start out in the firm, they will try to accommodate what industry group you have a preference for, but at the end of the day it's more about where the firm needs people. But by telling the interviewer that there are certain groups you're interested in, it shows that you've at least gone out and done the homework, even if you might not actually have a say. If you do get an offer and you're placed into an industry group that wasn't your first choice, you can switch industries if there's a need for associates. Granted there are some groups that are more popular than others, so you might not always get what you want.

You can say that you set high standards for yourself and that can lead to taking on too much responsibility at times. But you've learned to manage your time better, prioritize which tasks are more important, and work collaboratively with other team members whenever possible. I'd avoid inferring you have issues trusting other team members.

I won't disclose which Big 4, but I do work at one. :)

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