| Author |
|
vtcheeks
Newbie
Joined: 21 Jul 2009
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 22
|
| Posted: 18 Aug 2009 at 12:47 | IP Logged
|
|
|
I saw a question posted, burried deep within a discussion asking if the Big 4 is really worth it and stating you only work 60-70 hour weeks during busy season. To this I would like to respond and ask others to provide their expeirences. Big 4 busy season runs Jan-April 15 (not too different from other firms) however, at least at my office location we gear up for extensions June-Oct 15. So in reality busy season is "busy 9 months." Typical busy season hours are 50-60 the first months but tend to be >60 the last two as you are gearing up for the deadline. It isn't uncommon to work 80-100 hours in the weeks leading up to the deadline. If you are looking for a life, then Big 4 is not your route. 3+ years into tax (obviously) and still working these hours. We are working more than ever in my office but not getting raises due to the economy. We have lost no work. It makes no sense. But it is the Big 4 where work = life, there the equation is blanaced. I would love to hear other peoples posts to see what they think or hear about their experiences.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
nycaccounting
Contributor
Joined: 06 Jul 2009
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 96
|
| Posted: 18 Aug 2009 at 13:28 | IP Logged
|
|
|
audit is different from tax. There are no extensions in audit so when you are done with busy season, there is actually nothing to do.Tax is safer than audit though because it is so busy. Most of the layoffs were in audit. Depends on what you want. It also doesn't get any better in hours as you move up in tax. It get's worse there is just no way around it, even if you move to industry, you still have the busy season and extensions but tax in industry get paid more.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
g0ldplatinum
Newbie
Joined: 20 Feb 2009
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 16
|
| Posted: 19 Aug 2009 at 09:07 | IP Logged
|
|
|
Granted I have no experience in either, but I have read
numerous times that audit was in fact safer than the other
service lines. If anyone could clarify this point?
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
vtcheeks
Newbie
Joined: 21 Jul 2009
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 22
|
| Posted: 19 Aug 2009 at 10:04 | IP Logged
|
|
|
From my standpoint, in my office, tax seemed safer (probably more for obvious reasons of high work load/volume). There were people who were "coached out" over the past 1.5 years due to performance issues - if you can't keep up and get good ratings in your reviews they will do what they call "coach you out." Overall, I do agree that tax is safer.
For those of you who are applying to Big 4 please do keep in mind that you do pay a significant price for the name. In tax, which was my choice because of less travel and I enjoy the work, you will be very busy 9 months out of the year and likely be overworked.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
keith905
Newbie
Joined: 15 Jan 2009
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 29
|
| Posted: 19 Aug 2009 at 12:42 | IP Logged
|
|
|
I agree with most of OP said but as someone who didn't work at the Big 4, I know wish I did.
I was laid off and I believe if I did work at the big 4, it would make it that much easier to get a new job. Most every one has heard of the Big 4 but not everyone has heard of UHY, Grant Thornton, BKD, or BDO.
There are many positions that say Big 4 experience preferred. Even some say Big 4 is required.
Even though it may be rough, it will just make your job search that much more successful when a recession comes along. Now, if there wasn't a recession and I found a job in 2 months I would say otherwise.
But when there is so much competition, you need everything you can get to boost your resume.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Active Topics 
Memberlist 
Search 
Help
Register 
Login
Topic: Big 4 Exposed
Topic Closed)
