Posted: April 18 2010 at 3:23pm | IP Logged

Hi, I'd love to get some advice/ feedback from individuals who are currently (or have recently been) 1st/2nd/3rd year associates at public accounting firms ranked in the Top 20 (including the big 4).

I'm an undergraduate student going through recruiting right now in Southern California, and I'm having trouble deciding what firm would be best for me.

I interned at a regional firm ranked in the top 20 and got a full-time offer at the end. I also have offers from one other top 20 firm, as well as offers from two of the Big Four. I realize how great a position this is to be in, and I'm very grateful for these circumstances, but I'm also overwhelmed and very confused about making the right choice.

Wherever I end up working, I'll be very dedicated and  not shy away from hard work and long hours, but I don't know how bad the big four really gets in terms of hours expectations and/or if it really is any different at the other firms.

It would be great to get as much feedback as possible about what the day-to-day life is like at a top 20 firm (if you can, please name what firm it is) and any additional advice from individuals who actually work at any of these top 20 firms.

Thank you :)

heavydutysgt 145:

Thanks for the reply.

The general advice I've been getting is not to pass up the opportunity with one of the big four firms. I'm still conflicted though, especially since I had a really great experience at the firm I interned with.

I keep hearing that Big Four hours are long and hard, but have not had anybody quantify what this means. Also, are the big four hours really that much longer than at other large public accounting firms?

Another concern is the scope of the work. I've heard that the first few years at a big four are filled with tedious and repetive work, while at a midtier firm I'll have a lot more variation and exposure to different aspects of an audit.

In terms of my long term career goals, I don't know exactly what I want to do, but I aspire to eventually develop/own/manage my businesses. Since my focus is not necessarily on eventually transitioning into a controller/CFO/etc position, I don't know if Big Four is right for me. On the other hand, I'd like to position myself to the best advantage early in my career.

So if you have any specific positive or negative experiences you could share, or details about what the workload entails, it might help me get a more realistic view about working at the big four is really like.

If you would like to sent me your email address or number I can try to answer some of these questions over the phone. You can send your contact info or email to heavydutyesp135@hotmail.com if you want.

I can address your points.

1. Big 4 hours are long at times. I have friends at smaller firms who were working just as many hours during busy season.

2. In regards to scope of work, as a first year auditor I audited the following sections during busy season across 3 clients: cash, AR, AP, inventory, PPE, prepaids, other current assets, operating expenses, other income, Controls. I may forgotten some. The perception that staff auditors at Big 4 firms only audit cash or do crap work is completely untrue. Also, all of my clients are publicly traded on either nasdaq or nyse. I've had exposure to the SEC reporting process, etc. Go to a smaller firm, and I doubt you get that experience....and also, ALL AUDIT WORK IS TEDIOUS.

3. If you are unsure about where your career is going than Big 4 is the perfect spot for you because you will have resume cred. I plan on doing a mba one day, and I know the Big 4 firm on my resume will give me a better shot at top schools in comparison to never heard of firms.