[Anonymous]

I am currently an Audit Associate at a Middle Market firm (think GT,BDO,RSM) and I would like to switch into big 4 TAS. I have been searching online but cant find much information on the recruiting process in general, who they look for, if I would be able to come in as an experienced associate or start from scratch. If anybody has some information on the process of switching from Audit to TAS please share. Thanks.

[SchruteBeet]

I work at the TAS equivalent of an accounting firm. My firm recently started recruiting college grads but all the prior recruitment was internal, mostly from Audit – def gives you a leg up during interviews. I'd just start by looking at your LinkedIn network to see if anyone working at a Big 4 could put you in touch with someone working in TAS. You can also cold email/send inbox messages to people working in TAS (use the LinkedIn advanced search filter) and set up a time to chat, sort of an informational interview to learn about what they do and ask them to put you in touch with 1-2 other people (mostly associates, seniors or managers). If you feel like you're particularly connecting with one person, ask them to refer you to a partner who can then setup an interview. Some Big 4's actually grant bonus to employees that provide a reference for any openings plus people ARE more than happy to talk about their role.

As far as whether you'll start as an Associate or Exp Associate is concerned, it depends on the firm. Some firms may think having worked in Audit already gives you a leg up so they may allow you to start as Exp Associate, others may not promote you to senior until you have finished 2 years as a TAS Associate.

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