[NoWorriesMyAccountantHandlesThat]

I am starting full time at a big 4 firm with their tax group in a couple of weeks and have a few questions that I hope you can all assist me with.
1. What is a reasonable time frame that one could expect to hit $80k + salary in a mid sized mid west market that is heavy in the automobile industry (the motor city as its known as).
2. Obviously I understand I have to put out a good product to get promoted but, is it possible to make manager by 30? I am currently 23 turning 24 in a month. I only ask this one because I am getting ready to get engaged in the next year or two and would like to have an idea of where I will be by the time I get ready to make CPB’s (certified public babies).
3. Do I have some say in what specific tax group I get to work in? The partner that interviewed me and ultimately called to give me my offer is the partner for the SALT team (state and local tax). I want to either do that or international tax but still have not been asked by HR for any preferences.
4. I know this is probably a very dumb question but I would rather be safe than sorry, should I dress in a full suit my first day or is business casual sufficient? I dont want to be that “try hard” that some people resent but also dont want to be under dressed and appear to be sluggish.

[Pork Flavored Bacon]

From my experience, the typical progression should be:
Associate 1
Associate 2
Associate 3 (PwC has three year associates unless you shine and can be skip this level and go to Senior)
Senior Associate 1
Senior Associate 2
Senior Associate 3 (I have seen people skip this one but, again, you have to be a true superstar both socially and work-wise)
Manager
The biggest obstacle you will face is at the Big 4, you have to know how to navigate the politics as much as you can produce good work product. That means you you have to make sure you're a cool guy and can also handle work.
When I was a manager, there were times I had to make a choice as to who to recommend for promotion and I chose to push the sociable person who might not be as smart over a super-smart person who had poor social skills (all other factors being mostly equal).
As for wearing a suit, that's up to you. Just dress neatly and you should be fine. Accountants are notorious for being the sloppiest dressed professionals: oversized shirts, oversized pants, etc. Wear a suit if you feel like you want to be safe and see how it goes from there. Not a big deal. Again, just make sure your clothes are fitted.

FAR - 75 | REG - 87 | AUD - 82 | LAW - 81

[Author]

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