[Anonymous]

Hi all, I’ve passed all four parts of the CPA exam and would like to land a job in one of the big 4s. I had 3 years of general accounting experience, none in public accounting. I’ve looked at senior position listings in big 4s and all of them are in very specific area which I don’t think I’m qualified for. So I think my best shot would be entry level positions. But from what I heard, big 4s mainly hire their entry levels through campus. I’m currently not in school and I guess campus hiring for this year was just done?

Someone give share their experience and give me some advice. Thanks.

[kandisjoy]

My advice is to stay out of public accounting because it's awful… Sorry, that's probably not the most helpful reply if you're really set on public accounting. But it had to be said.

FAR: 71, 77
BEC: 70, 82
AUD: 62, 78
REG: 71, 68, 85

CA Licensed 11/2011

[Anonymous]

I really don't understand what the fascination is with working for the big4. There are ALOT of national firms like McGladrey and Pullen, BDO, Moss Adams and Grant Thorton that are just as good, but personally I think smaller regional or local firms are the way to go!

I would try for an entry level position. Three years general accouting experiance is not enough for a senior audit position. Public accounting is NOTHING like private industry.

Honestly, you will make more money, and be alot happier staying in the private industry. Especially since you have your CPA. Why work as as staff auditor when you can take more advantage of your CPA by taking a senior accounting position at a private company?

[HighMileageDude]

[mk4]

Danielle-

I personally have worked at EY, KPMG & D&T all of which were great firms. Although there are many great midsize and regional firms the Big 4 offer things those firms just can not.

The barriers to entry may be greater for you but I would go for it.

FAR 67, 68, 77 Pass(Expired 8/18/13)
AUD 69,62,66,73,67,74
BEC 62, 71
REG 57

[WhyMe23]

mk4-

Curious why you bounced around to those 3 instead of staying at one firm the entire time? Is it common to move from one public accounting firm to another in general (regardless of firm size)? Or more common among firms of similar size?

B - 85 (5/31/11)
A - 93 (7/1/11)
R - 87 (7/29/11)
F - 77 (8/31/11)

[peter olinto fan]

mk4, what do yo mean by “the Big 4 offer things those firms just can not.” specifically, what are you referring to they can offer?

FAR - 81
BEC - 73, 73, 79
REG - 72, 75
AUD - 72, 68, 82

DONE!!!!

[MOMCPA2B]

Ummm who is Peter Olinto?

I cant wait for this to be over.
AUD-7/25/11-77
BEC-11/27/11-Failed(UGH)Back to the drawing board
REG-2/27/12
FAR- Aug 2012

[Minimorty]

Only the most awesome CPA Review instructor around. Pete is the best!!

[Peanut]

Brought up this old thread to ask…. Is it true Big 4's only hire during certain months of the year?

AUD 81 (X4) Previous scores 59, 72, 72
REG 80 (X3) Previous scores 59, 60
FAR 75 (X2) Previous score 67
BEC 79 (X2) Previous score 58

[Anonymous]

On the most part yes. Usually its a few months before busy season (Aug-Oct) for training or interim or at the start of January.

Although, I've seen interns come in during the summer which I think is ridiculous since there is barely enough work to do in my sector as it is. I get so annoyed when I pass an intern and see that they have facebook open and 3 in the afternoon.

[Peanut]

Thanks for the reply. That's what I was thinking.. When I was living in NYC I had a connect at PWC that tried to get me in. When the recruiter called she told me they usually hire in September, I was thinking/hoping that was something unique to the NYC branch. I ask because my old boss is going to try to submit my resume to the PWC Austin TX branch but I have a feeling I will get the same response 🙁

**Side note, I'm always annoyed when I worked with people who surf the internet or facebook all day while everyone else is busting their @ss.

AUD 81 (X4) Previous scores 59, 72, 72
REG 80 (X3) Previous scores 59, 60
FAR 75 (X2) Previous score 67
BEC 79 (X2) Previous score 58

[Anonymous]

I work in NYC and I know that the current resumes coming in for interviews from now until December are for positions for Fall 2012 and interns coming in for June/July 2012 summer BS season lol.

But, I'm not sure when the January 2012 new hires get interviewed. Maybe its during this time too? I remember last year right before busy season they were asking staff if they had experienced or senior level talent that would like to join, so it may be a possibility.

[Laura]

Good luck getting a position in Austin Peanut….it's not going to be easy! Are you looking for an audit position or tax?

REG-80, 77, 77
BEC-67, 68, 71, 67, 71, 74, 71, 74, 72, 77
FAR- 72, 65,67, 53, 75 (truth be known the 53 was with 4 hours of studying)
AUD-58, 62, 72, 74, 74, 75
took 5 years but I'm DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Peanut]

I think I would only move to Austin if I could get into a big 4, or some other “awesome” opportunity comes up. I'm more interested in an audit position… after my past few REG experiences LOL

AUD 81 (X4) Previous scores 59, 72, 72
REG 80 (X3) Previous scores 59, 60
FAR 75 (X2) Previous score 67
BEC 79 (X2) Previous score 58

[Laura]

Yeah I was referencing the Big 4 regarding the “good luck”. It's very hard because of being such a small market. Now if you want Houston….my husband works for EY and I am sure he would pass your name along. He is in audit as well.

REG-80, 77, 77
BEC-67, 68, 71, 67, 71, 74, 71, 74, 72, 77
FAR- 72, 65,67, 53, 75 (truth be known the 53 was with 4 hours of studying)
AUD-58, 62, 72, 74, 74, 75
took 5 years but I'm DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Author]

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