[major1330]

So, I know this question has probably already been posed here before, but from those who have worked at Big 4 or GT, what are the big differences between the two? One of the recruiters are GT told me they are much more employee friendly and receive the same mix of clients as a Big 4. I’ve always thought I wanted to do Big 4, but GT has definitely caught my attention. What are your opinions?

BEC: 5/30/12 - 92
FAR: 7/2/12 - 93
AUD: 7/23/12 - 94
REG: 8/13/12 - 88

[nimmle02]

GT ROCKS! lol. Well I dunno all of the major differences since I'm a GT girl, but a good point is that working at GT vs. a B4 firm you have a little bit more mobility when it comes to the kinds of clients you get. For example, you won't get onto a client and then be stuck there for the rest of your career. You will get a chance to try many industries before you decide to specialize. You'll still be able to move around in B4, but I hear it is not as easy.

GT also doesn't really focus on giant fortune 500 companies like the B4 do. As a result, engagements will tend to be shorter which helps you get a variety of companies under your belt. Don't get me wrong, GT still has plenty of large clients as well, but they don't tend to compete as often in this market. However, keep in mind that they are still growing rapidly.

If you do know what type of industry you would like to be in from the get go, B4 will be awesome. If you're not sure quite yet I would def recommend GT.

REG - 5/21/2012 - 85
FAR - 7/24/2012 - 86
BEC - 8/27/2012 - 85
AUD - 10/5/2012 - 72....rematch 1/3/13 (waiting)

[major1330]

How long have you been working there? What are the hours and people like?

BEC: 5/30/12 - 92
FAR: 7/2/12 - 93
AUD: 7/23/12 - 94
REG: 8/13/12 - 88

[nimmle02]

I've been here about a year. Hours and people will all depend on the client you are working on. Busy season is busy season no matter where you go. The people have all tended to be really nice and get along well (at least in audit). This will all generally be the same for most firms. It's the luck of the draw, anywhere you go you will find teams that are full of awesome people, and teams that are less than awesome.

I have found from my personal experience that people at GT tend to be really good people. I cannot attest to other firms, but I'm sure they are great people too. It all comes down to the different cultures. GT has a great culture and really tries to look out for their employees professionally and personally, but I would also ask around about the cultures at the B4 firms as well to figure out what is right for you.

REG - 5/21/2012 - 85
FAR - 7/24/2012 - 86
BEC - 8/27/2012 - 85
AUD - 10/5/2012 - 72....rematch 1/3/13 (waiting)

[major1330]

I know it will be busy regardless, but I've just been hearing that GT is less hectic/shorter than Big 4 because the clients aren't as large. That's what the recruiters say anyways. They say they usually don't work more than ~55 hrs a week, which if true would be fantastic.

I'm just curious because culture is very important to me. Thanks for all your help so far!

BEC: 5/30/12 - 92
FAR: 7/2/12 - 93
AUD: 7/23/12 - 94
REG: 8/13/12 - 88

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