Big 4/National firm experienced hire question

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  • June 11, 2013 at 4:22 am #178101
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    This is probably a stupid question, but for someone who has a few years of experience at a smaller firm, how much would a CPA license help in getting into a Big 4 or national firm? Relatively easy? Or would it be as competitive as coming right out of college? Thanks

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  • June 11, 2013 at 4:53 am #423275
    mangos
    Member

    I'm assuming you'd be joining the Big 4 as a senior? If so, having the exam out of the way is probably a very good idea; I think all of the big 4 require the CPA before being promoted to the next level (manager), and PwC requires it to be a senior, I think.

    FAR (5/07/13): 96

    June 12, 2013 at 2:14 am #423276
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Thanks mango. Ancually I would even be willing to go back to staff if I had to, so long as it is with a bigger firm.

    Anyone else have any thoughts or experience on this?

    June 12, 2013 at 2:21 am #423277
    LinkA8A0A
    Member

    You definitely need a CPA license to be a senior at Deloitte, too. I was hired as a new hire even though I am a little older and had some experience (1.5 years of working in a small firm doing compilations, reviews, taxes, etc.).

    If you're OK being hired as a staff person then you may not need your CPA right away, but you should definitely have a plan to get it.

    June 12, 2013 at 3:08 am #423278
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    For those of you working at a Big 4, how common is it for hires to come over from National size firms either as associates or seniors?

    June 12, 2013 at 3:37 am #423279
    LinkA8A0A
    Member

    I don't know how accurate this is, but I would guess maybe 10% or less of the total number of seniors in my office are experienced hires. I think it really depends on your situation (CPA or not) and the level of experience you are bringing to the firm. If you can comfortably fit right in and basically lead an audit then you'll be OK, if not, then they will probably bring you in as a staff or 1st year.

    June 12, 2013 at 3:45 am #423280
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Thanks for the response, Link. So it seems much more likely that you would start as a staff. Is this common though? Do you know of many that have made the move from national to Big 4?

    June 12, 2013 at 4:08 am #423281
    LinkA8A0A
    Member

    I think it's fairly common, I know the senior on my last engagement was hired from another non-big 4 firm, same with a couple others I know of in the office.

    June 21, 2013 at 4:13 pm #423282
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Depends on the firm. I think EY requires it for manager, but I've heard PWC requires it for Senior.

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