“Based on the replies I received from a previous post, it seems that a regional firm is more “tough” than a Big 4.”
hmm, this is not widely accepted at all – I don't know what you've been hearing.
“You get more responsibility and lead projects at a Regional vs. “ticking and flicking” at a Big 4.”
This is a big oversimplification. Yes big 4 clients tend to be bigger and more complicated, so it takes more time to see everything, but by the end of year 2/3, I'd bet the big 4 will have learned more than the regional guy and have the name on his resume to boot.
“There must be a huge difference between a regional 1st year and a big 4 1st year right?”
Yes, regional 1st year is probably exposed to more things (but that washes out within year 2 & 3 – big 4 seniors run their audits too). I'd say big 4 1st years also work more hours, are better trained and have better resources.
“So if that's the case, whats the deal with Big 4? The learning curve seems higher at Regional so if you want to be challenged why not just go a Regional? Big 4 seems so overrated when you strip all of its bells and whistles.”
You're just repeating the same thing over and over without any backup. You are right, that at some regional firms you'll be thrown in the fire and be asked to do audits on your own in the first year. BUt who really wants that? It's better to get your hand held at first so that your work's quality is better. Big 4 has the better and bigger and more complicated clients. PCAOB audits are a lot more strict. Controls take a bigger priority. And trust me, the learning curve is steep enough.
“I'm just confused as to why Big 4 holds these high standards when you are essentially doing these no brainer tasks like ticking and checking prior year workpapers. Am i missing something?””
You have to tick and tie in every audit. And as a 1st year, you'll probably be doing it regardless of where you go. But it makes up a tiny portion of the audit – I think you are deflating the experience you/d get at big 4 and inflating the experience you'd get at a regional big time here.