[tjn8240]

Hello,

I’ve have been extended summer internships offers for both KPMG and EY.. Both are for audit and both would be for non-financial services

I have a bit of a dilemma regarding this decision, as I do like both firms. It’s a good dilemma to have, but I am not sure what I should consider in making the decision. (FYI, the salary is about the same.)

If anyone has any comments or opinions on what choice to make or what I should consider in making my choice, please let me know.

Thank you!

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[Having To Eek My Way Thru Life]

Pick the firm that you enjoyed the most throughout the interviewing process. I guarantee you that they all did something different during the office visit. Salary will be about the same for big 4 and public accounting in general. You could research what clients/industries each firm has in your city but I wouldn't base my decision on that alone because you probably won't be assigned to the client you want.

It all comes down to what you decide. I'm not going to be working there, you are!! I went with a different big 4 firm but that was my choice and what I felt was my best fit. But in my opinion I prefer EY over KPMG.

[tjn8240]

Thank You! Really do value your input!

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[barelystayingsane]

My advice would be pick the group of people (not the firm) you clicked with the most. The school I went to had three cities relatively nearby with Big 4 firms in them, so we had some choice between firms and locations. When it comes down to it, it's not even which firm you click with as much as it's which office you click with. KPMG Philadelphia will be different than EY Philadelphia, which will be different than EY Boston, which will be different than KPMG Boston. Salary and benefits will be the same pretty much across the board (although it may vary from city to city a little), so get to know the staff and partners at the offices you would be working at. Those are the people you'll see every day.

With that being said, I don't want to make any blanket statements about firms, but I will say that in my region, the EY people were quieter and kept more to themselves, while the KPMG and PwC people were the outgoing “partiers.” Deloitte fell somewhere in the middle. Obviously, it might/probably will vary based on where you're located, but it is characteristics like these that you should look out for and then compare them to your own personality.

[mypetmeatball]

KPMG is Big 4? 😉

[Mayo]

“KPMG is Big 4?”

haha

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[acamp]

Big Three and a Half, “Big 4” is due to rounding

I had a tough time trying to decide between B4 offers, part of my decision was based on firm structure, EY has a dedicated financial service line for audit, where the others didnt separate it out–and choosing their FSO meant picking a specialized line (good) but not getting an easy opportunity to see other industries (bad). The other side of my decision was just a gut feeling, after trying to analytically decide based on firm structure, people, etc, I said, ok–for no identifiable reason, which one am I pulling for? Allowing the gut feeling to enter the equation is fine IMO as at the end of the day your experience and market appeal in industry will be roughly the same regardless of which Big4 you go with. Congrats on having choices!

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California CPA

[I just love this]

Undergraduate student perceptions of the Big 4 are so interesting to me. Why is it that you consider KPMG less than the other 3 when it's equivalent in every category, including almost matching EY in total gross revenue? (which seems to be the major factor for college students' perceptions)

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[ImaCPA168]

Pick the firm that you felt most comfortable with. When it comes to picking, it's really all about the people you meet. And it's really all about FIT. Who did you like hanging out with the most? Who did you have the most fun with? Which firm had people who were genuinely interested in you when you met them? When you had questions, which firm was the quickest to respond?

I liken it to picking a fraternity or sorority. It's hard to ask other people for their opinions. We are all different. And each firm is different in personality/culture/perception/reputation. This personality/culture/perception/reputation of the firms change from city to city, year to year, and person to person's esperience with the firms.

Big 4s are pretty much the same all the way around. So focus on the people in the particular office you're joining. And keep in mind that there is nothing worse than spending most of your waking hours with people (or the type of people) you cannot stand.

When I recruited several years ago, I got multiple offers from Big 4s and mid-tiers. I narrowed it down to 1 Big 4 and 1 mid-tier based on the people I met. Then of course, between a Big 4 and a mid-tier, I went Big 4. But I didn't consider the other Big 4s because I got a sense that that I didn't like the people in the other firms as much. It was the right decision for me and I never looked back. I've made so many wonderful friends at the firm I chose and had such a great experience there. Even though we worked like dogs, it was still fun.

You really don't need to stress out now. After you get into your career, there is mobility between the Big 4s as well for different areas of specilization and across practices. .

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Ethics - Done
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[jsmithsae]

the answer is pretty simple…for short term you need to look at 3 things.

1. who is offering you the largest signing bonus?

2. who is offering the highest starting salary?

3. who is offering the largest bonus for passing CPA exam?

both will work you like a dog and your hourly rate will probably be more like minimum wage.

btw…i am only semi kidding about the list.

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[wannabeCPA123]

while offices do differ within firms, i did notice some cultural differences between the four. That's what really matters because they all pay the same. even the tier 2 pays the same. pick where you fit-in. Honestly, i feel that they will know who will fit in or not right away.

KPMG is very conservative, and more mature.

EY is more hot shot orientated, lots of big egos. More flamboyant as well. They seem very fake and two-faced.

Deloitte is very snobby and elitist.

PwC had the most balanced culture. The people are more down to earth. They had the highest standards for canidates.

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[Anonymous]

I really think it all comes down to personal opinion and preference, I say this especially because I interviewed with all the Big 4 and had very different opinions from @wannabeCPA123. I ended up choosing the firm that made me the most excited and comfortable after my interviews. Honestly, I think its a lot about going with your gut.. hope this helps and best of luck!

[Anonymous]

I based my decision on which big 4 to go to solely on my experience at the office visit/interviews. I just thought about which big 4 would fit me the best. I have been told that no matter where you go in big 4, youll be doing the same tasks, Only difference is client base. Hope this helps.

[WestonM]

“KPMG is very conservative, and more mature.

EY is more hot shot orientated, lots of big egos. More flamboyant as well. They seem very fake and two-faced.

Deloitte is very snobby and elitist.

PwC had the most balanced culture. The people are more down to earth. They had the highest standards for canidates”

@wannabeeCPA

You most work at either KPMG or pwc

@OP

EY doesn't do the best audits….just saying.

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[MintsRGood]

Question for the Big 4 crew: Why does everyone hate on KPMG?

I noticed a few comments on this thread, around the forum continually, and at a networking evert I attended recently some of the attendees were making KPMG the punchline of quite a few jokes! What's up with that? Is there some sort of power ranking within the Big 4?

I don't work for the Big 4 so I have no dog in the fight, but I am just simply curious!

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[foreverstudying]

@mintsrgood I just graduated in May and from what I saw at networking events sophomore-senior year, KPMG by far had the weakest recruiters. The first word that always came to mind when I interacted with them was “boring” and it was hard to ignore when the other three firms had friendly, energitic recruiters full of personality. Majority of students from my school who choose Big 4 end up at Deloitte or PWC and a few go to EY specifically for tax. I know of literally 1 girl from my graduating class that ended up at KPMG and I think its mainly because she started out in their leadership program as a sophomore and never had to interview anywhere again. From the undergrad perspective they would have a better image on my campus if they had better recruiters and more grads who could come back and speak highly of them on their behalf.

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[Author]

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