[Anonymous]

Short intro – Brand new poster here, only found this site yesterday as I now am preparing for the CPA. I had an undergrad business degree from the mid 2000’s, worked overseas, and recently came back to go into accounting. Enrolled in an MS program last year, went through recruiting season this fall, accepted an offer with a Big 4. The entire experience has been one of the easiest things I’ve ever done. If you asked me what the Big 4 were a year ago, I wouldn’t even know. Difference between public/private accounting..what? Oh, but I did remember what GAAP means after all these years.

Then I found this site. And have been reading posts from each forum non-stop. The different stories, experiences, challenges, everything have made me realize just how..uh..lucky I am? I’ll be honest, I applied to one and only one Big 4 because that’s where I wanted (don’t even ask why lol). I had no accounting experience, no CPA experience, and yet had no issue landing that one position. But I see people on here with years of experience, fresh from school, and even the CPA already finished and they can’t find A job let alone a Big 4 job. From my experience this fall and the experiences of my classmates (who all got Big 4 offers as well, some from multiple), I honestly thought people who wanted a Big 4 job generally got it and people who wanted regional/mid-sized/small got it because that’s what they chose and aimed for. But now it seems clear to me that some people throw their name in every hat and just pray because it’s actually extremely competitive.

I apologize if this comes off as some stealth brag post, it’s honestly not. It’s just reading this site and Going Concern (which I only found a few days ago as well) has given me a totally different perspective on this accounting world. I guess I feel like I’m in for a much wilder ride than I thought I would be, judging from some of the things I’ve read here. It also made me realize how ignorant I was to a lot of this stuff since I am technically a baby in this world. While I knew the Big 4 were the “BIG FOUR,” it never seemed like an impossible task for any eager individual. Not exactly like being a developer and getting a job at Google.. or maybe it is? I guess I’ll find out when I eventually begin.

Has anyone else who was fairly new to the accounting scene had a similar experience? A sudden epiphany?

Anyway, as I’ll be beginning in the fall I’ll be aiming to pass all of the CPA before then. I look forward to using this site and others in helping me with that. Also, if I was a bit vague with some of my info it was intentional. Things get back to you from online so I’d rather stay as ninja-like as possible.

[onmywhey]

@ datcpa –

I think people make getting into Big 4 harder than it sounds. Again, experiences may vary depending on scoial skills, GPA, work experience and school attended.

The Big 4 are always hiring and need new people because the turnover is so high. If you are going to a big market, it's pretty easy to get at least one offer if you put in moderate effort.

If you live in a small market it's harder but still not out of reach for most.

With respect to the question why most people leave, it's because the longer you stay the better the exit opportunities generally are. If you're working 70+ hours a week for what will seem like low pay for hours worked, political environment, client BS, and people calling you offering you better hours and more pay, I think you will reconsider your statement.

[onmywhey]

@ datcpa –

I think people make getting into Big 4 harder than it sounds. Again, experiences may vary depending on scoial skills, GPA, work experience and school attended.

The Big 4 are always hiring and need new people because the turnover is so high. If you are going to a big market, it's pretty easy to get at least one offer if you put in moderate effort.

If you live in a small market it's harder but still not out of reach for most.

With respect to the question why most people leave, it's because the longer you stay the better the exit opportunities generally are. If you're working 70+ hours a week for what will seem like low pay for hours worked, political environment, client BS, and people calling you offering you better hours and more pay, I think you will reconsider your statement.

[Anonymous]

yeah man.. I can only speak from a student's perspective, but in my opinion, the hardest part was balancing work, school, sleep and interviews… which was tough. But in the end, everyone pretty much got a job in the area they wanted.

[Anonymous]

yeah man.. I can only speak from a student's perspective, but in my opinion, the hardest part was balancing work, school, sleep and interviews… which was tough. But in the end, everyone pretty much got a job in the area they wanted.

[whitelilies04]

onmywhey and mayo pretty much hit the nail on the head. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have worked for a big 4, I plan to stay through becoming licensed (I've been there 2.5yrs) but beyond that I'm TIRED! I miss my husband, kids, and having a life. I love my job, but I don't enjoy the rate at which I'm required to do you job currently. And as was already pointed out, I've paid my dues and I'm looking forward to reaping the rewards of my sacrifice with higher pay and better work-life balance.

OP- like you, this is career #2 for me so I came into with with a spouse and 2 small kids. Please pass as many exams before you start as possible. It just gets harder and harder to finish as time goes on. Also, keep in mind that you will work more as each year goes by and your responsibilities increase. My first year I thought I worked a ton, now I would love to only be working that much, same my second year. Now that I'm in my 3rd year and a senior the workload has increased exponentially as have the expectations and responsibilities. Sorry to ramble, I'm just wanted to give you an idea of what you're in for. Like I said, it's a wonderful opportunity and I'm grateful for it, but I'm definitely ready for the next chapter :).

FAR - passed, 11/12
AUD - passed, 5/13

[whitelilies04]

onmywhey and mayo pretty much hit the nail on the head. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have worked for a big 4, I plan to stay through becoming licensed (I've been there 2.5yrs) but beyond that I'm TIRED! I miss my husband, kids, and having a life. I love my job, but I don't enjoy the rate at which I'm required to do you job currently. And as was already pointed out, I've paid my dues and I'm looking forward to reaping the rewards of my sacrifice with higher pay and better work-life balance.

OP- like you, this is career #2 for me so I came into with with a spouse and 2 small kids. Please pass as many exams before you start as possible. It just gets harder and harder to finish as time goes on. Also, keep in mind that you will work more as each year goes by and your responsibilities increase. My first year I thought I worked a ton, now I would love to only be working that much, same my second year. Now that I'm in my 3rd year and a senior the workload has increased exponentially as have the expectations and responsibilities. Sorry to ramble, I'm just wanted to give you an idea of what you're in for. Like I said, it's a wonderful opportunity and I'm grateful for it, but I'm definitely ready for the next chapter :).

FAR - passed, 11/12
AUD - passed, 5/13

[Anonymous]

“Breadth and Skill” someone mentioned this which I disagree with 50%. It depends on the individuals assignments and actual hands on experience and skills obtained whilst in the public accounting in my experience. The bigger the firm the more limited the experience, because of efficiency is the most important thing. A “clever ” individual will hire someone who has no clue and give them a cheat sheet and tell them to go audit. Thats the quickest way to be in and out of the clients offices. You don't want individuals that will asking why this and why that (that is time wasted and might cost you a client). Most jobs outside public accounting call for public accounting experience because assumption is made that you might carry favor when talking to external auditors and you will know what they are asking for when they audit and speak the lingo. Most cases not true every employee is different. I've met and hired clever skilled people and others that are not so skilled but have a 4.0 GPA (academics who couldn't work the photocopy machine or think outside the box). Some where CPAs and highly qualified.

The reason we all want to work for Google is because they have put out ads and have received publicity as the best employer. Google looks good on a resume, Not everyone should go to college but because of lobbying most people believe college is the only way to succeed. Most wealthy people I know did not go to college and they are super smart (I know they are the exception) but how many people drop out of college every year tonnes. Those are figures not mentioned in the stats.

Moral of the story is every individual is different and others are blessed more than some when an individual fails at achieving something we immediately think its hard aka the Holy Grail. But once you get the job/pass, you either drink magic juice or leave okay/disgruntle. You think to yourself whats the big deal.

@cpadat you make your own experiences, other people love public accounting others don't. The best thing is make the best of your time there and see where the future takes you.

[Anonymous]

“Breadth and Skill” someone mentioned this which I disagree with 50%. It depends on the individuals assignments and actual hands on experience and skills obtained whilst in the public accounting in my experience. The bigger the firm the more limited the experience, because of efficiency is the most important thing. A “clever ” individual will hire someone who has no clue and give them a cheat sheet and tell them to go audit. Thats the quickest way to be in and out of the clients offices. You don't want individuals that will asking why this and why that (that is time wasted and might cost you a client). Most jobs outside public accounting call for public accounting experience because assumption is made that you might carry favor when talking to external auditors and you will know what they are asking for when they audit and speak the lingo. Most cases not true every employee is different. I've met and hired clever skilled people and others that are not so skilled but have a 4.0 GPA (academics who couldn't work the photocopy machine or think outside the box). Some where CPAs and highly qualified.

The reason we all want to work for Google is because they have put out ads and have received publicity as the best employer. Google looks good on a resume, Not everyone should go to college but because of lobbying most people believe college is the only way to succeed. Most wealthy people I know did not go to college and they are super smart (I know they are the exception) but how many people drop out of college every year tonnes. Those are figures not mentioned in the stats.

Moral of the story is every individual is different and others are blessed more than some when an individual fails at achieving something we immediately think its hard aka the Holy Grail. But once you get the job/pass, you either drink magic juice or leave okay/disgruntle. You think to yourself whats the big deal.

@cpadat you make your own experiences, other people love public accounting others don't. The best thing is make the best of your time there and see where the future takes you.

[Anonymous]

@white – Thank you for the info. Yep, I'm coming into this with a family as well. That's why I'm resolved to bang out the test before actually starting. Can I ask, since the workload has increased so much, do you find the compensation worth it? Or are you just trying to get that year of senior under your belt so you can go?

@elia – I know what you mean about seemingly smart people being incompetent and the opposite. I guess we'll find out!

[Anonymous]

@white – Thank you for the info. Yep, I'm coming into this with a family as well. That's why I'm resolved to bang out the test before actually starting. Can I ask, since the workload has increased so much, do you find the compensation worth it? Or are you just trying to get that year of senior under your belt so you can go?

@elia – I know what you mean about seemingly smart people being incompetent and the opposite. I guess we'll find out!

[whitelilies04]

@datcpa – the compensation is ok. I know a lot of people complain about the pay in public accounting. I don't feel like I'm being underpaid. My pay has increased about 20K since I began 2.5yrs ago. What makes me want to leave is work-life balance and that in industry (in my area) the people at my rank who have left leave for 6 figure salary before stock and bonuses. And they work far less than I do :). It's hard to turn a blind eye to that. I want to leave because I know that getting a former employer to sign off on your work experience to sign off can be awkward if you leave. I'm fortunate that my company will pay for the exam, they pay for Becker each year (that's worth so much on it's own!) and they will pay the fees for licensure. Plus, I can demand even more pay in industry as a CPA versus not being one. So it just seems to make the most sense to stick around awhile longer :).

FAR - passed, 11/12
AUD - passed, 5/13

[whitelilies04]

@datcpa – the compensation is ok. I know a lot of people complain about the pay in public accounting. I don't feel like I'm being underpaid. My pay has increased about 20K since I began 2.5yrs ago. What makes me want to leave is work-life balance and that in industry (in my area) the people at my rank who have left leave for 6 figure salary before stock and bonuses. And they work far less than I do :). It's hard to turn a blind eye to that. I want to leave because I know that getting a former employer to sign off on your work experience to sign off can be awkward if you leave. I'm fortunate that my company will pay for the exam, they pay for Becker each year (that's worth so much on it's own!) and they will pay the fees for licensure. Plus, I can demand even more pay in industry as a CPA versus not being one. So it just seems to make the most sense to stick around awhile longer :).

FAR - passed, 11/12
AUD - passed, 5/13

[Anonymous]

Here's a cute visual that I think depicts public accounting:

View post on imgur.com

I know what I signed up for by accepting big 4 offer lol

[Anonymous]

Here's a cute visual that I think depicts public accounting:

View post on imgur.com

I know what I signed up for by accepting big 4 offer lol

[whitelilies04]

0nmywaytoaCPA – truer words were never spoken (re: the link you posted).

FAR - passed, 11/12
AUD - passed, 5/13

[Author]

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