[zakahracw]

So, I’m going into public accounting and into a Big 4. This is what I want to do, I think… But anyway people say things like “I don’t see you in public accounting you’re such a people person, so lively” or the not so nice “you’re not smart enough”. What is it about public accounting that people say things like this? Also why do people even say “public accounting isn’t for everyone”?

~Z

"Live your Best Life"

[spartanhockey]

I'm the opposite. I doubt my qualifications to be in public accounting because I am not a people person. I'm starting in the Big 4 but live like a hobbit with a pathetic social life.

AUD - 5/2013 91
FAR - 7/2013 92
BEC - 8/2013 90
REG - 8/2013

[ZSRizvi]

@Spartan

Same. Initially I was very gungho about joining the Big 4 because of the prestige but I realized I can't handle being excessively social. Don't get me wrong, I AM a people person but I also like to have a sufficient amount of “alone time.” I'm even worried about the mid-tier firm I joined because having the constantly be flashing smiles and on my toes seems likes…a difficult task. I'm also the type who likes to go out to lunch alone (at times), who thinks a “night out” isn't getting wasted/over-drinking, and who likes cricket over baseball.

Public accounting life is just…something you have to adapt to (if you're an introvert like I've become; weird because I was the most extroverted person in high school).

BEC (July 2013)
FAR (OCT 2013)
REG (NOV 2013)
AUD (JAN 2014)

The CPA Exam is an opponent that not even the Fellowship of the Ring would want to come across.

I have a long...long...journey ahead of me.

[so1913]

Public accounting ISN'T for everyone, but you won't know that until you try it.

After 2 years at a Big 4, I knew it wasn't for me….after my 3rd year I left for private and don't regret the move. But I had to experience it to learn this.

AUD - 90 Pass
REG - 70,61,81 Pass DONE DONE DOOOOONNEEE!!!!!!!!
BEC - 79 - Pass
FAR - 70,82 - Pass

[mcfly]

Nothing is for everyone. I'm not Big 4, but I've been doing public accounting for a while, and I work with plenty of people who are extroverted and social. It's all what you make of it. The work is the work, and you may not end up liking it, but you can find social outlets if you want to. If you're living somewhere that supports a Big 4 office, I'm certain there will be young professional CPA groups you can join.

And if anyone tells you you're not smart enough, that's incentive to prove them wrong. You've gotten this far; you can do it. Good luck!

REG - PASSED
BEC - PASSED
AUD - PASSED
FAR - PASSED

DONE. 🙂

[Anonymous]

Like the others have said, public accounting isn't for everyone. But, it's not sitting in an office all day without talking to anyone! Public accounting involves working with the public. Maybe not as much in Big 4 – I don't know, cause I've never been there. 😛 But working for a small firm, I've spent a lot of time working with the public. I'm a people person, but it actually gets to be a bit much…I'm looking forward to switching into private (just accepted a job today!) and seeing a few less people. 😉

As for smart enough or not…once you get your CPA, they'll have a harder time saying that. 😉

[Anonymous]

I actually made an account to reply to this. (I just finished two years at a Big 4 firm, so I figured I would throw in my two cents.) The belief that the “best and brightest” go to the Big 4 is a common misconception. I feel that the individuals who succeed in this environment have these characteristics in common:

1. Good people skills. In the upper echelons of public accounting firms, you cease being an accountant and become a salesperson. You will sell your competencies, yourself, and other services the firm has to offer in order to drive profits.

2. The ability to complete tasks quickly and completely. “Owning” tasks is key – being able to see a project from inception to completion is what management and those above you will appreciate.

3. The ability to forgo perfection. Perfection is unattainable and is subjective. See #2 for how you should handle tasks.

Being a genius is not a prerequisite for public accounting, and I've watched people who maintained decent grades in college perform very well in the profession. The abilities to schmooze, crush work and participate in firm activities will carry you much further than being “smart.”

[NotAnother74]

Would have to agree with pounder. I am in big 4 right now. Going to events, talking with people in the firm, and showing you can sell and be able to bull crap your way through scenarios will serve you best.

F AR - 76
B EC - 82
A UD - 77 (lost credit)/Retake 2/25
R EG - 80

[NotAnother74]

Would have to agree with pounder. I am in big 4 right now. Going to events, talking with people in the firm, and showing you can sell and be able to bull crap your way through scenarios will serve you best.

F AR - 76
B EC - 82
A UD - 77 (lost credit)/Retake 2/25
R EG - 80

[wannabeCPA123]

I hope you don't find this offensive OP.

You're pretty hot (if that is your pic), and from what you say, you are a people person.

Those are two HUGE assets in public accounting and life in general.

In public, you have to be a salesmen, customer service rep AND accountant!

in the sales force of any company, you will find the most beautiful people on the firm's campus. When i was a dept. manager in a retail setting, the vendors always sent the most beautiful women to sell their products to me. It is a sales tactic that is proven to work. If you got the grades to get into the big 4, then you are smart enough (at least you should be).

FAR 78
REG 87
BEC 78
AUD 78
Passed all exams on first try! Good luck to everyone!

[acamp]

I'm in public accounting so I don't have time to read the responses, har har har. But you know who's better qualified than “those people” mentioned at determining whether you'll be good for public accounting or not?

…

The partners and managers who suggested you get an offer.

You'll be fine.

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[acamp]

And yes, there are 1st year wash outs, but I'll bet 10 to 1 most if not all of those washouts never gave this sort of consideration beforehand.

So, again, you'll be fine 🙂

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[Anonymous]

I think there is more than just a personality to survive in big 4 public accounting. Its not for everyone. I have plenty of friends that left after a few years. The lack of sleep and the demand for heavy long hours at work finally caught up to them. But intelligence I highly doubt that's a factor, considering I have met some big 4 people with brains the size of a pea. They probably have a great personality but when it comes to intellectual and common sense they got none.

[onmywhey]

It takes a certain person to be in public accounting. I think people say Big 4 isn't for everyone because the politics, the long hours, the fact that there are better options once you get in, the list is long and there are more.

With that said, public accounting is a very people skill, whoever told you that public accounting is not for you because you are a people person is on another planet, public accounting is very people orientated. The actual work of accounting is really not that hard, I think most people can learn it. I have seen people get hired on for good people skills/appearance, I have never seen anyone get hired based barely on grades but lacked in social skills or was not well-rounded.

[Author]

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