[pjypjy8520]

I was told by a partner at Next 4 firm that they have guys at their headquarter that specialize in real estate lease. Not the audit aspect, but if the firm decides to open an office at a city, they basically go to that city and scope out the area and provide list of buildings which they can have offices. He said there are specific rules to opening on office in every city; things like “The office has to be visible from the elevator” or “You have to have an office in downtown” and etc. Consequently, my Big 4 and other national firm friends have to pay for the parking at the office (I’ve heard all ranges but it appears $200 is about the average? I don’t know anyone at NYC/Chicago market though) which at our level (experienced staff with 1.5 year experience) makes a lot of difference. They make few grand more than I do, but I take home slightly more. Why doesn’t the firm pay for the parking or at least reimburse? Or do they?

[Anonymous]

I don't have any Big 4 experience, but from what I have gathered, in bigger cities parking cost is considered a cost of being employed, so isn't considered something that needs to be reimbursed – same as if you live in a more rural area and have a commute, no one thinks that the employer should reimburse you for gas and wear-and-tear on your car. Not saying it's fair, or that the commute costs the same amount, but that seems to be the attitude.

[Anonymous]

I don't have any Big 4 experience, but from what I have gathered, in bigger cities parking cost is considered a cost of being employed, so isn't considered something that needs to be reimbursed – same as if you live in a more rural area and have a commute, no one thinks that the employer should reimburse you for gas and wear-and-tear on your car. Not saying it's fair, or that the commute costs the same amount, but that seems to be the attitude.

[Author]

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