[Anonymous]

Hi guys,

New to this forum, been primarily on /r/accounting and Wall Street Oasis for my accounting knowledge, figured I’d try this site out now.

I have a question I’m wondering if someone can answer. I have an offer from PwC and another from another Big 4 firm. The PwC one is in a city that I prefer (out of state), where as the other is in my home state which I am ready to leave, at least for a few years.

I don’t plan on staying at either firm for more than 3 years or so. I will obviously keep an open mind, but I don’t see myself staying longer. The problem is, and it may not even be a problem, from what I understand, PwC promotes to senior after three years, whereas the other guys do two. I’m worried that three years as an associate/experience associated at PwC will lead to lesser exit opps than two years associate/one year senior at another Big 4. I have heard from a couple of people that this is true (senior title will lead to better opportunities), but I have also heard from just as many others that most companies understand that there may be variances in promotion schedule, and therefore go by years of experience rather than title, at least up until manager level.

Can anyone shed some light on this? And glad to be part of the forum! I have several other questions I’ll be posting in other sections of the forum.

[Anonymous]

It should all really depend on what you want to move into going forward and which firm can expose you to this area the most. I personally would like to move into IB and have considered PwC as a target firm since their TAS group is large and will expose me to networking opportunities with MM IBs and PE/VC funds.

[Anonymous]

I should add: My two main career paths that appeal to me right now are starting my own Accounting & Tax practice, in which case I would go get some smaller firm experience after Big 4, or an FP&A F500 role and try to climb the ladder. This question is obviously related to the second career path option.

[Anonymous]

If you are going out on your own, skip the Big4 all together, its not going to do much for your career, unless you want to do consulting. If you want to go F500 take an audit role at any Big4 and you're good to go. Make sure to place a focus on developing your financial modeling skills above that of a typical CPA and network well.

Best of luck in your future!

[Anonymous]

Thanks! I know overall Big 4 isnt necessary if I plan to be self-employed, but I'm doing it because I'm not sure one way or another. In other words, doing a few years at a Big 4 wouldn't hurt me if I decide to go off on my own, but NOT doing it would hurt me if I want to do F500 FP&A.

[SeattleAccountant]

Becker Class of Jan - Aug 2013: FARB DONE!!!!
CPA license pending 🙂

[Anonymous]

quick bump

[jelly]

I think pick whichever place you feel is a good fit and that you are okay with the living locale, pass the exam, and concentrate on networking and learning everything you can while you are there. You don't really have any control over client work or promotions, either of which could shrink or stall in either place you're at. Who knows in the next few months or year, the firm with the shorter promotion pathway could lengthen it so that it's now 3 years to senior.

Couldn't pass again!

[Anonymous]

Jelly- Thanks for your reply. That makes sense. I suppose one year really doesn't make a huge difference in the long run, but considering I'm only planning to stay about 2-3 years, and extra year is a big jump. But I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

[Author]

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