[Anonymous]

Hi All,

Does anyone know about the recruiting environment in San Francisco for Big 4? Currently I’m a student at the University of Utah and looking to go to a larger market. I have done extensive research on the city and am strongly considering recruiting in SF.

I am pretty confident that I could get in on merits as I’ve already been selected to attend several Summer Leadership Programs in Salt Lake. The Salt Lake market is EXTREMELY competitive as it’s a small market with a huge pool to draw from. I have to compete against BYU which is one of the top 5 accounting programs in nation, and most of the Utah students want to stay locally. My only concern is that any of the Big 4 in SF would be hesitant to hire a student from outside CA. Any insight would be helpful and thanks in advance for your time!

[I just love this]

When the recruiters/partners/everyone you meet ask you, “Do you not have family here? Why this office?”

Be ready to hit it out of the ballpark. If you can have a great answer to that, show you are enthusiastic about THAT office and THAT firm, you should get in.

San Francisco is a beautiful awesome place and they pay well. But you need to be honest with yourself if you are willing to pay $2k for rent and have a decent commute and live there long-term.

REG- Waiting 7/1/13
BEC- Waiting 7/23/13
AUD- Studying 8/12/13
FAR- Signed up 10/1/13
Studying with CPAExcel and Wiley Test Bank.

[whitelilies04]

I work for one of the big 4 in the SF bay area. We recruit heavily from BYU and University of Utah. With my firm you would have no issues being recruited out here. My firm has a SLC office, but the bulk of the Utah/BYU grads don't end up there because there isn't a need for so many people in that area. Whereas, the demand for qualified people in the bay area is very high. I host in-house interviews during recruiting season and at least a third of our candidates are from the state of Utah. Like the pp said, have a great answer about why you want to live in SF, have good grades, and be approachable. That fact that you are going to school in Utah will not be an issue.

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

[onmywhey]

Thanks you for your reply, for some reason my account says it's not registered thus the different names.

That's great to hear that they recruit from Utah students. I recently met some students that are going to intern in the Bay area next busy season so they will be great a resource to see if I want to make the leap. As of right now I'm sticking to Salt Lake as my chances are fairly good and I don't want to go to SF unless I know 110% sure that I want to live there over 5 years and commit substantial time. In my school they are pushing to only go out of state if you REALLY want to and can stay long-term, less you ruin it for everyone else, so as of right now that's my #1 roadblock which is all in my ball court.

Again, thanks for your time!

[swatig]

@whitelilies04 Does your firm hire people directly, I mean not through campus. I am out of school for long and took 10 years sabbatical from work. Now I am back in the job market with added CPA qualification on my resume. I live in Bay area. Thanks!

AUD Passed
REG Passed
FAR Passed
BEC Passed

PETH (CA Ethics) 64,74

[whitelilies04]

@swatig Let me look into that. All of the new hires were direct campus hires, but I know that doesn't necessarily mean that is the only way new hires are brought into the organization.

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

[swatig]

Thanks whitelilies04. If you need I can send you my resume for you to take a look.

AUD Passed
REG Passed
FAR Passed
BEC Passed

PETH (CA Ethics) 64,74

[Mohammedt75]

@whitelilies04 How i wish you are in the Atlanta area. I would have definitely made plans to see you. I am a masters in professional accounting student and interested in the Big 4 accounting firms. I have very strong foundation in accounting.

[Author]

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