[Anonymous]

I suspect this question will seem stupid to some of you, but… What’s the big deal with trying to get into the Big 4? Honestly it’s something I never even considered till I was on this forum…partially cause my interest has always been more in the small business realm, but also partially because it never crossed my mind! Here, though, it seems like almost everyone has been Big 4 or wants to be Big 4. So what’s the reasons/motivation for that?

[Tncincy]

Well the conclusion to me is skip big 4 if you are not willing to be a cut throat A-hole. The job market is aggressive enough with out selling your soul for a reputation. Yes, big 4 is a day dream, but if the accounting skills and license can be used else where, then skip big 4. If you make the cut for big 4 and willing to be a you know what, then go for it. Success is how you define it.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Tncincy]

Well the conclusion to me is skip big 4 if you are not willing to be a cut throat A-hole. The job market is aggressive enough with out selling your soul for a reputation. Yes, big 4 is a day dream, but if the accounting skills and license can be used else where, then skip big 4. If you make the cut for big 4 and willing to be a you know what, then go for it. Success is how you define it.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Mayo]

Errr, you don't have to be an a-hole to work at a Big 4 FYI. There are some there, but what large company doesn't?

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

Errr, you don't have to be an a-hole to work at a Big 4 FYI. There are some there, but what large company doesn't?

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Tncincy]

@Mayo,

My summation comes from reading the other posts that have experienced big 4. Not calling anyone an A-Hole. There are many sacrifices to make when making a career choice. Sorry didn't mean to offend.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Tncincy]

@Mayo,

My summation comes from reading the other posts that have experienced big 4. Not calling anyone an A-Hole. There are many sacrifices to make when making a career choice. Sorry didn't mean to offend.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[acamp]

I don't understand where all the negativity (especially from people who didn't/don't work at a big4) comes from? Yes, some jobs are so huge that all you'll do is cash, however, a few years of experience on those jobs and you can quickly become a master of that industry (as you get more intensive exposure year over year). On the other hand, there are plenty of smaller clients, where as a first year you are doing nearly all the substantive testing.

Working public is what you make it. You don't have to be cut throat, or be an asshole, I think this is usually the exception and as mentioned, what large company does not have a few cut throat a-holes?

I know my main public client is staffed with a large % of former Big4 people, so they do hire non-Big4, but they higher a lot more Big4 people; and everyone in a management position is former Big4.

That said, I've seen some clients who were in management positions with NO public experience of any kind. So, Big4 is not the end all be all, but it sure can help

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

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[acamp]

I don't understand where all the negativity (especially from people who didn't/don't work at a big4) comes from? Yes, some jobs are so huge that all you'll do is cash, however, a few years of experience on those jobs and you can quickly become a master of that industry (as you get more intensive exposure year over year). On the other hand, there are plenty of smaller clients, where as a first year you are doing nearly all the substantive testing.

Working public is what you make it. You don't have to be cut throat, or be an asshole, I think this is usually the exception and as mentioned, what large company does not have a few cut throat a-holes?

I know my main public client is staffed with a large % of former Big4 people, so they do hire non-Big4, but they higher a lot more Big4 people; and everyone in a management position is former Big4.

That said, I've seen some clients who were in management positions with NO public experience of any kind. So, Big4 is not the end all be all, but it sure can help

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

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[Author]

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