[Anonymous]

Anyone have a link or resources to learning more about Big 4 culture and how to climb the chain of command?

There seems to be many different opinions and unique perceptions about working for Big 4, so I’m curious if there are any official resources about how to make it, not only in the Big 4, but the larger corporate companies as well.

Obvious strong work ethic and accounting knowledge required, but I’m interested to learn of more in-depth information.

For example, especially at the Senior+ level, should you know how to research standards and use it in your documentation in order to show your understanding of the work? Is this a requirement in order to receive a promotion?

Do you establish certain working relationships with your superiors and co-workers in order to stand out and receive promotions other than just doing your work ? And if so, what are those relationships like compared to your co-workers? How do you make yourself useful?

Are you trained based on your personality and strengths or are you trained in a way to challenge your weak areas in order for you to grow as a professional? Are you given particular training, for example, how to be a good manager or how to lead a team? Or is it basically just picking things up on your own and winging it?

I don’t believe just doing your work efficiently is enough to cut it in the larger firms. So in addition to knowledge and experience I already have, I’m interested in learning more of any inside advice/tips/tricks to survive in the larger companies. I’m sure there are plenty of experienced accountants here and it would be great if everyone can share a bit of their own thoughts and experience.

[Anonymous]

Also for example, how personable do you get with clients? I've had clients try talking to me about politics and current events which typically is a touchy/hands off subject in corporate environments and it can obviously affect your likability. Looking for information and resources related to these kind of topics in the Big 4 and larger corporate environments.

[Anonymous]

goingconcern has a forum on this

[Anonymous]

I've been on there, didn't seem exactly what I was looking for but I'll check it out again.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, it's not that great of a forum. There's so much sarcasm and bitterness, it's hard to extract useful information. It's funny, though 🙂

[Author]

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