[funtimesNOT]

Hi I am about late 20s early 30’s and I have an opportunity to interview with a big four. I am currently at a small local firm and pretty happy. I am concerned about my advancement opportunity, but we all know in public accounting that can change over night! Would you do it if you could? Is the big four wroth it? I feel like the only reason I would not go is because I feel bad, I mean really is this a good enough of a reason? Should I just suck it up and go to the interview (not like I have the job) , or would joining the big four late in your 20’searly 30s be a bad idea (I do not have kids). I would come in as a 2cond year staff they said. Any ideas? I heard somewhere that if you get one of the big four on your resume, it would be the equivalent of having Harvard on your resume for accounting.

AUDIT - 79
FAR - 64, 77
BEC - 69, 71,79 - DONE!
REG - 60, 75

Nothing in the 80s ; however, I worked full time the whole time! (like 10 hour days) so it can be done 🙂

[fuzyfro89]

I haven't heard the analogy “Harvard of accounting”, but I can see it. Big 4 looks great on your resume, but how great it looks and how much having/not having it will matter depends on your career goals.

What do you want to do (or have the option to do) in 5-10 years… or sooner… that working in a small/med firm couldn't provide?

[fuzyfro89]

I haven't heard the analogy “Harvard of accounting”, but I can see it. Big 4 looks great on your resume, but how great it looks and how much having/not having it will matter depends on your career goals.

What do you want to do (or have the option to do) in 5-10 years… or sooner… that working in a small/med firm couldn't provide?

[ahugemistake]

I'm currently in the process of transitioning from a small firm to a Big4. I am very excited about the move, because I really did not enjoy the culture at the small firm. I hope that the training, and industry exposure I will gain at the Big4 will help me in picking the path I want my future career to be on when I leave there.

FAR - 78*
AUD - 66, 79
REG - 73, 76
BEC - 79

[ahugemistake]

I'm currently in the process of transitioning from a small firm to a Big4. I am very excited about the move, because I really did not enjoy the culture at the small firm. I hope that the training, and industry exposure I will gain at the Big4 will help me in picking the path I want my future career to be on when I leave there.

FAR - 78*
AUD - 66, 79
REG - 73, 76
BEC - 79

[ahugemistake]

I'm currently in the process of transitioning from a small firm to a Big4. I am very excited about the move, because I really did not enjoy the culture at the small firm. I hope that the training, and industry exposure I will gain at the Big4 will help me in picking the path I want my future career to be on when I leave there.

FAR - 78*
AUD - 66, 79
REG - 73, 76
BEC - 79

[ahugemistake]

I'm currently in the process of transitioning from a small firm to a Big4. I am very excited about the move, because I really did not enjoy the culture at the small firm. I hope that the training, and industry exposure I will gain at the Big4 will help me in picking the path I want my future career to be on when I leave there.

FAR - 78*
AUD - 66, 79
REG - 73, 76
BEC - 79

[funtimesNOT]

I hope your name is not a sign! lol…. the culture at my office is sort of lacking also…. there some cool people, but I feel like everybody is either stuck up or kind of sheltered. it is hard to explain! anyways, good luck in the process! I get exited about it. I think the only regret I would have is if I didn't take this opportunity presented to me!

AUDIT - 79
FAR - 64, 77
BEC - 69, 71,79 - DONE!
REG - 60, 75

Nothing in the 80s ; however, I worked full time the whole time! (like 10 hour days) so it can be done 🙂

[funtimesNOT]

I hope your name is not a sign! lol…. the culture at my office is sort of lacking also…. there some cool people, but I feel like everybody is either stuck up or kind of sheltered. it is hard to explain! anyways, good luck in the process! I get exited about it. I think the only regret I would have is if I didn't take this opportunity presented to me!

AUDIT - 79
FAR - 64, 77
BEC - 69, 71,79 - DONE!
REG - 60, 75

Nothing in the 80s ; however, I worked full time the whole time! (like 10 hour days) so it can be done 🙂

[Anonymous]

Big 4 starting Monday. I've spent 2.5 years at two regional firms and the small culture was ok but the opportunities just weren't there. I have no idea what to expect but I'm pretty confident it's the right move.

[Anonymous]

Big 4 starting Monday. I've spent 2.5 years at two regional firms and the small culture was ok but the opportunities just weren't there. I have no idea what to expect but I'm pretty confident it's the right move.

[005]

well, first I think you should handle the issue of not knowing your age… (kidding of course)

I'm in the process of attempting to do this. I recommend it. I like the small firm I work at; actually love it. Co-workers, bosses, clients, all very cool and down to earth, but I realize that in the end, nothing beats that Big 4 experience on your resume.

I'd say go for it!

BEC - ✔
REG - ✔
AUD - ✔
FAR - 11/29/14

CPAExcel, Ninja MCQs, and a sh*t ton of coffee

[005]

well, first I think you should handle the issue of not knowing your age… (kidding of course)

I'm in the process of attempting to do this. I recommend it. I like the small firm I work at; actually love it. Co-workers, bosses, clients, all very cool and down to earth, but I realize that in the end, nothing beats that Big 4 experience on your resume.

I'd say go for it!

BEC - ✔
REG - ✔
AUD - ✔
FAR - 11/29/14

CPAExcel, Ninja MCQs, and a sh*t ton of coffee

[funtimesNOT]

I am in the same boat as you! I loved the small firm. but I didn't really like the culture. It seemed like a lot of politics for such a small organization. The push back I received from leaving was unreal! I thought I was in a cult for a second. But I survived the comments and jabs for two weeks!

the on thing that surprised me were coworkers (not outside people) telling that this is the worst career decision of my life. I find that really hard to believe. Also, people kept putting words in my mouth saying , “I didn't know you weren't happy?” I never said I wasn't happy, I just wanted something more. I didn't realize the only reason people left jobs was because they were miserable? I was just complacent and felt like I was learning at a speed I should be.

anyways I do not regret this decision , yet! best of luck to others!

AUDIT - 79
FAR - 64, 77
BEC - 69, 71,79 - DONE!
REG - 60, 75

Nothing in the 80s ; however, I worked full time the whole time! (like 10 hour days) so it can be done 🙂

[funtimesNOT]

I am in the same boat as you! I loved the small firm. but I didn't really like the culture. It seemed like a lot of politics for such a small organization. The push back I received from leaving was unreal! I thought I was in a cult for a second. But I survived the comments and jabs for two weeks!

the on thing that surprised me were coworkers (not outside people) telling that this is the worst career decision of my life. I find that really hard to believe. Also, people kept putting words in my mouth saying , “I didn't know you weren't happy?” I never said I wasn't happy, I just wanted something more. I didn't realize the only reason people left jobs was because they were miserable? I was just complacent and felt like I was learning at a speed I should be.

anyways I do not regret this decision , yet! best of luck to others!

AUDIT - 79
FAR - 64, 77
BEC - 69, 71,79 - DONE!
REG - 60, 75

Nothing in the 80s ; however, I worked full time the whole time! (like 10 hour days) so it can be done 🙂

[monsterE]

“but I feel like everybody is either stuck up or kind of sheltered. it is hard to explain! “

This is accountants in general at all firms i think lol

“the on thing that surprised me were coworkers (not outside people) telling that this is the worst career decision of my life. I find that really hard to believe.”

They are probably just jealous.

[Author]

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