[Fr0nt0ffice]

Hello,

I recently accepted a job with a mid-size accounting firm in NYC. It’s not top 10, like BDO, RSM, or Grant Thornton, but it’s in the top 30-40.

I am in public accounting for many of the reasons most people are (exit opportunities, getting experience, best place to start a career in accounting, etc.). I am also thinking about life after public accounting, and I want to plan accordingly. I at first wanted to work Big4 straight out of undergrad, so I could have the best name on my resume with the best exit opps. I also had the idea of starting in a smaller public firm like the mid-size I am currently in, and then transfer to big 4 after a year or two. Problem is, I’m 29. And with a year of experience, I’ll be 30. And then once I get a big 4 offer, the job starts a year out, so I’ll be 31 by the time I begin working in big 4 in what will likely be a first year audit associate job. I don’t know if I will have the desire to start in a big 4 position at that age with a bunch of kids who I probably won’t fit in with, and I might be seen as “too old” at that point.

My question is: how much better are exit opps from big 4 than smaller mid-size accounting firms? I had this dream of making the switch to a high paying finance career from accounting, but I am not sure they would consider somebody coming from a mid-size firm. From what I hear, big4 are the only kind of accountants they might consider for IB, M&A, etc.

Pretty much, which jobs/fields specifically can somebody coming from Big 4 audit get that would be closed off for somebody with not as “prestigious” experience? I want to make the most money that I can, but I would also settle for average salary and just a laid back work environment.

[Reverie]

People who join the B4 have access to Fortune 500 companies. I believe B4 audits like 90% of them. So 10% would be audited by other auditing firms (probably top 30). So B4 isn't the only answer to become rich and famous. Just get a job in the top 50.

I also believe most B4 hire vertical (from top colleges like UCs and chit). At the end of the day, its not just about prestige. No point interviewing with smelly hair, oily face, and piss stains on your armpits with the B4 experience on your resume. You gotta have personality and good looks. Be lighthearted and funny. That'll give you the edge. Many factors. Not just B4. It aint the be all end all.

Don't forget that there are a few posters here who want to leave the B4. Its a stressful job and they abuse you because they know if you can't handle it, they got endless supply of other people to take advantage of. Perhaps, working for something not as prestigious might allow you to enjoy your profession more and develop at a steady and smoother pace.

BTW, I know a lot of loser college professors who worked in B4 yet they're driving shitty cars. I put those guys to shame with my car though its technically not mine (my parents bought 'em for me).

[Fr0nt0ffice]

So, if I wanted to exit into a career in private accounting, say working accounting for a public company like Google, Starbucks, Twitter, Bank of America, AT&T, etc. would I have trouble doing this coming from a smaller mid-size public firm that doesn't have many publicly listed clients like the big 4 has? If I applied for AT&T industry accounting position, would my resume get thrown in the trash as soon as they see (firm name: not big 4), even if I have my CPA license?

What about lateraling into finance jobs? I hear about some auditors/CPAs making the difficult but possible transition to Investment Banking, M&A, even eventually Private Equity and other really good positions in the finance field. Are these careers even more strict when it comes to which firm did you work at? Like they barely consider accountants for these positions anyway, but the few that they do, they'd better, at the very least, be from big 4?

I just wanna know what doors are closed and which are open because of me not being in a top company. If I can get into these positions and beat out other applicants with good networking, interviewing, and overall being a more capable and personable employee, then I know I can still be competitive. But if it's all about the name, I wanna know so I can try to make the switch and set up the best possible foundation for my career.

[Mikey]

I am responding to your comment about being 31 starting at B4. I am a 31 year old first year at a B4 and I would say I’d youre worried about not fitting in or being too old to start, my experience contradicts that. In fact, a majority of my starting class was 30+ and we’ve had no trouble fitting in and I actually think my age and life experience have made starting in B4 easier than if I were 20 something fresh out of school. The only drawback could be your family situation (spouse, kids, etc)

[Anonymous]

I'm a 28 year-old Marine veteran who completed the audit internship with one of the Big Four firms, and will be starting full-time as a 1st year associate this coming Fall. I've never had any issues with the interns nor associates during my internship.

Frankly, if you're under 35 years, you're relatively young….no one is going to care whether you're 22 fresh out of college or 31 years old by the time you start with a firm.

[r00shine]

I agree. I am 31 and started at a big4 two years ago and have no trouble fitting in. All about your personality

[Fr0nt0ffice]

Mikey:
Big4BeanCounter:
r00shine:

Thanks guys so much for your posts, it really makes me feel better lol. I've seriously read so much about older candidates not fitting in as well with younger ppl who started right out of college (people who went to college right away at 18, so they were 23-25 when they started). But I'm a pretty personable and friendly guy, I don't think I would have much trouble fitting in with a younger crowd. I just hope they would be accepting of me.

[r00shine]

Yea, I'm sure you'll be fine. I feel like the age gaps at big4 is much much smaller than at most other companies.

[Author]

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