[Anonymous]

Out of the top mid-tier firms, which is the best? Or which would you prefer to work for and why?

RSM, Grant Thornton, BDO?

[maxb]

Those who know, know not to go to BDO. GT is probably best out of those three from what i've heard.

[Anonymous]

Haha why do you say that about BDO? That's funny. I recently checked out their youtube videos and have to admit, it was pretty cringey AF.

I think I would like the culture and people at RSM the most, but I think Grant Thornton probably has the most prestige and would look the best on a resume.

Curious what everyone else thinks.

[maxb]

go to big 4 if possible. Large mid size is all the hassle of big 4 but with not as good technology, shitter clients, and all around more headaches in my opinion. For all the BS you may have to put up with at Big 4, their technology, tools, and overall processes don't even come close to any other firm. Obviously, if you dont have a choice, then those three firms are fine but I would almost rather go small CPA firm over the headache of a midsize/large firm.

[shawn in VA]

none . They are all sweat shops. If you take the yearly salary / number of hours. It comes out to like $15 and hour for a new staff. Better off selling cars or working at General Mills putting cereal in a box.

[shawn in VA]

after taxes… its like $12 an hour. Factor in gas, parking costs, wear and tear on car, cost of lunch, tolls, your down to like $10 an hour. Better of sitting at home .

[Anonymous]

Just about any CPA firm that has prestige and looks good on your resume will work you over 60+ hours per week. 80+ if you work for the Big 4.

Not sure what kind of technology issues there are particularly with the mid-tier firms, but as someone who has spent several years working up manual files and workpapers, I wouldn't consider that much of an issue.

[TommyTheCat]

agree with shawn, get the experience at big 4 and then get out after a few years and you'll be much happier you did.

[Anonymous]

Fascinating. However, my question has nothing to do with the Big 4.

[NotYourAverageCPA]

I began my career with GT and had a really great experience. Their salaries are competitive, you have the opportunity to try different service lines, offices are newly redone, partners are approachable. I left to go into private and my being at GT and not Big 4 did not hold me back whatsoever.

It's what you make of it, but you can be successful going to a national firm, rather than big 4.

FAR - PASS
AUD - PASS
REG - PASS
BEC - PASS

NY CPA- Licensed Jan 2016
CISA Exam - Passed June 2016

[NeedsA75]

My Dad works for BDO, and my wife used to. I have several very close friends that used to work for them until recently as well. I would not recommend working for them based on everything I've heard

[waffle_house]

Go with the firm with the most tolerable people 🙂

[reallytired]

I'm clearly biased, but I work at GT and love it here. Been here almost a year and have zero intentions of leaving. My coworkers are fun, we have cool clients, the managers and partners are awesome. All around a good company to work for. Yeah you will probably make more at a big 4 but I think that GT has the best of both worlds. We get a good salary, work the crazy busy season hours, but also get to take tons of time off, leave early on Fridays when it isn't busy season, go to big fancy dinners with the partners. I am just a big fan of the company!

B 10/29/16
A 10/1/16
R 9/2/16
F 7/26/16

[EastCoastGirl22]

@BrickellCPA – you seem very confident in your responses for someone who is asking questions 🙂 People are bringing up the Big4 in response to your post for a reason. As someone who left RSM for a Big4 firm, I can tell you it would be a much better start for you in the long run, for multiple reasons. If you are a newly certified CPA and you can get in, def worth considering Big4 (and no, I do not work 80+ hours a week). Not everything you hear/read is true 🙂

[Anonymous]

Yea I'm interested in responses regarding those specific firms, which is why I listed them specifically. If you are going to provide a general response like “they are sweatshops, work for Big 4 instead” I'm not interested.

I mean read the question:

“Out of the top mid-tier firms, which is the best? Or which would you prefer to work for and why?

RSM, Grant Thornton, BDO?”

Where does it say anything regarding opinions about the Big 4?

[maxb]

dude you should def go work for bdo it's a great firm. They are the best because you will learn a lot and really enjoy the work your getting. Enjoy!

[Author]

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