[cpamang]

Hello everyone,

I have a question for those of you that have experience working for a big 4 firm. I’m currently working for a small regional firm and have three years of audit experience doing everything from planning audits to preparing financial statement. I deal directly with my clients. I’m currently a senior, but will be a manager in January. What position would I start in if I joined a big 4 firm?

Thanks

[Kyle]

Probably S1. Big 4 typically wants you at Senior for 2-3 years before promoting you to manager so that they can train you their way. I had 1 year as a senior when I went to Big 4 and they started me as an A2 (second year staff).

My advice is that unless you are dead set on leaving public at some point, don't go Big 4. I started off at a regional firm as well and left for Big 4 for the pay bump. I was there for 2 years before going back to the regional firm. It's very political, can be cut throat, and the hours put a major strain on my marriage. Some folks love it and are ‘built' for it, but I was not one of those.

[Author]

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