[Anonymous]

I would like to why so many on this board do not like working in the big 4? Why so many of you guys stay for a short period of time? Does anybody recommend working at a regional firm? or Just work in the private sector and make the big bucks and less hours?

[Anonymous]

I think most people should start off by going to a Big 4 firm. It's a lot easier to leave Big 4 and go to a regional firm, than to do the opposite. Big 4 business models are intended to not have staff work for more than a few years. That is why people leave after only a short period of time. The Big 4 need tons of staff, few managers, and very few partners. Out of a class of 10, probably 1 will stay until manager.

[hgmosteller31]

When I was a senior, I really wanted to work for the Big 4 but I ended up at a small regional firm instead (about 30 employees) and I've never looked back. Most of my friends with the Big 4 and I'll get texts from them at 11:30 at night saying that they're just leaving work. Yes, it's good experience but at the same time I feel like I'm getting equal opportunities at my firm. I'm able to audit and do taxes and everything else in between so it's giving me an idea of what I like and what I don't like as well as giving me knowledge in all areas of public accounting.

FAR - 76
AUD - 71, 81
REG - 60, 82
BEC - 69, 70, 87!!!

[Keely]

For me, personally, I would never sacrifice my quality of life to be worked like a dog just because that's what people say you're supposed to do in the profession. Some will say, “Oh just work your 5 years and get out.” Again, I'm only speaking for me, but 5 years is a pretty long time to do something like that. Everyone is different though, and some say it isn't bad at all.

However, what you said about working in private industry and making the “big bucks,” that's not likely to happen unless you first start out in public accounting. The entry-level industry offers I had were many thousands less than what my public salary is. The less hours thing is true, though.

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[Anonymous]

It all depends on what you want out of your life. Some people don't want to sacrifice their lifestyles to work long hours, yet those long hours are what gives you the “experience” everyone talks about. In my opinion, working at a Big 4 firm and gaining that experience with SEC clients will do nothing but help you in your future career. I have no aspirations to become a partner, but the pace at which you climb the corporate ladder can be accelerated greatly if you put in a few years at a Big 4 firm.

And to the above poster who said about every 1 in 10 make manager, this past promotion year I know that 3 people were promoted to manager in Audit out of almost 75 in their start class. It's not easy, but it pays off once you decide to leave and start a new stage in your life with kids, etc.

[JUTTERB]

I've worked both and honestly prefer the regional firm experience. I feel there is more interaction with upper management (sr managers, driectors and partners) than what I saw at Big 4 as a staff or senior. Absolutely zero dropoff in the quality of clients, more money in your pocket, and more of a work/life balance.

FAR - PASSED 11/2009 - EXPIRED, PASSED 11/2012
REG - PASSED 1/2011 - EXPIRED, PASSED 11/2012
AUD - PASSED 5/2011
BEC - PASSED 11/2011
ETHICS - PASSED 12/2012

Licensed Colorado CPA

[Author]

Replies