[pnielsen1982]

To take your mind off studying for a few minutes, I have a question for you to ponder about…

I got into a conversation with a friend about how you never see overweight people (women especially) in public accounting – especially at Big 4 firms. My friend thinks I’m crazy, but I seriously can’t think a single person I went to school with that was overweight and got in with a Big 4 firm. I can’t even think of one that got on with a local firm.

So, I’m curious to see what you guys think about this. For those of you that actually work at Big 4 firms, do you work with people who are overweight? Did you guys go to school with anyone who was overweight and got into public accounting? Help settle the debate.

CA licensed CPA

AUD - 08/31/13 - 84
BEC - 11/26/13 - 84
FAR - 08/10/14 - 85
REG - 11/30/14 - 72, 02/20/15 - 87

What have I gotten myself into?

[Anonymous]

My intern class last summer didn't have a single overweight person in it. Big 4.

Not sure where you're going with this though.

[pnielsen1982]

I'm not going anywhere with this. I hadn't really thought about it until I had this conversation with my friend, but then I was like, “Wow, you really never do see overweight people in public accounting.” Just curious if other people have observed the same thing, or if it just here, or what.

CA licensed CPA

AUD - 08/31/13 - 84
BEC - 11/26/13 - 84
FAR - 08/10/14 - 85
REG - 11/30/14 - 72, 02/20/15 - 87

What have I gotten myself into?

[mikiluv]

if anything, i've seen classmates put on weight as 1-3 years go by? Definitelyyyyy alot more plumpy after working…but maybe its just your body changing after college?

like me 😛

[Anonymous]

People around here claim that Big 4 hires attractive individuals (men and women). Of course they'd never disclose that they do that, that's not fair to other candidates, and it may not even be true at all, but like you said, look around at who's hired at Big 4. It's obviously a generalization, but I see why you'd post this. I've been through campus recruiting and all of the candidates who went to the 2nd round in house interviews were NOT fat, and they were attractive.

[floacct]

I ‘ve always said better looking people will get a job over others everything else being equal. I also always follow that up with the comment that I didn't make the world I just live in it so don't get upset with me. It's just the way it is. Any company that interacts with the public is always going to hire th e best looking people they can find.

[Anonymous]

I work with some big 4 auditors….no way do they only hire attractive people haha

[Anonymous]

Oh and now that I think about it, I do know of one of our external auditors (big 4) who is pretty overweight. I'm in IA for a publicly traded company & a big 4 firm does our audit.

[stoleway]

Overweight, overweight, overweight……I know how this will end eventually…lol

Would love to contribute but I cant, just out of respect for people who fall into this category.

REG -63│ 84!!
BEC- 59│70│ 71 │78!
AUD- 75!
FAR- 87!

Mass-CPA

[pnielsen1982]

I appreciate everyone's comments. I didn't realize the topic would be offensive to some or raise questions, so I apologize. I myself am overweight and found it to be more interesting than offensive/upsetting.

CA licensed CPA

AUD - 08/31/13 - 84
BEC - 11/26/13 - 84
FAR - 08/10/14 - 85
REG - 11/30/14 - 72, 02/20/15 - 87

What have I gotten myself into?

[Anonymous]

My office is filled with skinny model looking type people. It's great. But, yes, we do have some bigger people.. including a pretty giant guy. He keeps to himself..

[h0wdyus]

Interesting topic. Should be discussed objectively. I have gained about 15 lbs from the time I started taking the exams. I plan to loose that extra weight after I pass the exam. I have seen a few overweight auditors, so I guess it is okay to be overweight as long as you can deliver the goods. One thing about human nature is, every one likes attractive people.

FAR - 81 29th Aug 2013
AUD - 84
REG - 82
BEC - 89 29th Aug 2014
Using Yager

FROM NJ

[Mamabear]

I can say without a doubt that not all Big4 auditors are attractive, but I honestly can't remember any working on our engagements that were overweight. I'm not sure why that is. Maybe they are too busy to remember to eat. That's a problem I don't recall having in my life…ever. I've been plenty busy, but forgetting to eat, not a chance!

CPA Exam - Finally DONE (November 2014)
BEC (08/10/13) 80
AUD (08/24/13) 65 (11/13/13) 85
FAR (04/12/14) 81
REG (07/19/14) 69 (11/29/14) 87!!

[teeteenounouche]

I'm sitting in training and I am the only overweight person…I guess I nailed my interviews! Having my CPA license may have helped a tad also 🙂 lol I do notice that I have lost a few ponds since I started so busy season should make me a stunner!

Florida:
AUD: 73, 81! Thank you Lord!
BEC: 73, 77! Thank you Lord! and WTB
REG: 71, 82! Thank you Lord! and A71
FAR: 72, 78! Thank you God and my Mommy in Heaven!

CPA Excel, Ninja Notes & Audio, Wiley Test Bank, CPAreviewforfree

[UHC2005]

I'm not fat, I'm fluffy!

Using Ninja MCQ, NINJA Notes, Audio, Flashcards and BLITZ, and 2014 Wiley Text

FAR - (61,63)
AUD - (68)

Keep Calm and RTMFQ

Accountant, what is best in life? To crush your MCQs, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentation of their SIMS!

[Anonymous]

One of our seniors left for Big 4. He was a fat body. But in general, yes the Big 4 hires tend to be in better shape and/or more attractive.

Not that I necessarily agree with it, but it makes sense- the Big 4 end game is to be a Partner (aka sales person). All other things being equal, people trust attractive individuals vs unattractive nearly every time.

[Author]

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