[shanek327]

As far as hours worked go in the busy season, what is a realistic expectation for hours/week, etc.

FAR - 75
AUD - 78
BEC - 82
REG - 77

2 Corinthians 5:21

Our value does not come from our skills and abilities, as good as they may be; it does not come from our GPA, our job, a promotion from that job to a better job, our success on the CPA exam, or anything of the like; but our value comes from the fact that we have a Creator who loves us, cares for us, and desires to help us navigate the rough waters of this life in a way that provides security, hope, and true, everlasting joy while we anticipate the life to come, with Him.

[Anonymous]

size of company/region?

[shanek327]

Top 10, northeast I'm in nj

FAR - 75
AUD - 78
BEC - 82
REG - 77

2 Corinthians 5:21

Our value does not come from our skills and abilities, as good as they may be; it does not come from our GPA, our job, a promotion from that job to a better job, our success on the CPA exam, or anything of the like; but our value comes from the fact that we have a Creator who loves us, cares for us, and desires to help us navigate the rough waters of this life in a way that provides security, hope, and true, everlasting joy while we anticipate the life to come, with Him.

[Anonymous]

I have friends who work in that area at mid tier firms who claim that during busy season they never worked past 7-8. I'm at a Big 4 and I worked until 10:00-11:00 most nights. So I guess somewhere within that range is a valid expectation?

[Anonymous]

Yeah. Go into it expecting 8-10 and working weekends. Then if you don't have to work as much, you'll have free time u were not expecting.

[Ntw6817]

8am -10pm is probably what it will end up being but I know some days we do 8-12. Busy season doesn't last forever though. Just need to keep in mind that the end will come

[Anonymous]

I work at a top 10 accounting firm, I worked til 7-8 almost every night but there were others that worked until midnight. It all depends on the type of clients you are assign(public vs private, filing deadlines etc)

[Anonymous]

Don't forget about your level. My senior would always send me home 1-2 hours before he'd leave.

[Anonymous]

@bae-bae that could have been a big green light that you were bugging the hell out of him/her. Wouldnt go bragging about that

[Thrawn]

Thanks all for reminding me again why I am not in public.

BEC 87 Feb 14
REG 84 Apr 14
FAR 82 Nov 14
AUD 86 Feb 15

[Mayo]

Big 4 = no work life balance

Mid tier/Regional/National = Either, A.) No work life balance due to undercutting Big 4 with budgets or B.) Better work life balance than Big 4 to varying degrees.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[juuustin]

Careful painting with such a big brush. I started at a Big 4 in the middle of january and worked one 60 hour week the entire busy season. One Saturday only as well. I spent the entire month of March in NYC and never worked past 10pm, while taking hour lunches and getting to work at 9:30am.

Now from April until next busy season I work 40 hours a week however I want them (4 10's, 4 9's and half day, etc etc).

I'd say my work-life balance is absolutely fantastic.

MD Candidate: 10/1/14

FAR - 87 (11/23/14)
REG - 87 (1/30/15)
BEC - 89 (4/19/15)
AUD - 98 (5/30/15)

Ethics - 100

Experience - In Progress!

[Mayo]

“Careful painting with such a big brush. I started at a Big 4 in the middle of January and worked one 60 hour week the entire busy season. “

Good point. I'm referring to moving from your second year on. First year is definitely a lot more laid back than the subsequent years. However, it does certainly accelerate from there.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Anonymous]

The OP is asking for realistic expectations. 1 60 hour week and 1 Saturday only is not super realistic (can happen I guess but I would not bet on it). There were some people in my first year class that never had to work on Sunday but Saturdays were normal in the heat of busy season and everyone had weeks that went well above 60.

[Anonymous]

So glad I'm not in public any more.. I stroll into work anywhere between 9-10am and leave between 4-6pm.

Our auditors are here year round and have been known to stay at the nearby hotel after working 16+ hours days.

[GotCPA]

It really depends on the client, but as an entry level, you're probably looking around 55 to 60 hours. How late you get off also depends on how early/late you start in the morning, and how much you get done for the day. There is no set time frame. Also, Saturdays are pretty normal during busy season but don't forget most auditor leave at 5:30 on Fridays because they work on saturdays. So it sort of feels like the weekend? not really but you feel good leaving “early” on fridays

[Author]

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