[TheGoodCPA]

I keep hearing all these horror stories about busy season but I’m actually super excited to start full time at the big 4.. I know the hours are long but it’s probably doable in my twenties plus absolutely no complaints about the pay. I interned last summer at a suburban california office and most people I met were pretty awesome.

Just wondering for the people who work at the big 4, anyone out there actually enjoy your work? (I need some hope)

Thanks

AUD - 83 (5/13/16)
FAR - 77 (7/20/16)
BEC - (8/12/16)
REG - (10/15/16)

[TheB4Newbie]

Yes, I do. Just started last year. Really enjoy what I do. I am in corporate tax, and pretty much everything and anything I get to do on a project-to-project basis or daily basis is still new and challenging, which makes my B4 experience exciting and interesting.

I enjoy the intensity of professional and technical challenge that only B4 can offer, and that s what builds my expertise and skills and expands my knowledge and understanding of the really gigs in Corporate America. You have to be self-motivating, proactive, and initiative in learning and growing though, because there is no one is going to force you to do anything or learning anything. I have seen people at my B4 who are very mediocre, not that many, but there are a few.

My office has a very competitive working environment, people are fighting for big projects like hyenas fighting for buffalo carcasses during drought season, and I assume it is likely to be the same at your B4 and your office, but hope that is not the case. Nonetheless, you have to go for what you want to do and put your voice out there, loud and repeatedly. Also really put your time and effort into making yourself stand out and strive for being a top performer. Then you will have the equity to leave and go into industry or other places proudly say you are from (your B4 name).

In 2014: (FAR + AUD + REG + BEC) / 4 = 95.0 < 95.5 Pitifully; But the job was done, regardless.

[Son]

TheGoodCPA, some of that excitement will wear off after the first year, but yeah, I still enjoy it a lot, and I have been with my firm for over 4 years now. The voices of those dissatisfied are usually the loudest, so while I'm not saying Big4s are perfect in any way I think they have a lot to offer.

AUD - passed
REG - passed
BEC - passed
FAR - passed

[gamerbigwannabe]

As a second year, I enjoy it. Not too sure how it'll be as a senior though. All the seniors I've worked with were always stressed out.

[Anonymous]

Some people love it. There are all kinds of people doing all kinds of jobs so it's not surprising that some are a good fit.

Where I work we like to hire accountants with 2-3 years B4 experience. On the other hand, if they have 5+ years in public, a lot struggle making the transition to the different demands and priorities in private, so we usually pass on those.

[Anonymous]

I'm finishing up my 2nd year and agree with the above posts. The good can be really good and the bad can be really bad. It's a roller coaster ride that can definitely age you after awhile. Nothin beats “working” from home a few days a week and 6 weeks of vacation/ easy training. I probably have another year in me at most.

[Anonymous]

[Author]

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