Landing a Job at a Big 4

Shannon holds a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University Schreyer Honors College and a Master’s in Comparative Literature, also from Penn State. Apart from her professional identity, she’s a wife, mom, farmer, and musician. If your school has career networking events, you can get to know professionals in the industry, or you can attend conferences and events—do it! Your biggest advantage for a foot in the door is to be connected in the profession, find mentors and sponsors, and learn from those with real-world experience. Considering how difficult it is to get a Big 4 job, having someone on the inside who knows your name and can vouch for your abilities is an invaluable benefit.

We’re looking for transformative leaders who go beyond a growth mindset to adopt an adventure mindset — just like I did! A Big Four firm receives tens of thousands of new applications every year. If you have the same resume they’ve seen a thousand times, you’re not going to stand out. Digital and data skills have become critical in the business environment across all industries, and the Big 4 have been pioneers in technology consultancy.

The Dark Side of the Big 4: 4 Challenges You Can’t Ignore”

• We’re looking for candidates who are lifelong learners and are curious about what’s possible.
• Professionals in these firms must constantly learn and adapt to new regulations, tools, and industry trends.
• Should I try to network before applying, get a reference, use LinkedIn more in my job search, etc…
• Candidates should remain focused and prepared to make the most of this opportunity.

Other Big 4 job applicants will have a great transcript; you should, too, if you want to be competitive among the candidates. If you’re currently in school, think about your future and put in the work now to excel in your classes and gain the foundational knowledge you need as an accounting professional. Learn all about your chances of landing one of these Big 4 jobs, average salaries for professionals at these firms, and how you can beat the odds to get a foot in the door. Despite the perks, such as generous vacation time and health benefits, the nature of the work means that employees must sometimes sacrifice their free time.

Big 4 roles require strong interpersonal and client-facing abilities. Understanding a firm’s key service lines and aligning your strengths with its mission helps you position yourself effectively. Candidates must undergo rigorous interviews and test sessions before landing a job at these prestigious organisations. It is a plus if you are proficient in using such programs as Excel, SAP, and financial modeling simulation software.

Who Audits KPMG? Revealed!

If you aim to get a Big 4 job offer and grow your career in public accounting, there’s nothing more powerful than becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Becker helps you understand what a CPA does, the benefits of earning your license, and the complete path to CPA licensure– starting with our free downloadable CPA Exam Guide ebook. You need excellent academic performance if you want to land a position at a Big 4 firm.

Big Four Auditor Salary

KPMG also offers a student loan program, allowing individuals working at the firm to access financial assistance of up to £7,000 to support their educational expenses. If you decide to work at the company, you will find numerous opportunities for professional advancement. KPMG’s dedicated Leadership and Development department is committed to providing you with the necessary training and resources to tackle challenges at work. However, in recent years the pressure to meet performance targets and win new business has created a culture of competition, despite the firm’s attempt to foster collaboration and teamwork. KPMG is a highly reputable accounting firm, but it ranks last when choosing among the Big 4 for career choice.

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You can also list the continuing professional education (CPE) courses you’ve completed, which will help you stand out in specific specializations. And, of course, review and re-review to make sure your resume is free of grammatical and formatting errors. The expectation to consistently perform at a high level, meet client demands, and manage the intricacies of complex projects can lead to stress. Even the smallest mistake or oversight can have far-reaching consequences, not only for the firm’s reputation but also for the employee’s career trajectory. You can experience a company culture at EY that nurtures collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.

The fast-paced nature of the work would require you to learn things on your feet. You must seek mentorship programs and stay close to the training and development programs in action. You shall need to build rather unique profiles with an intimate touch on diverse experiences and skills in order to stand out. Ensure you remain professional at all times throughout the application process. Dress well, be mindful of deadlines and be civil enough to follow up after interviews. Many Big Four audit how hard is it to get into a big 4 accounting firm firms will conduct assessment centre tests which will be made up of group exercises, case studies and presentations.

• If you don’t have a resume that grabs attention, you will likely never make it past the first round of the recruitment process.
• This can lead to late nights, weekends at the office, and even working through holidays.
• Many of the Big 4 firms do not expect their newly hired recent college graduates to already have their CPA license.
• However, joining finance courses will help one to clear the exam easily.
• This is the most important time of the year for Big 4 firms who invest millions of dollars into this two-month period (September & October).

Ernst & Young (EY) ranks as the third largest accounting firm among the prestigious Big 4. While trailing behind PwC and Deloitte in employee ratings, the company maintains a strong reputation within the industry. PwC is highly regarded for its focus on employee well-being and professional growth, offering ample opportunities for learning and development. PwC, in my opinion, stands out as the top choice among the Big 4 accounting firms. Most firms offer annual raises and promotion-based increments along with benefits like health insurance, study leave and training allowances. Working at a Big 4 firm not only provides a prestigious start to your career but also offers a competitive compensation package and a clearly defined path for advancement.

Understanding technology and having a high level of digital literacy will help you in your application to the Big 4. While the recruitment is different between firms, the following is some general steps you can expect from the application process. This has led to an assessment process that is based more on personality than experience.

How to Get Hired by Big Accounting Firms?

Growth in consulting is merit-based, with many professionals advancing to leadership roles within 5–7 years. Expect them to keep the conversation short and cut to the chase while interviewing candidates. They usually question the candidate on professional interests and career goals and having an area of specialisation helps in such a situation. Make your resume concise with proper formatting and attach a well-written cover letter. Make sure you use professional email templates for correspondence with recruitment officers from the firms.