<p>It seems that nowadays, anybody with an Accounting degree could get into a Big4 firm. My state school which is considered a non-target by banks and consulting firms sent ~60 kids to the Big 4 firms last year.</p>
<p>That said, what makes people go "Oooh Aaaaah" by them?</p>
<p>Sorry for my ignorance.</p>
<p>Yeah, I personally know 3 people who are less-than-par in academics, and 2 went to KPMG, other to Deloitte or however you spell it.</p>
<p>I'm not impressed too by the throngs of people that heads to big accounting and consulting firms, but I think people are swayed by good salary offer, brand name recognition on their resume and for the most part, get to travel or to be able to work in a relatively urban area. Coming out of college, most people are blinded by the lure of money and a nice place to live in. You will see that most people want the edge when they switch companies in 3-4 years with a recognized company on their resume or applying to business schools, etc.</p>
<p>The Big 4 are regarded as the apex for accounting jobs. They are the hardest to get and require the best grades. In a sense, they are akin to graduating from an IVY school because most people who worked there had top notch grades.Moreover, jobs there can provide a lot of sophistication with big audits and even international knowledge. People working there make connections with large firms that can lead to some nice job offers.</p>
<p>Depends what firm you look at, if you don't think Big 4 is slightly competitive you are wrong. Take a look at the best firm right here.</p>
<p>Deloitte:
Applicants for entry-level jobs</p>
<p>2005: 16,151*</p>
<p>2006: 45,369*</p>
<p>2007: 52,880*</p>
<p>Entry-level hires</p>
<p>2005: 1,581*</p>
<p>2006: 1,995*</p>
<p>2007: 1,996*</p>
<p>Deloitte</a> & Touche profile for young professionals: BusinessWeek</p>
<p>That's all that needs to said about that. Also the *<strong><em>ty and average workers, typically people with the work ethics that amount to 3.0-3.4 GPAs get weeded out in the first year or so. They just can't keep up with the busy season. Smart and motivated workers such as myself excel at Big 4. Outside employers know that Big 4 veterans are competent and have extremely good work ethics. Who wouldn't wanted want such an employee? Let's not forget the experience and training you get. You can't get this kind of *</em></strong> at most jobs. If you aren't impressed by it, then you obviously haven't done an internship at one (busy season).</p>
<p>
[quote]
The Big 4 are regarded as the apex for accounting jobs. They are the hardest to get and require the best grades. In a sense, they are akin to graduating from an IVY school because most people who worked there had top notch grades.Moreover, jobs there can provide a lot of sophistication with big audits and even international knowledge. People working there make connections with large firms that can lead to some nice job offers.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I dunno if you could say big 4 firms are comporable to IVYs on the resume. I read somewhere that anyone with about a 3.3 and above are pretty much guaranteed an audit position if they are an accounting major at an AACSB (spelling?) accredited school. </p>
<p>I mean c'mon, 3.3 is rlly not that hard to get; at my business school, grades are so inflated that you have to try to get a C and A's are pretty easy to get.</p>
<p>Uhh I don't know about just a 3.3. Yea it's possible but your chances are not guarenteed or great at all. Also check if they are minority or extremely good looking. That comes into play.</p>
<p>Having Big 4 on your resume does wonders. I'd know since it got me mad internships afterwards (Before starting Deloitte full-time) for money.</p>
<p>So I guess it's not just getting into the Big4, but surviving that counts? I have read that 5 years at a Big4 allows one to have some very good exit opps, especially in the finance division of a company.</p>
<p>I guess out of all the students that get hired (a lot) only those that survive for 4~5 yrs or more are the ones that get the benefits.</p>
<p>Do you like your job dawgie?</p>
<p>lionheart, did you not look at the statistic I just posted? I wouldn't call that a lot. No you don't need 5 years+ to reap the benefits. A few years will suffice, ideally the longer you stay the more marketable you will be. I've only interned 1 busy season, but it's a lot better than most jobs. Something that is overlooked is that you are working with a lot of people around your age. Which is a lot more fun than working with people 10 + years older than you all day.</p>
<p>I've been wondering the same thing lately.</p>
<p>I'm currently doing some consulting work at KPMG with an ex-EY employee that's a friend of my dad (who is also an ex-Big4 employee) and he basically said that the people that want to go are the people that buy into the "crap they feed you". He said that basically you just deal with a bunch of crap from the partners and they pay you a decent amount. Also, instead of things getting better as you progress in the company, you only deal with more BS/politics from the partners and they get you to stay by paying you more.</p>
<p>When I was about 13-14 my dad got me an internship at EY and while I found it cool because they paid my lunch, taxi, and then paid me at the end of the summer, it made me realize just how <em>blah</em> the entire thing is. You have people BSing things to look for the partners and then the partners pretty mcuh do whatever they want and treat you however they want (although in a somewhat professional manner, of course). Working there and seeing the day to day BS made me realize just how different it is from what most recruiters and accounting professors say it is.</p>
<p>As for the money, I think it's good for a college grad and it's just "good" until you hit partner ($250k), but that's after 11-13 years... if you're lucky/kiss enough butt. Also, a good chunk (+35%) of your pay goes away after taxes. I don't know about you guys, but I'd rather be making around $150/hr doing consulting work and be able to deduct business expenses.</p>
<p>To the people saying it helps on resumes: sure, if you're trying to be employed by someone else. Once you break from that company, GL trying to convince anyone to hire you as a consultant based on the fact that you worked at [insert Big 4 name here].</p>
<p>Put it this way, everyone of the people I am friends with that worked at these companies have told me to "not drink the kool-aid" and that I'd be better off doing consulting work instead of being at the mercy of the partners.</p>
<p>Just my 2 cents.</p>
<p>mag00 What's your job? "Doing some consulting work" doesn't fully describe what your job is. Yea you are right, I'd rather be making $150/hr, 40 hours a week, all year around. Sorry, but who wouldn't?</p>
<p>You claim that you have to deal with BS/politics, but sorry buddy that's life, hence the experience you get from it makes a Big 4 veteran even more desirable. Now let's talk about the fact you have to listen to partners and they control you. Once again, that's <strong><em>ing life, I don't know many jobs where someone doesn't order you around and you make their *</em></strong>.</p>
<p>So you are pretty much saying it's not good for your resume, because it would be tough to convince someone to hire you as a consultant? Sorry but why the **** would an accountant apply as a consultant? If you are going to make an argument about it not being good for your resume, atleast judge it in its own field (Accounting). You could even debate that having Big 4 experience is worthless when looking for the more lucrative jobs in industry. Good look arguing that though, as Big 4 experience is highly demanded for industry jobs.</p>
<p>Sorry mag00, but your post was awful, and had to be dissected and picked apart.</p>