Competition among these firms intensified, and the Big Eight became the Big Six in 1989. In that year, Ernst & Whinney merged with Arthur Young to form Ernst & Young in June, and Deloitte, Haskins & Sells merged with Touche Ross to form Deloitte & Touche in August. Since the 1980s, numerous mergers and one major scandal involving Arthur Andersen, have reduced the number of major professional-services firms from eight to four. If you’re a bit rusty, it’s not a bad idea to get some practice in before doing the real thing. So grab a friend and come up with questions to ask the recruiter at the firm in which you want to work. Big 4 recruiters look for team players with excellent communication skills and business acumen.
- It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly which firm pays the most as salaries can vary based on factors mentioned previously.
- To show how the recruitment process can work, we’ve provided an example of EY’s process.
- In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to secure a position at a Big 4 accounting firm, while also providing diverse perspectives from professionals who have walked that path.
- We have heard stories of students who had Big 4 internships with a 3.23 GPA and actually were able to get the internship over their competitive peer who had a 3.99.
- In this role, she ensures the courses maintain the highest standards envisioned by the organization, leveraging her expertise to meet the learning objectives of every student.
The moral of the story is that firms are looking for the overall package and aren’t just focusing on your grade point average. Determination plays a key role in being able to secure not just any job, but the one you want. The most important part of getting your foot in the door with a Big 4 firm is meeting up with them at a career fair – virtually or in-person. Securing a position at a Big 4 firm is highly competitive but the right strategies can significantly improve your chances. These approaches go beyond academic qualifications and help you stand out in a large pool of applicants.
Who Are the Big 4 Firms?
However, during the internship, you will have hands-on experience with how the company functions. You will also get thorough knowledge on things which will help you get a full-time job opportunity at the company. The internship will be a step towards your goal of gaining employment in a Big 4 accounting firm.
Average annual Big 4 salaries vs Non-Big 4 firms5
Learn about each firm and stay open to opportunities during the application process. On the opposite end, they will also get to know more about you and what you’re looking for; always remember that finding out whether or not employer and employee are a good fit goes both ways. You’ll be able to narrow down the companies/firms that you’re really interested in and continue to hone in your efforts accordingly. Many of the Big 4 firms do not expect their newly hired recent college graduates to already have their CPA license. They will definitely offer incentives and encouragement for them to obtain their CPA, but that’s a bit further down the road. When researching how to get a job in the Big 4, keep in mind that it is a lengthy and tough process.
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I joined EY in its Cleveland, Ohio, office in 1993, then moved within the firm to EY’s Silicon Valley office in 2000 to work with high-growth tech companies of the dot-com era. Over time, I cultivated an adventure mindset that helped me seize opportunities, like a transfer to Dubai. I also became an advocate for inclusive leadership and the power of diversity of thought.
EY (Ernest & Young)
She is smart and didn’t do badly at university, but she wasn’t getting top grades. She didn’t even really work, she worked 1-2 days a week at a cafe while she was studying. When she graduated she got multiple offers but decided to go with EY.
- Documents published in June 2010 show that some UK companies’ banking covenants required them to use one of the Big Four.
- Rather than waiting until after you graduate to begin applying for Big 4 jobs, start as soon as you can through the many internship programs that these firms offer.
- Many Big Four audit firms will conduct assessment centre tests which will be made up of group exercises, case studies and presentations.
- With the right preparation and effort, you can build asuccessful career.
- If you know what the Big 4 audit firms are looking for, you can be one step ahead to getting hired.
They are designed to test your comprehension ability in a business environment. The following example of the virtual recruitment process at EY will help you understand what it takes to get a job in the Big 4. Assists senior auditors in performing financial statement audits, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
Their expertise in risk, mergers, and modification makes themperfect for difficult challenges. According to Statista, The Big Four lead in accounting, auditingmajor companies, and advising governments. In 2024, their incorporated incometopped $212 billion, with Deloitte earning $67 billion. They hire over 1.5million people, more than the U.S. military’s 1.33 million active personnel.Their influence grows as businesses and governments depend on their expertise. In order to get in touch with firms this fall, the first option for any student is to join Beta Alpha Psi or another accounting society and go to the career fair. The meetings your organization hold will often have firm speakers with whom you can meet and request business cards right after the meeting.
Big 4 companies are highly selective when it comes to hiring new candidates. Unless your resume is stellar and stands out from others, you will not get an interview call from the Big 4 firms. Starting a job in the Big 4 firm offers freshers a strong professional foundation and a competitive how hard is it to get into a big 4 accounting firm advantage.
But if you find that yours is a bit lower than that, just work on your GPA for grad school, gain work experience, or take on leadership roles during your academic career. They’re essential to your shot with a great firm so that you can grab their attention with more than just a high GPA. Fall recruitments on college campuses are vital for candidates aiming to join the Big 4 firms. All the Big 4 companies show interest in these events for recruiting new employees and fresh interns. Candidates should remain focused and prepared to make the most of this opportunity.
