Working for a big four company...

[Xcobra]

I have one more year in college and I am doing an internship with PricewaterhouseCoopers (in SF) this summer (starts monday actually). I am mainly going to be concerned with international tax returns. Hopefully it is not as bad and don't change my mind about tax. They said that 90% chance they'll offer me a job after graduation. What do you guys think? I was thinking about going for KPMG, but I am not sure exactly about a big four company. I know there is room to grow but what about going regional?

Thanks!

UPDATE: Just finished the internship last week. Turns out they made me an offer. Just got the letter on an e-mail. They are offering me 53K, 15 days vacation (to increase to 25 after a couple of years). Dont know the rest as I haven't gotten an official offer package. 99% sure ill accept it. What do you think? Good starting point?

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Really good chances. My friend worked at KPMG last summer and she's starting in the fall. What are you doing specifically there? Audit?

 

[SSSnail]

If you don't make partners in 2 years, be prepared to move.

 

[Epic Fail]

Originally posted by: SSSnail
If you don't make partners in 2 years, be prepared to move.

No one will stay put after 2 years.

 

[Koing]

Stay, get your ACA done and then move along.

You will put hrs down, but thats because your at a big firm. You are a number, you are not special, you are a grunt worker etc.

I know quite a lot of guys that are there. You will like it, a lot of graduates and it is fun.

BUT your pay rises are pretty standard and once you are fully qualified you can make some decent dough.

Koing

 

[Reel]

I agree with Koing. It is a good experience but you have to approach it from the right mentality. They are going to use you to get cheap grunt labor out of you. You need to use them to get good experience for your next job out of them. It is a cruel existence but if you keep the right mindset, you will be able to handle it long enough to improve your lot for later in life. Having a Big 4 name on your resume will really boost you on the next job. A partner in a South Florida accounting firm told me if an applicant has a Big 4 firm on their resume, their rate goes up instantly. I worked for PwC but I did not work in the accounting side. I worked in their Advisory branch. If you get an internship, you are already a top choice because it is harder to get an internship than a full time job. The job is yours to lose. As long as you are professional, hard working, and generally liked, you will get a full time job out of it. You have to really screw up to not get a job offer. Also, plan on going nuts working this summer. You will make more as an intern than as an associate because of the overtime. Grab as much OT as you can and put some money in the bank.

 

[Gibson486]

My gf did a stint at Deloitte during college and my cousin did one for PWC. It opened LOTS of doors for both. My gf always got interviews with in hours of submitting applications and she still gets phone calls from different companies. That said, she also realized that working for the big 4 after college means having to sacrifice alot. most people who are at that company re only there for the money. They usually hate the job b/c it requires so many hours (60 hr work weeks are the norm). Once you say you are gonna leave, they just throw more money at you.

 

[CptObvious]

Unrelated questions but I'd thought I'd ask them here instead of starting a new thread. I'm thinking about going back to college to study accounting. Assuming one gets an offer from the big 4, are they flexible with where you work, or are you confined to the area where you graduated? Also, which areas require the most/least travel? Thanks

 

[JJChicken]

Originally posted by: Xcobra
I have one more year in college and I am doing an internship with PricewaterhouseCoopers (in SF) this summer (starts monday actually). I am mainly going to be concerned with international tax returns. Hopefully it is not as bad and don't change my mind about tax. They said that 90% chance they'll offer me a job after graduation. What do you guys think? I was thinking about going for KPMG, but I am not sure exactly about a big four company. I know there is room to grow but what about going regional?

Thanks!

Take your internship seriously, and work as hard as possible. DOn't take the grad offer as given. I kinda did take it as given during my internship, and I'm counting my blessings they offered me in the end!

Even if you hate the work, work as hard, be as polite, look as enthusiastic as possible!

Good luck!

I think there's quite a bit of opportunity to go regional in big 4 but I don't know how it is like in the states, over here in Aus they are good jobs.

 

[JJChicken]

Originally posted by: CptObvious
Unrelated questions but I'd thought I'd ask them here instead of starting a new thread. I'm thinking about going back to college to study accounting. Assuming one gets an offer from the big 4, are they flexible with where you work, or are you confined to the area where you graduated? Also, which areas require the most/least travel? Thanks

I'd think you can apply for positions in other regions pretty easily, there's a decent shortage in professional accounting. Most travel will be audit, whereas other areas you will be working in the same building most of the time.

 

[JJChicken]

gah i got to go study equity accounting for my finals on monday

gnite at accountants

 

[Jawo]

Be prepared to work 10-12+ hrs a day and get paid very well. I had some friends who went there after college, and got out after two years because they had NO life and were constantly working.

 

[E equals MC2]

My friend got a job at PWHC in Boston 3 yrs ago.

She was absolutely miserable. She was getting only paid high 40s too.

 

[kstu]

Originally posted by: Xcobra
I was thinking about going for KPMG.

PWC > KPMG

 

[imported_Lothar]

My best friend works for KPMG.

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: Xcobra
I have one more year in college and I am doing an internship with PricewaterhouseCoopers (in SF) this summer (starts monday actually). I am mainly going to be concerned with international tax returns. Hopefully it is not as bad and don't change my mind about tax. They said that 90% chance they'll offer me a job after graduation. What do you guys think? I was thinking about going for KPMG, but I am not sure exactly about a big four company. I know there is room to grow but what about going regional?

Thanks!

You don't want to go with KPMG; they're a joke among large public accounting firms. It's pretty much known that their technology is outdated and behind everyone else.

And to answer your question, you definetly want to be in public accounting upon graduation. You won't find a better position anywhere else that will give you as much experience, not to mention the wonders it will do for your resume. There is definetly room to grow.

Also, keep your grades up and if you can, complete the 150 credit requirement before you start working (if 150 credits are required in your state). I can't tell you how much I regret not completing 150 before starting my career. Now Im working while going to graduate school part-time trying to earn my M.S. and meet thr 150 credit requirement. It's a bit stressfull.

 

[Xcobra]

Thanks guys! Appreciate the input. I have been told that KPMG is probably not a good choice and just wanted to get others' opinions. I did get an interview with them and were very impressed with my background. But turns out that they had no room for tax people. Now that I look back, I could've gone for the audit internship. Although the class I took last semester, I hated it. But I will still have to do it to get my hours for the CPA.

As for the 150 unit requirement, I am doing so. That's the reason I am taking 5 years to graduate. So what I did is double-concentration: accounting and financial management. Worked perfectly. So I am certain to get the 150 units. I am doing pretty well (could do better). Mainly As and Bs (aside from an F i got freshman year and a few Cs in my sophmore year) so I think I'm doing pretty decent.

How about studying for the CPA? I know once I pass it, many doors will open.

 

[Gibson486]

Originally posted by: Xcobra
Thanks guys! Appreciate the input. I have been told that KPMG is probably not a good choice and just wanted to get others' opinions. I did get an interview with them and were very impressed with my background. But turns out that they had no room for tax people. Now that I look back, I could've gone for the audit internship. Although the class I took last semester, I hated it. But I will still have to do it to get my hours for the CPA.

As for the 150 unit requirement, I am doing so. That's the reason I am taking 5 years to graduate. So what I did is double-concentration: accounting and financial management. Worked perfectly. So I am certain to get the 150 units. I am doing pretty well (could do better). Mainly As and Bs (aside from an F i got freshman year and a few Cs in my sophmore year) so I think I'm doing pretty decent.

How about studying for the CPA? I know once I pass it, many doors will open.

hahaha....my gf took the auditing class and she loved it....but she said the class was hard as hell.

The thing about a CPA is that lots of people do not want to do it. The responsibility you have is huge and in some cases companies will hold you completely liable for mistakes. I have no idea because I am an engineer, but my gf is an accountant and wa sgonna get her cpa. Her last internship was working with 4 CPAs doing CPA work. She did not enjoy it at all.

 

[Atomic Playboy]

Originally posted by: DLeRium
Really good chances. My friend worked at KPMG last summer and she's starting in the fall. What are you doing specifically there? Audit?

My cousin worked at KPMG last summer and is starting in the fall... Is your friend named Heather by any chance?

 

[Gibson486]

Originally posted by: Atomic Playboy

Originally posted by: DLeRium
Really good chances. My friend worked at KPMG last summer and she's starting in the fall. What are you doing specifically there? Audit?

My cousin worked at KPMG last summer and is starting in the fall... Is your friend named Heather by any chance?

I do not know who Heather is, but can we demand pics by any chance

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: Gibson486

Originally posted by: Xcobra
Thanks guys! Appreciate the input. I have been told that KPMG is probably not a good choice and just wanted to get others' opinions. I did get an interview with them and were very impressed with my background. But turns out that they had no room for tax people. Now that I look back, I could've gone for the audit internship. Although the class I took last semester, I hated it. But I will still have to do it to get my hours for the CPA.

As for the 150 unit requirement, I am doing so. That's the reason I am taking 5 years to graduate. So what I did is double-concentration: accounting and financial management. Worked perfectly. So I am certain to get the 150 units. I am doing pretty well (could do better). Mainly As and Bs (aside from an F i got freshman year and a few Cs in my sophmore year) so I think I'm doing pretty decent.

How about studying for the CPA? I know once I pass it, many doors will open.

hahaha....my gf took the auditing class and she loved it....but she said the class was hard as hell.

The thing about a CPA is that lots of people do not want to do it. The responsibility you have is huge and in some cases companies will hold you completely liable for mistakes. I have no idea because I am an engineer, but my gf is an accountant and wa sgonna get her cpa. Her last internship was working with 4 CPAs doing CPA work. She did not enjoy it at all.

If you want a career in accounting, you must get your CPA. Otherwise, you're just a glorified bookkeeper. Before I started in public accounting, I interned in the private sector, in the tax dept. Although I enjoyed it and it wasn't public tax, I feel that there is more experience to be gained in audit. Audit will teach how how a company is run, from the bottom to the top.

 

[KeithTalent]

My ex-wife is a tax manager at E&Y and loves it compared to her old firm, which was pretty small. The first years are always tough at these places because they work you to the bone, but if you work hard and stay commited you can make partner and live the high life, assuming that's what you want to do.

I can't imagine someone making partner in only two years right out of school though. Not sure what those guys are talking about.

KT

 

[Gibson486]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

Originally posted by: Gibson486

Originally posted by: Xcobra
Thanks guys! Appreciate the input. I have been told that KPMG is probably not a good choice and just wanted to get others' opinions. I did get an interview with them and were very impressed with my background. But turns out that they had no room for tax people. Now that I look back, I could've gone for the audit internship. Although the class I took last semester, I hated it. But I will still have to do it to get my hours for the CPA.

As for the 150 unit requirement, I am doing so. That's the reason I am taking 5 years to graduate. So what I did is double-concentration: accounting and financial management. Worked perfectly. So I am certain to get the 150 units. I am doing pretty well (could do better). Mainly As and Bs (aside from an F i got freshman year and a few Cs in my sophmore year) so I think I'm doing pretty decent.

How about studying for the CPA? I know once I pass it, many doors will open.

hahaha....my gf took the auditing class and she loved it....but she said the class was hard as hell.

The thing about a CPA is that lots of people do not want to do it. The responsibility you have is huge and in some cases companies will hold you completely liable for mistakes. I have no idea because I am an engineer, but my gf is an accountant and wa sgonna get her cpa. Her last internship was working with 4 CPAs doing CPA work. She did not enjoy it at all.

If you want a career in accounting, you must get your CPA. Otherwise, you're just a glorified bookkeeper. Before I started in public accounting, I interned in the private sector, in the tax dept. Although I enjoyed it and it wasn't public tax, I feel that there is more experience to be gained in audit. Audit will teach how how a company is run, from the bottom to the top.

She knows that, but she is not even sure if she wants to pursue accounting anymore. Personally, I do not blame her. She is outgoing and uplifting type and I really do not think accounting fits her well. She is the type of person who needs a job where you do not sit in an office all day crunching numbers (that's me, but my job does not require that). I want her to atleast try audting though, but she is kind of scared of it.



she actually talked to me about iy yesterday too. She has no idea what she can do with an accounting degree besides accounting. I just told her that the sky is the limit and she needs to really buck down and force her way into a field that she may like.

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: Gibson486

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

Originally posted by: Gibson486

Originally posted by: Xcobra
Thanks guys! Appreciate the input. I have been told that KPMG is probably not a good choice and just wanted to get others' opinions. I did get an interview with them and were very impressed with my background. But turns out that they had no room for tax people. Now that I look back, I could've gone for the audit internship. Although the class I took last semester, I hated it. But I will still have to do it to get my hours for the CPA.

As for the 150 unit requirement, I am doing so. That's the reason I am taking 5 years to graduate. So what I did is double-concentration: accounting and financial management. Worked perfectly. So I am certain to get the 150 units. I am doing pretty well (could do better). Mainly As and Bs (aside from an F i got freshman year and a few Cs in my sophmore year) so I think I'm doing pretty decent.

How about studying for the CPA? I know once I pass it, many doors will open.

hahaha....my gf took the auditing class and she loved it....but she said the class was hard as hell.

The thing about a CPA is that lots of people do not want to do it. The responsibility you have is huge and in some cases companies will hold you completely liable for mistakes. I have no idea because I am an engineer, but my gf is an accountant and wa sgonna get her cpa. Her last internship was working with 4 CPAs doing CPA work. She did not enjoy it at all.

If you want a career in accounting, you must get your CPA. Otherwise, you're just a glorified bookkeeper. Before I started in public accounting, I interned in the private sector, in the tax dept. Although I enjoyed it and it wasn't public tax, I feel that there is more experience to be gained in audit. Audit will teach how how a company is run, from the bottom to the top.

She knows that, but she is not even sure if she wants to pursue accounting anymore. Personally, I do not blame her. She is outgoing and uplifting type and I really do not think accounting fits her well. She is the type of person who needs a job where you do not sit in an office all day crunching numbers (that's me, but my job does not require that). I want her to atleast try audting though, but she is kind of scared of it.

Yea, I completely understand that. Public accounting is grouling and can take a toll on you. Most people just work their few years in public and then take a job in the private sector, where the atmosphere is more laid back and the hours are more family-oriented.

 

[kstu]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
I can't imagine someone making partner in only two years right out of school though. Not sure what those guys are talking about.

That would be a joke. If you were an absolute all-star employee, you might make partner in 10-12 years. That's the absolute minimum.