The Big 4 Accounting Firms – What To Do If You Don’t Get In
Posted on October 3, 2011 | No Comments
Theresa Johnson asked:
On average approximately 2000 or more entry level positions become available at what is termed the “Big Four” Accounting Firms (PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Ernest & Young, KPMG). With a candidate pool of several hundred thousand, it is quite difficult to get noticed by recruiters from these “Big Four Accounting Firms.
Campus recruiters from these “Big Four” accounting firms only seek the most qualified candidates. However, what we found out is many of these firms only recruit from certain schools.
My recruiter friend attended an accounting club meeting at a university in Chicago. The purpose of the visit was to introduce the students to services her staffing firm provides to college graduates upon graduation. During her presentation she mentioned that the students were very disinterested and commented that they have no need of her services because the name of their school would get them in the door of one of the “Big Four” accounting firms.
One year after graduation one of the young ladies from that accounting club that told the recruiter she would obtain a position in one of the “Big 4″ accounting firms was now scrambling to obtain employment at any accounting firm.
Over the past few years the university were I work has developed a relationship with one of the “Big 4″ accounting firms. One of the concerns that the campus recruiter from the “Big 4″ shared with us is that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find quality candidates who don’t feel a sense of entitlement. She mentioned that the attitude they receive now from some recent graduates is “if you don’t hire me I’ll go to another Big 4″.
I can tell you that we are not an Ivy League university but a private university. Our students are humbled at the opportunity to intern with this “Big 4″ accounting firm and have received offers from other accounting firms as result of having this major firm on their resume as an internship.
Here are a few suggestions to help you get a jump-start on your accounting career:
1. Don’t simply assume that the name of your university will get you in the door. Keep your ego in check. You are competing with thousands of other qualified applicants. You will miss out on other opportunities if you “put your eggs in one basket”. It takes on average between 6 -8 months to secure employment. Be open to other options. If you are unsuccessful in obtaining a position in one of the “Big 4″ accept a position at another accounting firm. Develop your skills, then try again in a few years.
2. Consider sitting for the CPA exam. Once you have passed this exam you will be able to add these credentials to your resume. This will add credibility.
3. Join professional association relative to your major. This will allow you to network with individuals who are in your field of study. Associations are also a great place to find out about changes in the industry and job openings.
4. Add internship experience to your resume. Employers want to see that you have progressively moved into your position. You are more likely to be considered for a position at a “Big 4″ if you have successfully completed an internship at a “Big 4″.
5. Volunteer to work at not-for-profit organizations to gain experience.
6. Your resume simply can’t look like you just threw it together. Take your time and develop a professional resume. Don’t try to flatter the reader with big words. Be honest in regards to your skills and experience. Don’t give a laundry list of your duties and responsibilities. Let the employer know what you accomplished or achieved at your last employer or internship.
7. If you are granted an interview highlight the projects you have completed in college which are relevant to the position.
8. Maintain a decent Grade Point Average of at least a 3.5 or higher.
9. Offer to tutor other students who are having trouble in accounting. This is a great way to show team work but more importantly is tells that you also have a firm grasp of the subject. This information can be included on your resume.
Caffeinated Content
On average approximately 2000 or more entry level positions become available at what is termed the “Big Four” Accounting Firms (PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Ernest & Young, KPMG). With a candidate pool of several hundred thousand, it is quite difficult to get noticed by recruiters from these “Big Four Accounting Firms.
Campus recruiters from these “Big Four” accounting firms only seek the most qualified candidates. However, what we found out is many of these firms only recruit from certain schools.
My recruiter friend attended an accounting club meeting at a university in Chicago. The purpose of the visit was to introduce the students to services her staffing firm provides to college graduates upon graduation. During her presentation she mentioned that the students were very disinterested and commented that they have no need of her services because the name of their school would get them in the door of one of the “Big Four” accounting firms.
One year after graduation one of the young ladies from that accounting club that told the recruiter she would obtain a position in one of the “Big 4″ accounting firms was now scrambling to obtain employment at any accounting firm.
Over the past few years the university were I work has developed a relationship with one of the “Big 4″ accounting firms. One of the concerns that the campus recruiter from the “Big 4″ shared with us is that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find quality candidates who don’t feel a sense of entitlement. She mentioned that the attitude they receive now from some recent graduates is “if you don’t hire me I’ll go to another Big 4″.
I can tell you that we are not an Ivy League university but a private university. Our students are humbled at the opportunity to intern with this “Big 4″ accounting firm and have received offers from other accounting firms as result of having this major firm on their resume as an internship.
Here are a few suggestions to help you get a jump-start on your accounting career:
1. Don’t simply assume that the name of your university will get you in the door. Keep your ego in check. You are competing with thousands of other qualified applicants. You will miss out on other opportunities if you “put your eggs in one basket”. It takes on average between 6 -8 months to secure employment. Be open to other options. If you are unsuccessful in obtaining a position in one of the “Big 4″ accept a position at another accounting firm. Develop your skills, then try again in a few years.
2. Consider sitting for the CPA exam. Once you have passed this exam you will be able to add these credentials to your resume. This will add credibility.
3. Join professional association relative to your major. This will allow you to network with individuals who are in your field of study. Associations are also a great place to find out about changes in the industry and job openings.
4. Add internship experience to your resume. Employers want to see that you have progressively moved into your position. You are more likely to be considered for a position at a “Big 4″ if you have successfully completed an internship at a “Big 4″.
5. Volunteer to work at not-for-profit organizations to gain experience.
6. Your resume simply can’t look like you just threw it together. Take your time and develop a professional resume. Don’t try to flatter the reader with big words. Be honest in regards to your skills and experience. Don’t give a laundry list of your duties and responsibilities. Let the employer know what you accomplished or achieved at your last employer or internship.
7. If you are granted an interview highlight the projects you have completed in college which are relevant to the position.
8. Maintain a decent Grade Point Average of at least a 3.5 or higher.
9. Offer to tutor other students who are having trouble in accounting. This is a great way to show team work but more importantly is tells that you also have a firm grasp of the subject. This information can be included on your resume.
Caffeinated Content