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August 2, 2009The Big 4 hire only the best and the brightest. This is only a partial truth at best. I know this because I have met some really dumb people working for the Big 4. So no, to get hired by a Big 4 you don’t need to have a 4.0 GPA with a double major in Business Administration and I-Couldn’t-Get-Laid-In-College-Because-My-Second-Major-Was-Way-Too-Hard.
In fact, I received offers from all of the Big 4 firms with a slightly-above-average GPA, while some of my friends who were definitely were more intelligent and had a 4.0 GPA could not even land an interview.
What was the secret behind my success? Simple, I was coached.
I had inside information from my friends and family already working at the various Big 4 firms. I talked to them extensively, and found out exactly what the Big 4 want in a candidate. I then used this information to scrupulously morph myself into an ideal candidate.
However, I realize that many students out there may not necessarily have access to this information. Relax. I’ve got you covered. Over the coming two to three weeks, I will lay down a pretty simple path that will maximize your chances of getting hired by the Big 4.
This series will cover the most important areas that a candidate needs to work on to land an offer. These areas are:
- Networking.
- Resume Building.
- Successful Interviewing.
If you can master these three areas, you will definitely have an upper hand over your peers. I know this because in addition to landing offers from all of the Big 4 firms, I was also deeply involved in the recruiting efforts of the firm I joined. As such, I have been to on-campus interviews, and taken candidates to lunches and dinners.
However, before we go about doing any of that, you need to know the hiring process. Each year, every Big 4 office predicts the number of associates it will need in the coming year. This is based on several factors including the economy, retention rate, business prospects, etc. It’s the job of the recruiters to meet this number with as many high-quality candidates as possible. They try to put a massive dent in this number through summer internships. The difference is made up during campus hiring.
Internships are for juniors (3rd year students) in college, while campus hiring is for seniors (4th year students). Internship candidates are interviewed during the winter/spring months for summer internships, while full-time candidates are interviewed during the fall of their senior year for full-time positions.
The Big 4 are more selective when it comes to internships than campus hiring as the number of internships offered is typically smaller than the number of full-time positions offered by the firm. That being said, all juniors in college interested in working for the Big 4 should try to get an internship. At the very least, you are networking with the recruiters, something that you can use to your advantage during campus hiring (in case you don’t get the internship). However, if you do land the internship, chances are very high that you will get a full-time offer.
Internships are a great way to spend your summer. First and foremost, you are paid $20-$25 an hour, excluding over time, and that is great pay for a college student. It is assumed that you are a functional retard, and as such, associates will hand-hold you through most tasks of any value. You may end up doing menial work like picking up food or getting coffee, but when you are being paid $25 an hour to get coffee, it won’t seem too bad. A plethora of corporate events will be organized to give you a great experience – these include baseball games, golfing, dinners, etc. If you don’t royally screw up, at the end of the internship you will get an offer for a full-time position after you graduate.
Other than the interviewing window, the selection process is remarkably similar for both of these paths.
Candidates are typically requested to submit their resumes and fill out candidate profiles online. As the deadline date approaches, there will be a large “Meet and Greet” event held, where you will have a chance to meet representatives from all of the firms recruiting at your school. Two to three weeks later, on-campus interviews will be held. These interviews are somewhere between 30 minutes to an hour. If you get through these, you will be invited for an in-office interview two to three weeks later. This will be an all day affair. Approximately a week later, you will get a call from either an interviewer or a recruiter informing you that an offer has been extended to you.
Congratulations!
There are 50 comment(s) so far.
If you get time, a good post on interview tips would be highly appreciated
What if a college doesn’t have contacts with Big 4, no “Meet and Greet” events on campus, etc.? What students of that kind of college have to do to get into the Big 4?
I have about 10 years worth of prof. experience and recently passed the exam. I went to an online school to get a MACC degree to sit for the exam. I have been out of work for four months since I passed. I put my cv online at the Big 4 sites but to no avail. What should I do?
@Jumma Khan: Thanks for the comment. Sadly the state of the economy is such that the Big 4 firms have cut back on their offers, even at their “target schools”. The people that they want, they usually get right out of college.
That being said, all is not lost. You will definitely need to put in a lot more effort to land a job with a Big 4. Try to get your foot in the door by networking with some Big 4 employees. If you’ve been in the industry for 10 years, this should not be too hard. Use your connections to forward your resume to the recruiting team. This carries a lot more weight. Furthermore, I would look at getting a job with a smaller firm in the mean time. It’s a lot easier to get a job when you are employed, than when you are not. I know it doesn’t make sense, but that’s just how these things are.
you mentioned “target schools”. im currently looking to apply to some macc programs and would like to know which schools the big four consider to be their targets. i am currently going into my senior year at an accredited state university that certainly wouldnt be considered a target, but i have done very well so far and am looking into some top programs (UT, illinois etc.)
bakerR, it depends on where you are trying to work after school. as far as i know, all of the big4 do their recruiting on a regional basis. this isn’t to say it’s impossible to go to UT and work in NY or LA, but you will have to put in extra effort when it comes time for recruiting since all of the recruiters who do interviews will likely be from Houston and Dallas.
Let us know where you are planning on working after school and I can tell you some of the target schools in that area. Going to school in the region you want to work will certainly benefit you when it comes time for recruiting.
Thanks for the insights! Are the chances of being considered for employment very slim if the candidate was interviewed before and not accepted at that time?
I interviewed with one of the Big 4′s on campus for a position in New York (I go to school in Ohio) and was not invited for a second round interview. I was planning on graduating spring 2011 but now I’m thinking about going into a combined BSBA/MAcc program so that I can apply for winter 2012 internships and hopefully get a full-time offer from there.
I got a C in my introductory accounting class.
But this still has not killed my dream to go into accounting and get hired by the big 4.
Assuming I start getting B+’s and A’s in accounting (is a B+ good enough anyway?), how screwed am I when the recruitment season starts ?
(Big 4 recruits at my school)
First of all Laura, dream higher! Jokes aside, you haven’t killed your chances. But you have made them weaker. You need to remember that it’s all about who your competition is. I would focus on getting better grades, and not get hung up on that C. If you’re getting C’s consistently in accounting classes, I would really try to re-evaluate if this career path is for you.
It all depends on what went wrong. I would personally try to get some feedback: what did the other candidates have that you didn’t have. Was it the communication? Was it grades? Was it the personality? Figure that part out. And sometimes, it’s just a lot of good people are applying and you didn’t shine during the interview. Also, keep in mind that offices like New York are highly impacted. Try applying to one of the smaller offices and once you get your foot in the door, you can always transfer to the New York office. The firms are pretty good about those transfers.
Basically, what the acctstudent said. Where do you want to work?
Thank you for your reply.
Well until that C, my lowest grade was B+.
What went wrong would be that … Well, I just stopped trying in school – I got tired of studying. But that C was a huge reality check for me, and now I’m back on track, trying to excel in everything else to make up for that C.
I just don’t want that one C to completely kill my chances, and more so because it was an introductory accounting course, where the basics were being taught.
My school in known for being an accounting school, so I have lots of competition when it comes to Big 4 recruitment.
I keep hearing that “a cut-off GPA” exists for Big 4. Do you agree with this?
@Laura: Yes the cut-off GPA exists, absolutely. Depending on the school it’s somewhere between 3.0 – 3.4. Like I said, one C doesn’t outright kill your chances but it does diminish them. Aim for A’s from now on. It’s accounting, it’s not rocket science.
so I understand that a cut off GPA exists… I go to UT and my accounting GPA is a 2.1 and my overall is a 3.3….the previous semester it was a 3.7…..but i had horrible work issues and family problems that really hurt me academically.
I am in recruiting for the spring and my advisor told me not to tell anyone from the firms about my gpa. But i’m afraid that if they go through the resumes they will immediately take mine out of the stack and not grant me an interview. What do ya’ll think?
Mandy, I’m pretty sure that the Big 4 will want to know what your GPA is. Either way, they will probably ask for a transcript at one time or another.
That being said, with an overall of 3.3, I wouldn’t say that your chances are so too slim. If grades are your weak point, I would try to improve it as much possible, and try to balance out those grades by shining through your other areas; whether it be through networking, personality, or prior work experience.
Hi, I going for internship and I still don’t know which path to go. For now, I want audit. But all the offer I got at big 4 is tax, however, I get some audit offer from top 10 audit firm.
I really don’t know which one to be choose because big 4 is attractive but is in tax while other firms is just medium firm but can learn audit.
All I want is secure for my future.
Can give me some suggestion or advice?
Hey Blur!
I do not have much experience but I recently received office visits for 2/2 interviews. I would reccomend going with big 4 even if tax, because you are young and you don’t know what you like yet. Also, if you get in at big 4 I’ve heard that its possible to switch over. Just make sure you network with the audit partners.
Hello All!
My question is I’ve just graduated from my 4 year university (in the LA area). The thing is the college I have received my degree in wasn’t one that held a “Meet the Firms” or hosted any event with Big 4 recruiters. I have a 3.53 overall GPA and a 3.82 Major GPA (Business Admin-Accounting Concentration). I have good work experience as I’ve been working at a really small CPA firm as a junior accountant for about 1 year and 7 months while finishing my degree. The thing is I would really love to have an opportunity to get an entry-level or even an internship (if that’s possible) position at a Big 4, but the problem is I don’t know where or whom to go to or talk to get that one chance at making a positive impression, as no recruiters ever visited our school. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to possibly get that opportunity or am I just kind of out of luck if I don’t personally know someone in a Big 4, since our university wasn’t recruited by the Big 4?
Colleges should hold strategy sessions Called “how to land a job” as part of their graduation curriculum.
I’ve been seeking a full-time offer with the Big 4 since Sept 2010(my senior year of college) with no luck. I was close to receiving an internship offer my sophomore year of college with PWC and got rejected after my second interview. My alma mater has horrible connections with employers. Hence, our career fair included small companies which had like one position to fill and a bunch of government offices that were on hiring freezes. I also finished my BS in Accounting in 3 years so there was no time for internships. I graduated in May 2011 and I am still determined to work for the Big 4, so I have enrolled into an MBA program with a concentration in accounting. I began a different school with better connections and a solid reputation in hopes of being picked for a campus interview this Fall 2011.
But I wonder if it’s just that the Big 4 is not interested in someone with my credentials: small private school education, no accounting experience, 3.28 cumulative GPA, 3.22 major GPA, Dean’s List and various scholarship awards, finishing MBA in May 2012, beginning my CPA exam in Nov 2011.
But, then again no firm small, medium, or the Big 4 seems interested. IT MUST BE ME.
I have graduated and been working at a small firm for about a year. I had an internship at a large regional firm and have decided I like the larger firms better. I want to get into a Big 4. I would be willing to prove myself as an intern, if I can’t get a full-time position. Do they even give internships to people that have already graduated or do I have a better chance to apply for a full-time position?
I have a question about the hiring process for Graduate School students. Say I enroll in a one-year MBT program for fall 2012. When should I go to those campus recruiting events? Based on what’s said in this post, students in schools usually get interviews one year before their graduation. So do I get involved in campus recruiting right after I get admitted to the program? Thanks for your help.
So has anyone had to retake an accounting class, but then still get accepted for an internship. My fall meet the firms is coming up and I do not have too much confidence in receiving one since I have a big D in my intermediate course. Regardless I should have a 3.0 after summer classes commence. I will get to replace that grade with next semesters and that will help the GPA but this feels like my only chance to get an internship for the summer of ’12. Are there other opportunities to apply for the internships after the fall semester or is it like a you only get one shot at this type of deal. It was my first semester at the school and the professor hated transfer students.
I appreciate your posts, they have been a great help finding finding an inside view of the Big 4. I am going to be a junior next year, and am very interested in any internship opportunities these firms. My university has a recruiting fair during the fall semester, but I will be studying abroad and will have to miss it. I have arranged for career services to drop my information off, but I was wondering if this would prevent me from being considered. I know you mentioned above they do some recruiting in the spring months, but to what extent? Thanks again!
@Eric There isn’t much for you to worry about. Senior are typically recruited in the fall for full-time positions, while Juniors are recruited in the Spring for the summer internships. So, I think you have a pretty good shot at being considered for these roles.
@Cale: Depending on the circumstances, the grades can be overlooked. However, I think you may need a better excuse than My professor “hates” transfer students. I am not sure what sort of school you go to, but in my experience most professors are just apathetic towards everyone. Accounting tests are not really that subjective – it’s mostly you either got a problem right or wrong. So, take some ownership and work towards fixing your grades and you should definitely have a shot.
@Danielle: Absolutely. Get involved as soon as possible. The thing is regardless of when the “real” interviews are, you are just helping your chances by networking with the recruiters and hiring managers from the onset.
@David: I think you will have better luck applying for an experienced associate role rather than as an intern. Interns are usually reserved for juniors in college. And to my knowledge, no internships have been awarded to people already in the workforce (I could be wrong). However, you have the right attitude and that should come across in your interview very well. Good luck!
@Intangible: Small private school education needs to be off-set by a decent GPA. I am not sure how you’re making the Dean’s list with a 3.28 cumulative GPA. With that said, focus on your MBA. I really hope it is at a decent school, otherwise I think an MBA can be a huge waste of money. Also, don’t limit yourself to just accounting, with an MBA try your hand at the consulting/advisory firms as well. At the end of the day, Big 4 is arguably one of the best ways to start your career but it is not the only way. Try your luck with consulting firms as well. They also provide great experience.
@Calcutron: I agree with you but with so many career options out there I can see how resources may be a limiting factor and why it’s not widespread.
@TA900: I am assuming you mean Los Angeles and not Louisiana. If I were you, I would get a LinkedIn Premium Account. Find all of the recruiters in the LA area that work for the Big 4. And message them directly. Explain your situation to them and explain that you need their help. Outside of that, I would message partners and explain that you’re really interested in working for their particular firm. The approach is very unorthodox, but your situation may call for it.
@Everyone
I appreciate that this is quite a US specific site, but to some of the people concerned about lower than the ‘cut off’ academic scores, I would say that, in the UK, definitely at Ernst & Young, and potentially the other Big 4, I’ll check our sources, there is something called an ‘Assurance technician’scheme. This is runs pretty much in parallel to the conventional graduate schemes. It pays quite a lot less than the grad scheme through the training contract, but once you qualify, you’re in the same pool as all the grads who qualify at that time. From then on, it’s up to you how you develop. There are definitely Senior managers who have come from the Asstech scheme. Given the length of time it has been running, I’m not aware of anyone that has made it to Partner though.
But my underlying message is, don’t give up hope. Email the firms directly to find out more, I’m sure they’ll be more than willing to help. If not, I’m going to do some more digging for a feature on our site.
@Genius – great site. Anyone looking for help at the interview stage, try our site http://www.big4gossip.com/guides/firm-guide/105-interview-guide
There’s general interview info on there now, and if you get in contact direct, we can try and help you with any specific interviews you have coming up while the content for the site is being developed.
Hi! Looking for initial gut reactions from you guys who have your finger on the pulse of this industry. I am CPA/MBA with 9 years Big 4 audit (sr. mgr.), then 2 yrs. second tier CPA firm, then 5 years director of large internal audit dept. (22 auditors). Then took time off to raise kids who are leaving for college.
Now, I want to reenter the profession. I understand my resume is dusty. I am considering offering to work free for a year at a firm, NOT so they will hire me particularly, but just to get a year of RECENT CPA firm experience on my resume.
Do you think I’ll get any takers?
I recently graduated with a gpa of 3.08, I am also taking my cpa in 1 month.
I dont know if I will still dont know if I might get hired by the big 4?
accounting genius, I do own up to it, I probably could have tried a little harder. However the guy had tenure and had his favorites. Transfer students were not his favorite type. He told us how much we were probably going to struggle in his class from the beginning. I have new prof now for the same class and she is great. Going to get that grade up and try much harder this time. Got my GPA up to a 3.0 this summer regardless of the D so I am a little more confident now. Just wondering, how could I explain the D in an interview. First semester new school?
Hi, I’m considering career change from financial services industry to become cpa. I have a BA in Finance and my university is a big 4 recruiting school. Will an MBA with just a concentration suffice to be a qualified candidate for big 4 firm?
Thanks
With regards to last posting: will an MBA with a concentration in ACCOUNTING suffice to be a qualified candidate for a big 4 firm or do you recommend getting an MS in Accountancy? Thanks!
Will internships only be offered to students that are seniors now that most if not all states require 150 credits?
Hey how’s it going?
Thank you very much for your blog it is very helpful. I currently had 2 interviews with GT and PWC. It’s been a week and I haven’t received any rejection or acceptance letter. They told me I would be contacted within a week, does that mean im out?
Thanks
Cheers
Hi guys,
This is an extremely helpful blog that everyone should read and implement. This blog has helped me achieve an offer from KPMG, but unforunately because of the recruiting schedule I haven’t had a chance to interview with Deloitte which is my most desired option.
Has anyone had an experience like this and how did you handle it?
@Eddie
Google your state + CPA requirements and cross reference with your degree plan to find out if you will qualify.
@Mike
You can’t go wrong with sending a polite and short e-mail to your recruiter and find out the time frame. It is likely their response is just delayed.
@Mike: It could mean that you are out. It could also mean that you were not the strongest candidate, and they want to extend offers to other candidates and based on their acceptance, think about extending an offer to you. Or it could mean that the manager/partner that was responsible for contacting you got pulled into something and forgot to give you a call. It happens all the time. Instead of guessing and driving yourself crazy, call or email your recruiter and find out.
Hello People,
I have currently just finished my first year of University. I was wondering how important is it having a part time job? Like any job e.g. working at Burger King or whatever. Does it significantly increase the chances of landing an interview with the “Big 4?”. Is a good gpa (e.g. 3.5 ish) and decent community and voluntary work enough?
Hi, I just finished a certificate in Accounting from UCLA Extension with GPA 3.6. My BA was in Bioscience, so its not helpful when it comes to Accounting job search. And I dont have any accounting working experience. I know a partner at KPMG, and he’s willing to help me out. At this point, I donno how much he can help me. We are going to meet next week to talk abt it. I’m wondering if its very difficult for me to get a job from big 4 since my background is pretty weak? Your opinion is very appreciated. Thanks
@Lila: I think you may have a shot, but don’t expect to start immediately. Your path, if you have one, into the Big 4 will be atypical. The bright side is the Big 4 are really hurting for people right now, given that a lot of the seniors have left following the pick-up in the economy. With that said, if I were you, I would try to really drill into why you went into accounting from a bioscience background. And then reach out to recruiters outside of KPMG and try to talk to them. See if you can drum up any interest that way.
@Palo: I doesn’t hurt to have a job. I would try to get a job in customer service rather than fast food if that is an option for you. Extra curricular activities can be a good substitute as well. Good luck with everything.
Hi there,
I am interested in the IT risk graduate programme, I would like to know what kind of contents I should emphasize on my CV?
I obtained my degree in 2008, do the big four only accept recent graduates?
Thank you.
Hello I’m currently a sophomore and had a question with internships. Are internships only for juniors or can a senior still be able to get a internship? Say I am not able to get a internship with a big 4 firm my junior year. Do big 4 firm hire interns in their senior year cause I don’t think a big 4 firm would hire you full time if you don’t have any past experience?
I just wanted to say, the info and advice on this site is spot-on, and it works. I have just landed an internship with a big 4, and am still waiting on others.
Thanks AccountingGenius for providing this valuable info, and for making it free. People, this site works- and follow the advice.