Has anyone on here never worked for a big 4? If so, how has it impacted your life/career?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Why does bdo always try so hard?

like

Big 4 will impact your career...put in your time it’s worth it.

like

Clearly a new guy lol

like

Worked at a smaller down before... Work life balance will decrease going to big4

like

B4 will change your life- for the better!

like

Being at BDO I felt like I had more opportunities to set myself apart compared to my friends that worked at b4 and I was exposed to more in the earlier stages in my career. As a first year senior I was running the job of a publically traded client and I was able to work on projects that allowed me to interact with national level partners. Exit opportunities were about the same as b4 peers too so I don't think I missed out on much by not going b4

like

I worked for a startup before and it was the best time of my life

like

Hi! I made manager by the time my friends at pwc made senior. There’s a lot more room to be a rockstar, if you want it. Even with the early promotions, I tend to leave the office around four hours earlier and my partner consistently kicks my team out around two on Fridays, even in busy season.

like

The work is definitely messier and the tools are not as great. To me, that’s the fun part- I enjoy getting into the weeds and I get to be a lot more client facing. I also enjoy being a part of the standardization process, and feeling like I am adding value internally as well. That part is definitely not for everyone.

We have large public clients on our tax/consulting branches but they’re definitely going to be a lot rarer on audit, so there’s some missed experience in controls testing and more specific public regulations. You get more diverse clients and industries, and the chance to have more than one or two clients a year, but it’s definitely different.

BDO has had a lot more IPO readiness clients than the other midsize I worked for, and I love it, once again because of the messiness. Still, nor for everyone. I still get linkedin messages from recruiters every morning and having a different combination of alphabet soup hasn’t impacted me so far. However, I will never be apart of the Big 4 Alumni Brethren, which appears akin to army buddies who survived the war. Even if it wasn’t together, they’re going to look out for each other.

Completely agree with BDO4. I’m already way ahead of my friends at the b4 because BDO promotes faster and gives your more visibility to the top. Instead of “putting in your time” you’re promoted based on your work and I’ve been able to get even higher level job offers than my b4 peers (only been in the industry for 2 years!). I think in general a public accounting firm does set you apart, but the distinguishing factors between a Big 4 vs other don’t have much of an impact on your career growth or opportunities down the road. Just speak up when you want something and take advantage of having a variety of clients (public and private) if you can.

It may be good for your resume, but you’d never get as much value in big 4. Also most of the time, you are stuck with one client/industry, and one area of specialization (for example PP&E in audit or “like-kind exchanges “ in tax). If that’s what you want, go for it. I hated being limited in what I can work on.

Related Posts

Searching for strategy roles in NY! Junior-mid level... hoping to exit current role in coming month or so
Any pointers?

Hi fish - looking for career advice
A CBT practitioner/ Psychiatric registered nurse. Now sitting in Compensation and Rewards in financial sector. In what aspect ( within HR ) the best to focus/ more advantage to develop? Thanks!

like

Best non-investing role at a PE firm?

like

Hi Fishbowl community!

I am currently working in Research and Development of Process Development, CEAT Tires as Assistant Manager. I am very delighted to share that the journey so far has been good. But looking at my long interests of changing my Domain from Manufacturing sector to Consulting services. I am eager to apply my learnings and skills throughout these 20 months of work experience as of now.
And I will be delighted if any of you can refer me in any of Big 4 consulting company.

like

So I’ve been with FAANG for 5 years (I’m 30 y/o). I’m pretty comfortable with my situation. Got average grades at a good undergrad university, total comp ~300k. I’m debating Ivy League MBA. I don’t think it’ll benefit me at FAANG, but I’d like to start a company eventually. Worth it?

like

Does the CAIA hold much value if already doing the CFA?

Does any fish have experience prepping and taking the CAMS exam? I would appreciate any advice on study materials, exam preparation tips, and information about the exam.

Any experience from Oracle Cloud team. I got an offer from this team and was wondering if it is worth the switch. I understand the salary increments / bonus concepts doesn't exist there but is it true for cloud team as well ? also any experience or thoughts from US based cloud employees at Oracle.

like

Hi, we're searching for a job in HR for my wife. She's an MBA from India and has 10 years of work experiences across various HR roles in FMCG and Tech. Her last role was a HR BP and India site lead for a US based semiconductor major.
Is CIPD necessary to get a comparable role in the UK? While we undersrand it's a new market, would she necessarily need to start from a basic role again? It's difficult to balance studies, work and manage a 2 y.o. Any pointers or job openings would be appreciated.

like

I know this group is for exit opportunities but, Im not ready to leave big 4 because I think I still need to learn alot since Ive only been here a year. Has anyone switched firms bc of toxic culture environment/ unappreciative team? Thinking of switching firms in December to finish out another year or so in PA. Worried about change but need it

like

What are some key skills that you’d expect an Account Executive to master before progressing to an Account Supervisor role?

like

SAP finance role or a finance strategy/value driver role? I have interests in both but not sure which might be better for long-term career opportunities. Any thoughts?

For Canadians / Mexicans - can we get FP&A or FDD jobs with TN accounting visa? For context I am in FAAS and I got this with the TN, wondering if I can move to industry with a TN

like

Hey. Has anyone done the COHN (Certified Occupational Health Nurse) exam?

like

Anyone make a move to MBB LS arm?

like
like

Hello everyone,

I wanted to get into Oracle payroll implementation / consultant . Could you please suggest me what kind of Oracle certification will help me to get to the path. I'm already having Uk payroll experience but in different software.

Has anyone taken the sphr exam?

like

Has anyone from the agency side working in programmatic transitioned to an in-house role? That’s my goal, would love to pick your brain!

like

Anyone have suggestion on good sources a little shorter in duration and more real life scenario based, to pickup Consulting Excel, Project Mgmt and HR cliffnotes or know-hows. Im looking into all these HR Certificates (SHRM, PHR, HRM etc.) Im entering a new field and want to he able to be savvy enough not to look like a complete beginner in the practical side on how to actually do the theoretical part. Advice and suggestions much appreciated.

like

More Posts

Are there any executives out there who have recently negotiated with their CEO for an updated compensation package? I know I'm being underpaid as a CFO who has also handled all of the HR responsibilities for the past 3 years. Currently at $130K with $30K bonus at the end of the year. I don't take the insurance through the company either. Currently no 401K match program available.

Hi!! Transitioning to a remote work situation and have decided to leave my Texas roots for the west coat rays! Trying to move around September of this year but would love to chat with anyone also in San Diego! I won’t know many people so even if you wanted to work remote together a day of the year that works too! I have a chocolate lab and love a good HH! maybe will start a group chat?

like

Hey fellow Disney Lovers,

I generally have a few lessons in which I can use Pixar shorts to teach students how to identify and discuss literary signposts, how to identify and explain the development of theme, character traits, and other narrative elements. What are some of your favorite shorts? I am trying to incorporate activities where my students get to choose their own clips for independent practice with these skills and need a variety to draw from.

Is anybody travelling from faridabad to Ibm ASF insignia Gwal Pahadi. Does shuttle stop too far from ASF Insignia or its walking distance?

So to give some background, I currently have about 6-7 YOE in the BA/PM space, and my current position is 100k, with 10k annual bonus. The position I hold is as a Senior Business Analyst at the company I'm currently at.

I received an offer for a Salesforce Functional Business Analyst at Accenture for 128k annually with a 15k signing bonus. I'm hesitant due to the lower title, as I want to move back into PM work, and feel as if I'm taking a step down. Also, concerned with the WLB at Accenture.

like

OW folks what’s the salary for the Associate level?

like

Does it look bad to say “no” to being asked to get a clearance? I’m being offered strongly a role on a project that requires a clearance and I’m turning it down bc i don’t want the clearance.

like

Merry Christmas! I’m looking for a mentor in product marketing/product management. I am really passionate to make the switch ASAP so wanted some advice. Happy to chat further via DM! Thank you

like

Anyone heard of Quinstreet?

funny

I recently joined JPMc Blr in risk CCB and contrary to all the good reviews of wlb in JPMc my wlb is Shit. Just joined 45 days back and on most if the days I am working till 12 or 1 in the night. Most of the work that I do is creating 'urgent ' dashboards on excel. Since I do not get enough sleep, most of the days I have pain in my head. My work is only going to increase in future, already thinking to switch. Only problem is I will have to repay relocation money which is 2L. What should I do?

like

Where do most PI referrals tend to come from? Non-PI lawyers in adjacent fields (e.g., family law, workers comp, etc)? Specialized PI lawyers (e.g., motorcycle accidents) who refer out more general cases to other PI lawyers?

like

Myself a Support Manager heading Production Support of a SAAS Product company. Having 14+ years of experience providing Tech Support for Enterprise customers. My key skills are with Technical Support, Incident Management, Escalation Management, and Customer Engagement. My key technical skills are Python and MySQL. Current CTC is 32L in Chennai.

But, I do not have a degree. It's harder to find companies value skills than a degree. Can someone refer to a company that values skills not degree?

helpful

Has anyone ever had their background screening or conflict checks not cleared before, and resulted in their offer being rescinded?

like

After a hard reset on travel points (got none after Covid and change to industry) how would you start over? Which credit card is best for travel points? Airline? Starwood or Bonvoy? Avis or ??

At one time I had status on most airlines and hotels but I never bothered to focus on accumulating points since it seemed like they were infinite and I booked on convenience. Oh have times changed! I even let go of Amex platinum, just wasn’t worth it to me. Base airport LAX/SNA so no airline pref.

like
like

I've put down my papers in TCS few days ago, and I received a mail from RMG to fill some online-form survey.
Can anyone shed a light on what would be asked on that survey?

like

Looking for to change jobs. Let me know if people can do referrals

Looking for a new head phones/ earphone for running/work/travel.... any suggestions?

like

What’s better, working for an M&A advisory group or doing M&A transactions in banking? I honestly have no idea what the key differences are.

like

Accidentally matched on Hinge and going on a date with a coworker (I'm at B4 so higher chances). Set the expectation that we shouldn't try for anything unless there are major sparks. Is this a good idea?

like

Additional Posts in Accounting

During non-busy season when you're required to work 8 hours at work, if you work 9 hours but 1 hour was just random inefficient/gt&e charging etc, do you charge 8 hours to client or 8 + 1 hr admin?

like

Real question: with all the scared people(myself included) in audit and tax with layoffs is advisory the only industry safe? Maybe specifically technology advisory as tech seems to not be slowing down

like

If I give notice to go work for a competitor, I expect they’ll immediately walk me out. Do I still get paid for two weeks?

like

What's the typical raise from A2 tax to S1?

like

Internally generated intangible assets—can a company capitalize more than they paid out in salaries. Ex: developer’s time is capitalized at $50/hour worked to 5 different software products. (cont)

like

I just moved to another state. How can I find a recruiter? Any tip is appreciated. I have been applying but haven't heard back much.

like

EY ladies...do you all use the tote bag they allowed you to select during on-boarding? It's is cheesy to use that bag, since it's generic and everyone has it?

like

Gave my two weeks notice and literally was told straight up to not charge any time on my engagement. I obviously don’t care about utilization but y’all this place is crazy

likefunnyhelpful

How y’all spending your bonus this year?

like

Is it worth staying for a year if you know your new job is not where you want to be? Did 3 years in public and currently 6 months into a job in private.

like

I'm thinking about getting a dog. Good or bad idea while working in PA? How do you balance having a pet during busy season? I live alone.

like

Management at my job is like Jeakle and Hyde. They can be insane one minute, making me want to work somewhere else and then nice the next, making me wonder if I'm over reacting. Anyone feel the same?

like

Please tell me that somebody out there agrees: the new Google suite rebranding looks all the same and I can’t remember how many times I opened google maps when I wanted mail and opened meets when I wanted calendar. C’mon Google! What the heck!

likefunny

Just looked at my pay statement and puked. When is Trump gonna fix the tax insanity??????

like

Damn I have availability for the rest of the week but I’m crying at the thought of reaching out. I just wanna study for the CPA without any “what are you working on” pings. I know I know I’m terrible.

like

Need some ideas for successful fundraisers that have worked in your office. Open to all suggestions!

like

I want to attend grad school starting in Aug2020. When do I tell my team? Feels like there is a better way than give my two weeks when I’ve known 5+ months.

like

How does one handle a manager/performance coach that is a micromanager that calls/IMs you every 5 seconds to come to his/her cubicle for every fart sitting crossways?

like

Has anyone on here at EY or another Big 4 ever asked a Partner for a letter of recommendation to MBA or PhD school? If so, what was your experience?

like

Pros and cons of buying a small condo (1b/1ba) now rather than waiting another 3 years minimum to be able to afford a home? High COL area.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal