Stress level gap between Big4 and midtier?

Can be the same at times. There is a lot of factors. I currently enjoy the high pace, long hours, and good teams I’ve been remotely working as opposed to prior teams at another firm when in office pre covid. Having deadlines and a lot of folks leaving definitely adds to the stress, but I would definitely focus on a good team and leader over firm name.

I'm at a smaller mid-size (Top 50) and it's been pretty stressful. But I just started a month ago in their FDD practice coming from Non-profit audit so I'm learning a new service as well as new coworkers so my experience might be a bit skewed.

Same levels. Different sources. Big 4 you focus on one or two large accounts with complex transactions (and controls 🤮), huge datasets, tons of admin tasks, etc. Mid tier are “easier” jobs but you’re juggling more of them at the same given time. So less admin task for each job but you have to do 3x (for each of your client). You have to direct multiple groups of associates so now you have to tailor coaching and walkthroughs for each one. Edit- not to mention having to deal with 3 different client management and bending over to appease them on a daily basis.

Mid tier was way worse for me, I had a ton of messy clients that needed help with their accounting on top of holding their hand on audit requests. Also no hard deadlines made busy season drag on for months. My mid tier also had a nasty toxic environment with a lot of gossiping and favoritism. Big 4 clients usually have Big 4 alumni working there that get you what you need to get the job done. Hard SEC deadlines ensure nothing drags on. Busy season is more intense January through March though. Public sucks either way, don’t switch firms expecting WLB or less stress.

We had a transfer from mid tier that said they had about 150 clients when they left their prior firm, but the 3-4 clients they had at big 4 had much higher expectations. It’s similar stress just different.

I will say the same. Currently not with the firm listed on here but I can say that mid-size has its own toxic environment and the big 4 does too but it will depend on the location since I am always learning from my managers and partners everyday by questioning their position to learn to help other people when it comes to the same situations

Move from a big 4 to a middle-market firm (RSM-BDO) and I think middle-market could be more due to: 1. Fewer staff 2. Senior and managers are not as technical as my folks in big 4 3. Fewer internal resources to rely on 4. smaller clients equal bigger messes 5. Client expects more from you (prepare financials, advise them, etc)

I went from DT to a mid- tier. More pay but same shit. I am deciding to get out of public accounting