What’s it like working at big 4? Coming from a mid-size regional firm.

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Large learning curve, new technologies (data analytics tools for journal entries), new methodologies and streamlined procedures, absolute huge gap on the level of resources you have, large complex clients, lots more control work/SOX/PCAOB, in some cases huge teams, larger clients and managing component audits around the world, depends on what you get.

From my experience external hires get the worst clients because all the homegrown staff pick up the good ones with continuity.

At the end of the day audit it audit, but big 4 is different for sure.

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Data analytics tools (such as EY’s GLA) often only complicates things and cause more headaches, crashes all the time, PPMDs don’t approve $300 extra for us to get a better firm issued laptop.

I’ve switched service lines when moving to Deloitte, but I assume things are still not that different regarding DAT.

New methodology means new guidance often stemming from PCAOB inspection results that adds workloads to already overworking staff/seniors, and extra hours incurred that client doesn’t wanna pay.

External hires do get the worst clients everyone else said no to. 😥

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Noooo I don’t want worse clients. Right now I’m not in any industry line and feel like I don’t have the opportunity to master anything.

You don’t have a choice, but also not always the case just depends on staffing. Obviously those who have worked at the firm longer will always have first pick. You have no idea which clients are good or bad going in.

The workload you mean? Or the WLB? Well based on experience, both are not that great but still bearable.

Tbh I don’t care too much about either. I just know B4 is offering fully remote positions in audit. I personally enjoy going to the office but having a fully remote position would be best for my family so that’s my real motivator here. I actually enjoy Audit so I don’t really want to go to consulting but I will if that’s what it takes. I have about 1 year until I really need to find something.

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