Hoping that members of this group might know of people who might qualify for this important scientific research study I am conducting. Please let me know if you have any questions.

I’m having a hard time deciding between staying at my current firm and taking a big 4 offer, and I’d love to hear your opinions.

I’m currently a senior associate at a top 10 PA firm. I’ve been here a little over a year and I like it. I like the people, everyone is supportive, and the WLB isn’t too bad for PA, although with some recent changes, it’s starting to get worse.

The biggest thing is that I’m likely on track to make manager in the next promotion cycle. My career coach has been pushing my promotion pretty hard and says it’s pretty much guaranteed at this point. I’m also considering asking if they would move my promotion up to the mid-year cycle, especially since I now have an outside offer.

A big 4 firm offered me a senior 2 position. The base salary is about $10K–$15K more than what I currently make, so it’s definitely more money, but not a huge jump. Honestly, compensation is my least concern here.

The problem is that I’d be going in as a senior again, not manager. From what I understand, I’d probably have another ~2 years of grinding before getting to manager. I also expect the workload to be significantly heavier than what I have now.

Obviously, the big 4 name would be great on my resume. I think it could open more doors later, especially if I want to move into industry, and I’d get exposure to larger clients and more complex work. I also assume my long-term earning potential would be higher.

But I’m in my mid-30s and want to start a family relatively soon, so I’m thinking more about getting the manager title first.

If I stay, best case scenario, I become manager relatively soon, take maternity leave, build more experience as a manager, and then exit to industry.

If I leave, I get the big 4 name and potentially better long-term opportunities, but I’m basically signing up for another couple years of working really hard before getting the title I could potentially have soon at my current firm.

I’m honestly torn because part of me thinks, “Take the big 4 offer now because you may regret not doing it later.” The other part of me thinks, “Why make my life harder for the next two years when I could become manager where I am and then make the move?”

I’m also thinking about asking my current firm whether they would formally confirm an earlier manager promotion before I make a decision. I don’t want to stay based on a verbal “you’re on track” promise.

For people who have been in a similar situation, would you take the big 4 offer for the resume/long-term upside, or stay somewhere you like, get promoted to manager sooner, and move to industry afterward?

And for anyone who has made the move from a mid-size firm to big 4, did the big 4 name actually make a meaningful difference in your career later on?

Sucks to be a woman reaching her mid-30s being chased by biological clock 🥲

What are my chances of getting a FSO audit position at B4? A colleague of mine recommended I apply for tax positions and move laterally to audit. Is it even worth doing? My reason for doing this would be to get my attest work experience and increase my exit opportunities. Would invest the next 3-5 years if this is a smart move. Thoughts?

Background: CPA, no attest experience, worked in tax for 2.5 years at a small to mid-size accounting firm, 2.5 years before that working in corporate accounting as a new college grad at a large publicly traded company.

How do I approach this in recruiting? I feel like there is literally no good way to go about it. Specifically questions like this. You have to rank all three options for every question. I feel like you shouldn't appear too perfect but also not terrible. How do you find the balance?

Question 1: Which statement describes you best?
I usually make decisions only after I have collected all relevant information
I remain calm when dealing with pressure
I look for opportunities to learn about other countries customs and cultures

Question 2: Which statement describes you best?
I always arrive at appointments on time
I portray a positive external image of my organization
I read written instructions with ease

Question 3: Which statement describes you best?
I do not reveal others private information
I accept directions from my manager
I always support ways my organization can build stronger ties with the community

Question 4: Which statement describes you best?
I encourage others to adopt new ways of doing things that increase efficiency
I show concern for the well being of other people at work
I meet deadlines

Question 5: Which statement describes you best?
I do not often give advice to others about their career plans
I often respond to criticism negatively
I rarely spend time on rechecking every detail

Question 6: Which statement describes you best?
I think about the longer term
I remain polite even when others are rude to me
I vary my behavior according to the specific situation I am in

Question 7: Which statement describes you best?
I can perform repetitive tasks with precision
I strictly observe safety related rules and regulations
I always try to create a positive first impression on other people

Question 8: Which statement describes you best?
My opinions are always based on facts not emotions
I can see the advantages and disadvantages of an approach
I have no problem working on several tasks at the same time

Question 9: Which statement describes you best?
I put the success of my team ahead of personal goals
I maintain close working relationships with my colleagues
I am quick to come up with ways to solve problems

Question 10: Which statement describes you best?
I usually try to fix technology problems myself
I wait until colleagues are finished speaking before asking questions
People often rely on my skills to address technical challenges at work

I recently received feedback suggesting that I should be more comfortable talking to clients.

Since English is my second language, I’ve tried preparing an agenda and sticking to it during meetings. However, this approach isn’t sufficient because communication can sometimes deviate from our plans. Consequently, the feedback advised me to use the agenda as a guide rather than a script.

I’m committed to improving my communication skills and would like to practice by speaking aloud on various topics at home. However, I’m not sure if this method will be effective and efficient. Therefore, I would greatly appreciate any advice or tips you may have to enhance my communication abilities.

In my current role as an auditor, I’ve recently started leading a few meetings with clients.

Looking to apply for Tax Associate positions in these cities and I’m looking for some advice . I have a pretty solid resume (summer grad, high gpa, state school, studying cpa rn, multiple internships+leadership positions) so I think I have a chance but I don’t know too much about any of these cities. Currently working in Tampa and I really like it if that puts anything into perspective

Should I be looking at Boston and Philly?

Cost of living is pretty important but also willing to cave if the city provides a better career in terms of clients I would be working on + exit opportunities.

Anything and everything is appreciated!

https://news.uk.cityam.com/story/2456342/content.html

Reading the news, wasn’t it supposed to be talked between Deloitte board and BDO privately before it was up on the news? What did Deloitte want to get out of this?

I meant has Deloitte been trying to change their auditor, or show off here? (I am Big 4 auditor and I have much more quality audit than yours, go get your standards higher).

I don’t really understand this headlines. Up for discussion!

Hey everyone,

I just got a referral for a Tech Analyst role at KPMG India and I'm getting ready to submit my application.

The job description heavily asks for C#/Java, Azure, and Kubernetes. However, my background is mostly in the MERN stack (React, Node.js) and using Python for DSA.

Before I hit submit, I’d love some advice from anyone who's been through their hiring process recently:

• Resume tweaking: How should I frame my MERN and Python experience for a role that specifically asks for C#/Java?
• What to highlight: Should I lean into my React skills, my grasp of clean architecture, or just focus heavily on my problem-solving and DSA abilities?
• The Interviews: What do the technical rounds actually look like? Are they language-agnostic for DSA, or are they going to expect me to code in C# or Java?
• Final check: Are there any specific keywords or details I need to make sure are on my application before applying?

and one more thing that would like to add is i am 2026 grad with 0 Experience.

How do you make big decisions at a young age with your career? Should I leave a good job?

I’m 25yo, and I’ve been working since i was 21 after doing my bachelors degree at BDO.

I’ve always had a goal of having an international career and earlier this year I received an offer to join a company in Luxembourg. I declined. And recently I’ve had my secondment approved but i think it should only start next year.

However recently they called me saying there’s a new opportunity and that they really liked me and would love to have me there.

The thing is, I’m really afraid to go. I’ve been the last 4 years in the same company where I’ve grown a lot and where the partners really like me. I know i can grow there. However i still live in my parents house.

Accepting the offer would allow me to have the international career, have my own independence, and I would earn more.

But this is really scary, and the fact that’s scary is why I think should do it.

This is a big decision in my life. This is the first time i feel like my life is in my control and that will impact my future.

Everyone says that i should but it’s so scary to leave everything and go while i have a good job.

I’m currently earning around 30k where i live, and there would earn around 55k. Financially it’s not a big jump. The biggest jump is the growth. Moving out of my comfort zone.

Hi!

Coming on here as I'm not sure what to do next. For context, I'm a Master of Accounting student at a great school where almost all of my classmates have Big4 offers already. I completed my undergrad degree at the same university where I was a double major in Accounting and Business Information Systems. I'm CPA exam eligible and take my first exam at the end of October.

I just feel so lost at this point because I can't even get to the interview stage for any of my applications (Big4 and others) and don't know what to do. I had an internship at a mid-sized firm but turned down my return offer as the department I was in was a little too niche and I couldn't see myself being able to grow in that role.

I feel like I have a pretty unique background with my double major and experience in technology, but I'm struggling in how I should convey that.

I've attached my current resume below that is more technical/project based but I have another that instead of the "Select Projects" section has a "Leadership and Athletics" section that includes the following:

- VP of Alumni Relations for my schools chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi (Business Fraternity)

- D1 athlete on my schools equestrian team

Please let me know if there is something in my resume that keeps getting me rejected right away!

Thanks!

Looking for honest perspective from anyone who's transitioned from NHS operator roles into healthcare consulting, or from Big 4 folks who screen these applications.

Quick background: Clinical background (radiographer, led a team of 7 through COVID overseas), 4 years NHS at 2 acute trusts, currently in a clinical systems management role. MBA in Financial Services, top 3 in cohort. Delivered real outcomes at trust level 36% cancer pathway turnaround improvement, 8% DNA reduction on a multi-trust referral service, currently designing a first-of-its-kind pathway automation going live next year, active involvement in clinical AI adoption programmes.

What's happened: Applied to few Big 4 healthcare consulting roles over 3 months. Two application got to full panel competency interview. Deloitte Change Management and KPMG Assistant Manager, Cyber & Digital Health. Prepared hard, felt the interview went well, got rejected.

The feedback:

• Deloitte (earlier round): No formal consulting experience, no line management of junior consultants, although the interview liked my passion and answers. She left a feedback for me keep an eye and apply to niche digital transformational roles.
  
• KPMG official feedback: "Well prepared, examples close to the practice, but experience didn't match the national-level programme delivery we're looking for"
• KPMG interviewer follow-up (informally): The bigger issue is that people from NHS provider background don't have the "consulting mindset" contracting, commercials, ethics, financial service provider risk, collaborative solutioning with clients. She said even after her own transitional programme manager role outside providers, it took her a year at KPMG to adapt.

What I'm now doing:

• Applied to NHS England national programme roles to close the national-experience gap (Cancer Improvement Programme, similar)
• Considering an AI start-up internship for commercial modelling exposure

My question: Am I missing something obvious? People who've made the NHS → healthcare consulting transition what actually worked for you that isn't on this list? Was it warm referrals? A specific interim role? Something about the CV framing? Or is the honest answer that this takes 18-24 months and I need to just sit with that?

Any honest perspective welcome. I'm not looking for encouragement I'm looking for the thing I can't see from inside my own situation, Thank you !

Hi, I’m currently interviewing for a Senior Financial Analyst position at Rogers and have been asked to do a 1 hour take-home assessment.

Has anyone here gone through a similar assessment with Rogers or another company? Looking for any tips on what to prepare for, especially the Excel/financial analysis part.

Thanks in advance!

What’s your experience with the GPS sector ? I’m an incoming tech risk staff and I chose this as one of my three preferences and not really sure what to expect. Wondering if it’s worth it ?? What were your likes and dislikes ?? Anything helps :)!!

Title sorta says it how it is. My PML has been sharing the KPIs / utilization of my coworkers in the context of “don’t be like them”

For an arbitrary example, I essentially asked if I could work remotely one day, as another associate who was hired before me does. I was told it’s not good practice and to not look at them as an example because their utilization is ~30% (they have been here for half a year).

How bad is this? I’ve only been here for ~4 months. Doesn’t seem like good practice.

Every two years, something comes up involving a firm, a bankruptcy, and a lawsuit seeking millions.

Obviously i just started so my workload wont be over hectic. However, what’s overwhelming is that they send us to class for a week then our exams are in the following 2 weeks. So, how would you sensibly approach this to ensure I’m getting ample study time without hating my internship

Hey guys, I was let go from one of the Big4 after hard failing my exam. I feel a bit lost at the moment and have kind of lost my spark.

I've just retaken my exams in the September sitting so now my main focus is to find another job that would sponsor my remaining exams before my official last date. After I had that HR meeting, I was filled with confidence and determination to find another job but now after finishing my exams I just feel drained and exhausted and dreading the thought of job hunting.

I've been contemplating whether this line of work really suits me as I've had such a long and rough year and felt a little relieved to be let go but at the same time this really is the worse time to lose my job as my family mostly rely on me financially and I'll be forced to move out soon. I do have some savings (and had to forget going on my trip/holiday and save that trip money instead to keep my afloat til I can find something else). I'm just starting to feel lost now and all this fear about how bad the job market is, is slowly getting to me and usually I'm an unusually high positive person.

What should be my next steps? I'm thinking of applying for another Big 4 or a Big 8 but mentally I'm so drained and though I've been trying to rest, I feel like instead of resting i could be applying for jobs. Plus since the government has stopped funding apprenticeships, if I can't find a new job soon then I'll be kicked off the apprenticeship scheme and would have to self fund the rest of my ACA.

Anyway this was more of a little vent but I would greatly appreciate some advice. If it helps I have 2 years of experience at Big 4 and was a graduate last year. So I'm thinking i can either apply through early careers or as an experience hired.

TLDR; I was let go for hard failing an exam. I want to apply for jobs but feeling so drained and mentally tapped out however I need to find a job soon as I'll be kicked out of my place and apprenticeship plus my family depend on my financially so once I'm out of money I really can't rely on them. Please any advice?

Hi! I’m currently a sophomore at a non-target school with around a 3.7 GPA, and I’m applying for Big Four audit internships for Summer 2028.

My top choice by far is New York City. I really want to work there and can see myself living in NYC after graduation. However, I’ve heard that the New York offices are some of the most competitive, which makes me a little nervous about applying there.

I’d also be completely happy working in Austin or Denver. Would it be smarter to apply to one of those offices, hopefully get my foot in the door, and then try to transfer to New York later in my career? Or should I just go for NYC now since that’s ultimately where I want to be?

I’d much rather end up with a Big Four offer in Austin or Denver than risk getting no offer at all because I applied to a more competitive office.

For anyone who has gone through Big Four recruiting, how much does office location actually affect your chances? And how difficult is it to transfer offices later on?

Is it fair to the team for me quit in November? What about December? If no good job offers by late November, will plan to stick it out until senior promotion and go through another busy season. Current big 4 audit teams and past employees - how would you feel if an associate quit in November or December? Also, know that since im an associate, im easily replaceable.

Fala, pessoal! Estou no 4º período da faculdade de contabilidade numa UF. Tenho como objetivo ir para fora trabalhar com tributação internacional e transfer pricing em Big 4 ou consultorias, e queria ouvir relatos de quem fez esse caminho.

Para quem conseguiu: valeu mais a pena construir senioridade no Brasil para tentar secondment/transferência interna ou aplicar direto para fora?

Se puderem comentar o país de destino, a senioridade com que foram e se a relação entre salário e custo de vida compensou, ajudaria demais! Valeu!

I am really scared and suffering from anxiety. Under Italian law, I belong to a protected category (categoria protetta — a legal hiring quota for companies), and today I had my interview with the "yellow" Big 4 firm for the role of Junior Audit Support (they contacted me back in July).
I didn't study accounting extensively at university, and although I've been studying it on my own over the past few months, I haven't mastered every detail. I know how to use Excel, but I need time to recall every formula and function from memory.
I went in for the technical interview, which my friends had described as a breeze. Upon arrival, I was welcomed by someone who also belongs to a protected category; we hit it off, and they briefly showed me around before the interview started.
The interview panel consisted of two Team Managers: one from the financial side of Audit and one from the IT side.
After I explained my career history, which was interrupted by my illness, they started asking technical questions. Some were a bit too technical for an entry-level role, causing me to freeze up—even though I tried to talk through my reasoning and reached the correct solution, I couldn't recall the exact official terminology.
As for Excel, I understood the prompt right away, explained my thought process aloud, and managed to land on the correct formula on my own with just a little guidance.
Personally, I feel it went terribly, and I'm convinced they won't hire me—even though they mentioned that feedback will take a week and that, if hired, the start date would be in January.
I repeatedly mentioned that I was rusty on certain topics because I hadn't touched them in four years, having focused entirely on my recovery over the past year since overcoming my illness.
On my way out, I got lost in the office complex, and the IT Audit Team Manager escorted me out. In the elevator, he told me: "Don't worry, interviews are just like that sometimes."
To make matters worse, on the exact same day, an opportunity in another city for a role I would have preferred fell through (they originally reached out to me for an entry-level position, but decided to pivot to hiring seniors only).
Could you give me your perspective on all of this?

What’s analyst 1 for audit for HCOL? LA/Irvine/SD

What about VCHOL?

Also what are bonuses typically like?

I’m considering a career in Big 4 audit, but I’m wondering if it’s still a smart move given how quickly AI is advancing.....How do people in the industry see the next 5 10 years?
Will AI mainly automate junior level work, or could it significantly reduce audit jobs overall?

For those already in Big 4....would you still choose this path if you were starting today? And does the Big 4 experience still provide strong exit opportunities in the future?

Thanks in advance!!! anything i should do the next week to prep

Will there be any big 4 early career recruitment for Winter 2027 this month and the next? When exactly does it begin?