A common question in the accounting world is, where do the Big 4 accounting firms recruit from? The Big 4 accounting firms—Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG—recruit from a wide range of universities and educational institutions across the globe. Their recruitment efforts typically focus on universities with strong accounting, finance, business, and STEM programs, but they also hire from a variety of other backgrounds.
In this guide, you will learn all about the recruiting process at these highly acclaimed firms and how you can best prepare for interviews and your future career. If you’re considering a career with one of the Big 4, you should check whether your school has a strong recruitment presence with them. It’s also a good idea to actively participate in any networking events or on-campus recruitment opportunities they offer.
First Things First: What Exactly Are the “Big 4?”
At the moment, the Big 4 are four financial services and consulting firms: PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), Ernst & Young (EY), Deloitte, and KPMG. These four firms audit most public companies in North America and Europe, and they form a cornerstone of the modern global economy.
These companies offer auditing, consulting, tax advisory, and other useful services. Some have also created separate management consulting branches, such as with EY’s Parthenon brand.
Here’s a breakdown of the key features of each of these companies:
- Deloitte: The largest of the Big 4 in terms of revenue and number of employees. It provides audit, consulting, advisory, and tax services.
- PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC): Offers similar services to Deloitte, including audit and assurance, consulting, and tax services.
- Ernst & Young (EY): Focuses on audit, advisory, tax, and transaction services, along with strategic consulting.
- KPMG: Known for audit, tax, and advisory services, KPMG has a significant presence globally but is smaller than Deloitte, PwC, and EY.
As to why they’re known as the “Big” 4, these corporations have an international presence. With offices across the globe, they operate within similar revenue bands. You can also categorize them based on their significant employee count.
How Can Job Seekers Increase Their Chances of Being Hired by the Big 4?
When answering the question “Where do the Big 4 accounting firms recruit,” you need to understand what universities they’re most likely to draw from.
The Big 4 like to recruit from well-known universities renowned for their academic rigor. For example, in the Boston, MA, metropolitan region, the firms like to hire students and graduates from Bentley, Northeastern, Boston College, and Babson, among others.
Acquiring an internship offer at one of the firms during your sophomore and junior years is of the utmost importance, as many of these firms subsequently hire former interns as full-time employees.
Most new hires had a prior internship with one of the firms. This internship can boost your hiring prospects immediately upon graduation.
Other keys to success for college students aspiring to a role at one of the Big 4 include:
- Major & Grades: Majoring in accounting and securing high grades can help you stand out from the competition, especially if your course load includes intensive accounting courses.
- Other Internships: Interning at similarly competitive firms can help you jump to the Big 4.
- Professional Certifications: Other professional certifications to consider include the CMA (Certified Managerial Accountant) credential and the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) charter, although the latter may take longer to acquire and does require a certain amount of professional experience.
Other Certifications to Consider When Applying to the Big 4
The CPA is the gold standard, but other certifications are helpful, too. For example, the Big 4 often have niche practices with specific certification requirements, such as the CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) certification in the IT audit practice.
A master’s degree can be helpful as well, especially a master’s in accounting or other business-related topics. Understanding where the Big 4 accounting firms recruit from can also be beneficial when choosing a graduate program, as an MBA from a top-rated business school or other institution might be relevant for specific practices, such as management consulting groups.
Transitioning into the Big 4 from Other Firms
So, not everyone gets an internship or an entry-level role right out of college at one of these companies. What are some other ways to break into the Big 4?
If you’re at a lower-ranked program or were not recruited, you might find that you can work your way into one of the other top firms in the space, including RSM, BDO, and Grant Thornton. While not as huge as the Big 4, these firms also have a major national — and, in some cases, even international — presence.
Spending a few years at one of these companies can go a long way toward ensuring you can put yourself in the best position to transition into a role at Deloitte, PwC, EY, or KPMG. And, in any event, you’ll be building up that crucial experience necessary to succeed in this demanding field.
What about the CPA Credential?
The CPA credential can be extremely helpful in securing a job offer at one of the major firms. Preparing for this examination process is of the utmost importance, but a solid background in accounting from university courses and practical experience can go a long way toward helping you succeed.
CPA preparation courses are helpful, as well. Many vendors offer them, and most professionals who sit for the exam will enroll in one of these courses. The three most popular CPA exam training providers include:
- Becker CPA Review: Known for its comprehensive and high-quality materials, Becker is a favorite among Big 4 firms. It offers extensive practice questions, video lectures, and interactive tools. Its “Pass Guarantee” ensures support until candidates pass, though it comes at a premium price.
- Roger CPA Review (UWorld): Roger CPA stands out for its engaging, energetic video lectures, making complex topics easier to grasp. Its adaptive learning technology, SmartPath, helps users track progress and focus on areas that need improvement. Mid-range pricing and flexible study options make it a popular choice.
- Wiley CPAexcel: Wiley offers bite-sized lessons and an extensive question bank, making it ideal for students who prefer modular learning. Its “Partner Until You Pass” guarantee ensures unlimited access to materials until the exam is completed, offering a balance of affordability and effectiveness.
You need to pass each of the four sections of the CPA exam to earn the credential. A lot of discipline is required, but it’s well worth it for a certification that gives you the legal right to sign financial statements. It’s also a credential that employers respect in the labor market.
Preparing for Your Big 4 Interview
Using your professional network is one of the most effective strategies for preparing for a Big 4 accounting firm interview. Someone in your LinkedIn connections or alumni network likely has experience with a Big 4 firm. Reaching out to those individuals to learn about the interview process, common questions, and overall structure can provide invaluable insights.
Consulting with recruiting agencies that specialize in Big 4 placements is another useful option, as they often have in-depth knowledge of the interview format. While some paid services offer Big 4 interview preparation, firsthand advice from industry insiders remains one of the best resources.
If all else fails, just practicing with a friend who is also recruiting for competitive accounting roles may be a great way to prepare yourself for the real deal. Use actual interview questions available on many job portals to help you prepare for some of the more realistic possibilities that might come up during your recruiting process.
Maximizing Your Chances of Success
Distilling the winning formula for succeeding in Big 4 recruiting essentially boils down to these facets:
- Academic Background: Big 4 firms prioritize candidates with strong academic records, particularly in fields such as accounting, finance, economics, or business.
- Networking: Don’t underrate the degree to which a human connection can help you secure a new role – especially with the Big 4 firms. Leveraging your alumni and other social networks is the key.
- Custom–Tailored Applications: Personalize your cover letter for each application. Explain why you’re a great fit for the role and how your background aligns with the firm’s needs.
- Stay Updated: Stay informed about changes in accounting standards, audit practices, and finance regulations. Demonstrating knowledge of industry trends can differentiate you in interviews.
- Technological Edge: Familiarize yourself with financial technologies like data analytics tools (e.g., Tableau and Power BI) or ERP systems (e.g., SAP and Oracle), as Big 4 firms increasingly rely on these platforms.
Daley And Associates Can Help
Networking is a key element in preparing for a Big 4 interview. Engaging with professionals in your network who have experience at a Big 4 firm can offer insights into the interview process and key questions. Recruiting agencies specializing in Big 4 placements can also provide valuable guidance, and knowing the answer to “where do the Big 4 accounting firms recruit from?” can give you a competitive advantage. This is especially true if you’re aiming to attend or have already attended one of these institutions.
At Daley And Associates, we help job seekers of all backgrounds find employment in specialized fields, including accounting and information technology. Contact us today for more information!
