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Every day, I receive a question that sounds a little bit like this, "Big 4 Guru, what will I be asked in an interview with the smaller accounting firms and the Big 4 Accounting Firms? Is it the same questions?"
So to clear things up, here is an article that should help out! In my book, "The Interview" linked below. In the book, I go through, in detail over 15 questions that I have seen the big 4 ask, as well as the responses you should be giving. Here are a few examples of questions Big 4 Accounting Firms ask:
Is this firm your first choice?
If you are actively pursuing other Big 4 or regional companies, keep this information to yourself. While you are in the interview, act like Mr. PwC or Mr. D&T. You may be tempted to bait the interviewer by making yourself seem impressive that you have interviewed with some of the others, but they are more likely to take this as a sign that you lack committment. Find a reason why the firm stands out to you. However, if they ask what other companies you are interviewing with, be honest. Let them know that you have interviews coming up or have already occurred. If they are your first choice, let them know that at the end.
The structure of the Big 4 is on a regional basis. The recruiter has a territory that he or she is responsible for, and that needs to be your first choice.
The recruiting structure of most Big 4's is on a regional basis and the recruiter has a territory they are responsible for.
Before my interview with PwC, personally, I was discussing with a Big 4 alumnus the fact that I was considering both the New York City office as well as an office in a smaller city. "That's good for you" he said, "if you want to cut your chance of getting the job in half."
Find a reason why that firm speaks to you. However, if they ask if you are interviewing with other companies, be honest. Let them know that you have these interview coming up or if they have already occurred. If they are your first choice, let them know that at the end.
If you are actively pursuing other Big 4, regional companies, or small firms, keep this to yourself. While you are there, you are only interested in their firm. You may be tempted to bait the interviewer by appearing impressive that you have interviewed with some of the others, but they are more likely to take this as a sign that you are not committed.
This may very well be the first question they ask. It is a good idea to have a succinct, confident response to this question. Write down your response to this question. This will be your "elevator pitch". Follow this format:
"My name is Bill, and I am from Kansas. I'm a senior at the University of Kansas and will be graduating with an accounting degree in May. I have already passed half the CPA exam. I had no idea I wanted to do accounting. I started out as pre-med.
What year are you in University
What job/campus leadership roles are you currently in
Is our office your first choice?
Before my interview with PwC, I was discussing with a Big 4 alumnus that I was considering both the NYC office as well as an office in a smaller city, near my parent's house. "Good for you" he said, "if you are interested in cutting your chance of getting the job in half."
YOU NEED TO BE PERSONABLE Here's an example:
Every day I would suffer through these science classes and then the accounting class just came so naturally. It was then that I realized that accounting is the path for me.
My preference is to work for PwC in the Hartford office after graduation. I have learned so much about PwC from the on campus events I've attended and speaking with (insert name of intern or staff), who was a past intern/staff. I am excited to be here today.
If you are associated with that person, in their eyes, you are more likely to fit in with their company and culture. Mentioning someone else who already worked at the company associates you with that individual and significantly ups your chances. If it is a partner, it can work against you so try for a lower level person.
So to clear things up, here is an article that should help out! In my book, "The Interview" linked below. In the book, I go through, in detail over 15 questions that I have seen the big 4 ask, as well as the responses you should be giving. Here are a few examples of questions Big 4 Accounting Firms ask:
Is this firm your first choice?
If you are actively pursuing other Big 4 or regional companies, keep this information to yourself. While you are in the interview, act like Mr. PwC or Mr. D&T. You may be tempted to bait the interviewer by making yourself seem impressive that you have interviewed with some of the others, but they are more likely to take this as a sign that you lack committment. Find a reason why the firm stands out to you. However, if they ask what other companies you are interviewing with, be honest. Let them know that you have interviews coming up or have already occurred. If they are your first choice, let them know that at the end.
The structure of the Big 4 is on a regional basis. The recruiter has a territory that he or she is responsible for, and that needs to be your first choice.
The recruiting structure of most Big 4's is on a regional basis and the recruiter has a territory they are responsible for.
Before my interview with PwC, personally, I was discussing with a Big 4 alumnus the fact that I was considering both the New York City office as well as an office in a smaller city. "That's good for you" he said, "if you want to cut your chance of getting the job in half."
Find a reason why that firm speaks to you. However, if they ask if you are interviewing with other companies, be honest. Let them know that you have these interview coming up or if they have already occurred. If they are your first choice, let them know that at the end.
If you are actively pursuing other Big 4, regional companies, or small firms, keep this to yourself. While you are there, you are only interested in their firm. You may be tempted to bait the interviewer by appearing impressive that you have interviewed with some of the others, but they are more likely to take this as a sign that you are not committed.
This may very well be the first question they ask. It is a good idea to have a succinct, confident response to this question. Write down your response to this question. This will be your "elevator pitch". Follow this format:
"My name is Bill, and I am from Kansas. I'm a senior at the University of Kansas and will be graduating with an accounting degree in May. I have already passed half the CPA exam. I had no idea I wanted to do accounting. I started out as pre-med.
What year are you in University
What job/campus leadership roles are you currently in
Is our office your first choice?
Before my interview with PwC, I was discussing with a Big 4 alumnus that I was considering both the NYC office as well as an office in a smaller city, near my parent's house. "Good for you" he said, "if you are interested in cutting your chance of getting the job in half."
YOU NEED TO BE PERSONABLE Here's an example:
Every day I would suffer through these science classes and then the accounting class just came so naturally. It was then that I realized that accounting is the path for me.
My preference is to work for PwC in the Hartford office after graduation. I have learned so much about PwC from the on campus events I've attended and speaking with (insert name of intern or staff), who was a past intern/staff. I am excited to be here today.
If you are associated with that person, in their eyes, you are more likely to fit in with their company and culture. Mentioning someone else who already worked at the company associates you with that individual and significantly ups your chances. If it is a partner, it can work against you so try for a lower level person.
About the Author:
Before you start interviewing with the big 4 accounting firms, make sure you've checked out my book which has been the book since '08 and helped hundreds, even thousands of students get hired with the Big 4 accounting firms: http://www.big4guru.com/big-4-hiring-guide/
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