Need help choosing a big 4 accounting firm.?

Hi there,

I am a 3rd business student, and have received some offers for next summer from Deloitte & Touch, KPMG, and PWC. I am also meeting with Ernst & Young this week. To be honest, I went into the recruiting process just hoping to get on with one of the four, and didn't expect such a positive response.

My concern now, is to choose the right firm. I am looking for some advice on how to ensure I do choose the right firm? What are some aspects I could examine to compare them? My understanding right now is that functionally, each of the four firms are basically the same? So should I simply focus on culture and benefits to aid my decision?

I would appreciate any advice on this.
Thank you in advance.

Is this a summer job or a permanent position? If it is a summer internship, it should not make much difference. You may wish to find out what your duties will be. If you will be doing mostly clerical busy work without learning much at one firm, but will be helping with audits or tax research at another firm, the choice is obvious.

If it is for a permanent position, you should also consider the people you will work for, as well as the work to be assigned. I was going to say you are lucky to have so many job offers, but actually it is not luck. It is your scholastic record that makes you attractive to the firms.

Fortunately, you will be mobile, and if the job does not work out in one firm, you can move to another later. Most likely, however, you will love the job no matter which firm you select. Be prepared for long hours.

PwC has the best pedigree.

All of the Big 4 are similar with their salary and benefits. If/When you get the offer(s), you should ask yourself two questions. Where was I most comfortable? and Where do I want to be in 3-5 years?

My advice would be to go with your gut about the people that you have met within the different firms. You will be spending a lot of time with them if you decide to take an offer. You will work more than you ever thought possible and being able to make it 'fun' is important.

Also, it is important to consider their clients of each of the firms within your market. Do they have the type of clients (industry sector) that you would consider moving to if you do not like public accounting? Public accounting is not for everyone. Long hours, strict deadlines, and lots of travel are probably in your future.

The good side is the training is second to none (whatever Big 4 you choose). You will learn more in your first year than most people will in three who simply take a job as an entry level accountant in the corporate world.

I am biased toward PwC because that is where I work. However, I also have friends at other firms that would not trade with me for anything.

Follow your gut! If you are smart enough to get offers from multiple firms, you are clearly smart enough to make the right decision.

Good Luck!