How to Get Hired by the Big Four Accounting Firms

  • Maintain a High GPA
  • Always Network
  • Practice Interviews
  • Remain Professional
  • Be Yourself

Working in accounting offers a number of perks including lucrative compensation, hefty benefit packages, and a plethora of interesting industry lines to work in. It is also a profession where some of the largest companies in the world operate. So, how do people get hired by Big Four accounting firms?

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1. Maintain a High GPA

In order to even grab attention from recruiters who consider hundreds of candidates, one must have a solid GPA. It is the first line-item that most individuals look for while skimming through resumes. The reason why firms pay close attention to GPAs is two-folded. First, it helps them identify candidates that possess the necessary knowledge levels to succeed. Second, it allows the recruiter to estimate how dedicated and hard-working one is. After all, achieving a high GPA requires a ton of time and effort. Therefore, keeping the grade point average high will make it easier to be spotted by a Big Four accounting firm.

2. Always Network

Although good grades are necessary to land an interview, networking is just as relevant. Consider, for example, the importance of being a good speaker while working in a client-serving industry like accounting. After all, it revolves around teamwork where meetings and public speaking are unavoidable. Thus, networking is necessary to showcase the recruiters how good one’s social skills are. It also is one of the only ways to meet those who can invite people to interviews. Not to mention how networking could potentially even lead to mentoring opportunities that are beneficial in the long-run.

3. Practice Interviews

After getting an interview opportunity, the candidate must do everything in their power to ace the interview. In fact, doing so is the only way to be hired by a Big Four accounting firm. It is a time where potential employees are asked behavioral and general questions. This helps the interviewer determine if the prospect is a good fit for the company’s culture. Additionally, it can be useful in determining the current knowledge of the worker in case that they are transferring from another firm. Thus, practicing interviews is likely one of the most important tips available.

4. Remain Professional

Sometimes, opportunities do not work out in the way that one hopes. For instance, one Big Four accounting firm may not offer the candidate a full-time offer. If that happens, it is extremely important to remain professional. Doing so opens up opportunities in the future. It is a known fact that the four largest accounting firms in the world constantly have employee transfers due to better opportunities. Thus, being professional at all times is what makes it easy to seek out jobs at a later point. Furthermore, according to the Journal of Accountancy, professionalism is what most companies expect and consider mandatory.

5. Extracurricular Activities

Work experience and an impressive resume are very powerful. They are not, however, the only deciding factors for recruiters. For instance, a student with a perfect grade point average may appear to be the perfect choice for the firm. If that student does nothing besides school work, on the other hand, their grades become less impressive. As a consequence, hiring them may take a back seat to hiring another candidate who does a lot of extracurricular activities. Those can include anything from occasional volunteering to multiple part-time jobs.

Ultimately, getting a job with one of the aforementioned companies requires a little bit of luck. Meaning, one must have a solid timing in order to find opportunities. Once they do, however, the previous five tips will certainly help getting hired by a Big Four accounting firm.