[SIBHCHEVIE]

To be honest the big 4 companies are over rated for training purposes. I just got my FAE's last week and I started with a medium sized company. You get more exposure in a medium sized company than you do with the bigger firms. In the big 4 you are designated a specific industry and you may not ever get out of it whereas medium sized you will work on a range of different clients. i have spoken to a lot of people that have qualified with big 4 and as soon as there contracts finish they leave to smaller firms to get more experience. I was also talking to one of my managers last year and her friend in PWC was asking if any people in my firm were finishing their contacts soon because they wanted people with more experience and training than what they give their trainees.

Just something to think about if they don't go to plan there are plenty of smaller firms that you will get great experience with and then after your contract finishes then move to the big 4.

[Newaglish]

Originally Posted by Richie75

In my Deloitte interview, they accepted they were not as big as PWC and KPMG - but they are growing faster than either over the past 5 years so they must be doing something right plus that means there are more opportunities for someone like us coming through the ranks

In case you're interested:

Fiscal Year 2007 - 2008
KPMG 14.3% Growth (269.3m to 307.7m)
PwC 10.2% Growth (322m to 355m)
Deloitte 15% Growth (143.6m to 165.1m)
E&Y 7.2% Growth (138m to 148m)

Deloitte is growing faster in % terms, but in absolutes it's being outperformed by both PwC and KPMG

[schumacher]

Originally Posted by SIBHCHEVIE

To be honest the big 4 companies are over rated for training purposes. I just got my FAE's last week and I started with a medium sized company. You get more exposure in a medium sized company than you do with the bigger firms. In the big 4 you are designated a specific industry and you may not ever get out of it whereas medium sized you will work on a range of different clients. i have spoken to a lot of people that have qualified with big 4 and as soon as there contracts finish they leave to smaller firms to get more experience. I was also talking to one of my managers last year and her friend in PWC was asking if any people in my firm were finishing their contacts soon because they wanted people with more experience and training than what they give their trainees.

Just something to think about if they don't go to plan there are plenty of smaller firms that you will get great experience with and then after your contract finishes then move to the big 4.

im starting in a regional big 4 and its not ey! Do you think that il get a more broader experience there? Its a bit late now either way anyway!!

[Failed Salesman]

Originally Posted by Newaglish

In case you're interested:

Fiscal Year 2007 - 2008
KPMG 14.3% Growth (269.3m to 307.7m)
PwC 10.2% Growth (322m to 355m)
Deloitte 15% Growth (143.6m to 165.1m)
E&Y 7.2% Growth (138m to 148m)

Deloitte is growing faster in % terms, but in absolutes it's being outperformed by both PwC and KPMG

Even those figures can be skewed. As an example, both KPMG and PwC include the figures from the Northern Ireland offices (not sure about E&Y and Deloitte to be honest). KPMG NI is part of the same partnership as KPMG Ireland however, unlike PwC, which is part of the UK partnership.

Don't pay too much attention to the figures. Go with the firm which you feel suits you best, not just because they're the biggest.

[Richie75]

In a smaller firm you will get more exposure to doing the debits and credits, VAT returns, incomplete records etc.

In a larger firms you will get more exposure to the US reporting, Sarbanes oxley IFRS, large groups, special projects etc. Yes, you may be in a specialised area, however stuff like that is much more beneficial on your CV that having done Paddy Smith's famr accounts.

[SIBHCHEVIE]

Originally Posted by schumacher

im starting in a regional big 4 and its not ey! Do you think that il get a more broader experience there? Its a bit late now either way anyway!!

Yea you should get more experience there alright I went to college in Waterford and moved to Dublin to work. I went for an interview with one of them down there and they were a lot more down to earth than the ones in dublin. Two of my friends work for two different Big 4 firms down in Waterford and they seem to be getting on ok, prepare to become the photocopiers best friend for the first few months though.

It all depends what manager you seem to get and what sector you go into, luck of the draw really.

Only thing I will say about those firms though they are very very exam orientated some of them will give you only one repeat attempt at an exam and if you fail that your out. No one needs that pressure they are hard enough without that.

Good luck in the job though its such a weight off your shoulders to be sorted out already.

[The_Hustler]

Originally Posted by Richie75

In my Deloitte interview, they accepted they were not as big as PWC and KPMG- but they are growing faster than either over the past 5 years

This is the first year in quite a while that Deloitte grew more than KPMG, and that wasn't by much.

[Newaglish]

Originally Posted by Failed Salesman

Go with the firm which you feel suits you best, not just because they're the biggest.

That's kind of what I meant, I guess I wasn't too clear!

[FockRoysh]

I've got offers for tax from PWC, Deloitte and KPMG...

I must say, it was PWC or bust for me after the application process and the drinks receptions and all that jazz. But my interview there was so weird, I can't describe it. The interviewers just were not interested and the conversation was forced, I'm shocked I got an offer at all. The building is amazing and I do know a few people who work there but I feel I'd be just a number in there and I've been told they are very strict about passing exams... they fired people a few weeks ago for failing, apparently.

Deloitte was great, they're really honest in there. They know they're not the biggest firm but they believe what they offer is the best. The Deloitte Academy is top notch too.

I do think I'm leaning towards KPMG though. I wasn't impressed by the presentation evening but the interview process was really good (but long!) and I really connected with the two managers that interviewed me. It was more like a casual conversation. Even the phonecall I received about the offer and the contract I got in the post (with personal note from interviewers included) were, as I said, more personal and they just make it seem like they want me more and would value me more.

I suppose it's all down to personal choice and what not. Most of my friends are dead set on PWC... the spencer dock office seems to sway most!

[crapmanjoe]

Originally Posted by FockRoysh

I suppose it's all down to personal choice and what not. Most of my friends are dead set on PWC... the spencer dock office seems to sway most!

I dont for the life of me get the attraction of PWC new building, sure its a nice building but its so far away from the centre of town (i know it'll have the luas and has special bus's but would still drive me daft)

If your working late and want to go for drinks its a complete disaster as well

I pretty much ruled out PWC when i saw where the office is.

[Richie75]

Once you are in a building for more than a week, you'll find it has little effect on you and its more the people you are working with.

Go for the firm that you think will help you get your exams and will not just treat you as another number monkey they can charge out. Don't be worrying about buildings.

[Running Bing]

Originally Posted by crapmanjoe

I dont for the life of me get the attraction of PWC new building, sure its a nice building but its so far away from the centre of town (i know it'll have the luas and has special bus's but would still drive me daft)

If your working late and want to go for drinks its a complete disaster as well

I pretty much ruled out PWC when i saw where the office is.

Also I have a friend who worked there and he said he much preferred the old office as the new building was too open/noisy and it was hard to get a bit of banter going.

Good place to work PWC but its ridiculous going there because the building looks swish imo.

[clearya]

Originally Posted by Babybing

Also I have a friend who worked there and he said he much preferred the old office as the new building was too open/noisy and it was hard to get a bit of banter going.

Good place to work PWC but its ridiculous going there because the building looks swish imo.

I haven't seen the new building, but I was on placement in AIB Bankcentre and they also have a newish lovely building, also open plan. I was happy because I was in the 'old' side and we had an enclosed office so you had some peace. The other open offices were around the atrium where people sat with tea/coffee etc and I don't know how the people on the first floor deal with all the noise at lunch time...and i'd NEVER choose a company because of the building, daft if you ask me! And a 24 hour gym? My first thought was what a waste of electricity Seriously, why?!

[bozotheclown]

To be 100% honest there is very little difference between any of the big 3, I would avoid EY if possible. You will gain equal experience with any of these firms.

I'm ex Deloitte so would be bias in promoting them. I had a great time in there, learned a lot and made great friends.

I read on one post that a medium firm is the better option - I would disagree with this now that I'm out in industry, when we are looking for a newly qualified acc we only look at big 3 applicants with obviously the odd exception.

Go with your gut feeling - it worked for me!

[Millie123]

I think the last poster is correct, you have to go with your gut. I applied and interviewed with 3 of the 4 (didnt apply to EY) and the whole experience was exhausting but interesting at the same time..I got 3 offers (thanksfully ) but kinda knew who I wanted after all the careers fairs and presentations in college..its PwC for me a lot of my friends are there and a few more are planning to join with me next year so I cant wait to get started and start earning some money!!!