Milkround offers

d.m.b1990

Right guys just starting a new thread for this years milkround. Appications will start to open over the next fortnight.

Best of luck to everbody!!!

bigmc23

good luck to yourself. What's your plan of attack? Are you going to give yourself a time limit for each application?

ted2767

d.m.b1990 wrote: »

Right guys just starting a new thread for this years milkround. Appications will start to open over the next fortnight.

Best of luck to everbody!!!

Jesus how about you enjoy your summer holidays?

d.m.b1990

ted2767 wrote: »

d.m.b1990 wrote: »

Right guys just starting a new thread for this years milkround. Appications will start to open over the next fortnight.

Best of luck to everbody!!!

Jesus how about you enjoy your summer holidays?

Have enjoyed them now on to the boredom stage so want to start focusing on something productive!

d.m.b1990

bigmc23 wrote: »

good luck to yourself. What's your plan of attack? Are you going to give yourself a time limit for each application?

Have a fair bit of work done for it in terms of prep so not too worried about time limits.

wish103

Just a word of warning from someone doing their FAEs

Really really really think this through. I'll go through the positives and negatives
Positives:
Generally the people in accountancy firms are sound as they are your age.
If you pass your exams it is a stable job for 3.5 years which is hard to get

Negatives:
90% chance you will end up in audit as that is the largest department in most big 4. It is a thankless and soul destroying job that is in no way mentally stimulating. It is tedious and repetitive, where the only increase in challenge is the increase in workload rather than the interesting nature of the assignments given to you. I am 99% sure you will hate your job for the next 3.5 years, unless you are one of the rare people born to be an auditor (wouldn't wish this on anyone). Be prepared for many false deadlines and frustratingly difficult exams too.
If you get advisory, fantastic. That sounds a lot more interesting.
From my own experience, working in audit has almost completely put me off business and corporate life to the point I am even considering ditching this and starting another career path once I am done with this qualification (and I am not the only person like this). I can count the number of people who like this job on half of one hand.

Also, don't apply to a certain Big 4 firm. They don't offer time in lieu.

Just something to think through.

Paddy001

wish103 wrote: »

Just a word of warning from someone doing their FAEs

Really really really think this through. I'll go through the positives and negatives
Positives:
Generally the people in accountancy firms are sound as they are your age.
If you pass your exams it is a stable job for 3.5 years which is hard to get

Negatives:
90% chance you will end up in audit as that is the largest department in most big 4. It is a thankless and soul destroying job that is in no way mentally stimulating. It is tedious and repetitive, where the only increase in challenge is the increase in workload rather than the interesting nature of the assignments given to you. I am 99% sure you will hate your job for the next 3.5 years, unless you are one of the rare people born to be an auditor (wouldn't wish this on anyone). Be prepared for many false deadlines and frustratingly difficult exams too.
If you get advisory, fantastic. That sounds a lot more interesting.
From my own experience, working in audit has almost completely put me off business and corporate life to the point I am even considering ditching this and starting another career path once I am done with this qualification (and I am not the only person like this). I can count the number of people who like this job on half of one hand.

Also, don't apply to a certain Big 4 firm. They don't offer time in lieu.

Just something to think through.

And also bear in mind that with the big 4 you will probably spend 3 years doing audits and you wont get any experience of anything else like you would in a smaller firm! Also need very good grades upto now for them to even look at you

Username2011

Paddy001 wrote: »

And also bear in mind that with the big 4 you will probably spend 3 years doing audits and you wont get any experience of anything else like you would in a smaller firm! Also need very good grades upto now for them to even look at you

Yes
But also have a look at monster.ie or any other job site and look at jobs in the area of accounting/financial controller/etc etc. A large percentage of them won't even consider you without Big 4 experience.
And remember that any industry you start in be it audit, or whatever, you will naturally be starting at the bottom of the ladder and will have to work your way up.
I found that the level of responsibility improves as you move through the years. First year its ridiculously monotonous and crappy stuff. The next year you'll get more responsibility and take on a coaching role and by third year you're leading teams, dealing with client's heads of accouting & finance and have a lot of responsibility and varied work. yes its audit but any audit I've been on has also had questions from clients advising on you on how to account for this, or what would my advice be for this.
Be under no illusion regarding the time commitment though. Hours are unbelievably long and when combined with exam pressure, it gets really intense and stressful.


Your experience will largely come down to the people on your team and your managers. If you are working on a nice team with a sound manager it makes a big difference.
Good luck!

bigmc23

don't think i've ever seen anyone on these forums say anything good about audit or the work-life balance at the big four but it would be worth it in the end in my opinion

bigmc23

d.m.b1990 wrote: »

Have a fair bit of work done for it in terms of prep so not too worried about time limits.

what sort of prep have you done man? could do with doing a bit myself now over the next week or two

d.m.b1990

Have done an intern in audit and have to say I really liked it, could see how people find it tedious but its definitely for me.

Regarding prep I've mainly be just compiling info on each firm for the past while so won't spend ages researching them during September while I could be doing the actual application.

20 Times 20 Times

Just a bit of advice from someone who got offered all the BIG 4. Prepare all answers based on STAR.

jemmyboy

Hi guys. Anyone got the opening dates for the applications yet???

d.m.b1990

jemmyboy wrote: »

Hi guys. Anyone got the opening dates for the applications yet???

Opening from the fifth I think that's Deloitte .

jemmyboy

d.m.b1990 wrote: »

jemmyboy wrote: »

Hi guys. Anyone got the opening dates for the applications yet???

Opening from the fifth I think that's Deloitte .

Lovely thats great!!! U reckon the questions will be the same as last year?? Are you planning on applying g for the all???

d.m.b1990

jemmyboy wrote: »

Lovely thats great!!! U reckon the questions will be the same as last year?? Are you planning on applying g for the all???

Q's will similar enough I'd say. I'd say so safer to hedge the bets but I know which one I want.

jemmyboy

Still nothing open. I've heard PWC is opening on the 17th of September. Anyone heard the dates for opening of the others???

20 Times 20 Times

d.m.b1990 wrote: »

Q's will similar enough I'd say. I'd say so safer to hedge the bets but I know which one I want.

Ha which one is that :-) I remember last year I knew as well :-)

d.m.b1990

Little Pea wrote: »

Ha which one is that :-) I remember last year I knew as well :-)

That would be telling In all honesty I would be delighted to work for any of them considering the opportunities they offer you going forward both inhouse and in industry!!

20 Times 20 Times

d.m.b1990 wrote: »

That would be telling In all honesty I would be delighted to work for any of them considering the opportunities they offer you going forward both inhouse and in industry!!

You should be fine providing you have the leaving cert points , good degree (2.1 or higher) and use the STAR technique to answer your questions.

d.m.b1990

Little Pea wrote: »

You should be fine providing you have the leaving cert points , good degree (2.1 or higher) and use the STAR technique to answer your questions.

Have a 2.2 in law but doing the PDA with 1.1 expected and have a summer of work in small firm so hoping that I'll at least get called for interview but know I really have to nail the application form.

BigGayKirk

wish103 wrote: »

Just a word of warning from someone doing their FAEs

Really really really think this through. I'll go through the positives and negatives
Positives:
Generally the people in accountancy firms are sound as they are your age.
If you pass your exams it is a stable job for 3.5 years which is hard to get

Negatives:
90% chance you will end up in audit as that is the largest department in most big 4. It is a thankless and soul destroying job that is in no way mentally stimulating. It is tedious and repetitive, where the only increase in challenge is the increase in workload rather than the interesting nature of the assignments given to you. I am 99% sure you will hate your job for the next 3.5 years, unless you are one of the rare people born to be an auditor (wouldn't wish this on anyone). Be prepared for many false deadlines and frustratingly difficult exams too.
If you get advisory, fantastic. That sounds a lot more interesting.
From my own experience, working in audit has almost completely put me off business and corporate life to the point I am even considering ditching this and starting another career path once I am done with this qualification (and I am not the only person like this). I can count the number of people who like this job on half of one hand.

Also, don't apply to a certain Big 4 firm. They don't offer time in lieu.

Just something to think through.

Is it really that bad?? I got a 2.1 acc degree this year with 8 months work experience in a large company but the work was "thankless and soul destroying"!! and I pretty much hated my final year of college.
I enjoy the content its just the stress of exams that gets to me.

In my case do you think I should tough out the 3 years of work and exams?
Just curious from someone with first hand experience.

I could put in the work no problem its just the thought of the exams that put me off big time!!:o

An Citeog

d.m.b1990 wrote: »

Have a 2.2 in law but doing the PDA with 1.1 expected and have a summer of work in small firm so hoping that I'll at least get called for interview but know I really have to nail the application form.

If you do get an interview, this'll be the first thing they pull you up on in it. Going from a 2.2 to a 1.1 is a big jump and they'll be looking at your past academic record to see how realistic this is.

BigGayKirk wrote: »

Is it really that bad?? I got a 2.1 acc degree this year with 8 months work experience in a large company but the work was "thankless and soul destroying"!! and I pretty much hated my final year of college.
I enjoy the content its just the stress of exams that gets to me.

In my case do you think I should tough out the 3 years of work and exams?
Just curious from someone with first hand experience.

I could put in the work no problem its just the thought of the exams that put me off big time!!:o

There's a huge step up from college exams to professional exams and the stress that comes with that is something that all trainees have to deal with. There are definitely times during work and around exams that you do need to just put the head down and keep going but fully qualified accountants with Big 4 experience are highly sought after in industry and that's the goal of the majority of trainees.

Basically, only you can make that decision. It's worthwhile looking at all the feedback though, both positive and negative.

d.m.b1990

Fully expect to be questioned on how realistic the first is. The 2.2 was down to choosing the wrong college course, have a b1 in Acc in the leaving and should have at least 2 current assessment results by mi October from PDA to back it up but I know it will be tough to get past the application stage. While its not a requirement I hope and have heard that my 3 months work exp in a small firm where I was lucky enough to get a lot of responsibility will stand to me.

20 Times 20 Times

I see all the milk-round applications are open now..... I would nearly sell all my applications there so time consuming and have to be perfect.

bigmc23

Little Pea wrote: »

I see all the milk-round applications are open now..... I would nearly sell all my applications there so time consuming and have to be perfect.

yep, that's them open, let the fun begin! Did you allocate a certain amount of time per application? did you spend more time on the big four applications at all?

d.m.b1990

Little Pea wrote: »

I see all the milk-round applications are open now..... I would nearly sell all my applications there so time consuming and have to be perfect.

Sure help a boards buddy out an drop me a pm . Hoping to have two completed by Sunday and then two more next week an then start on remainder of top 10.

bigmc23

Little Pea wrote: »

I see all the milk-round applications are open now..... I would nearly sell all my applications there so time consuming and have to be perfect.

having started the applications, your more than welcome to send me a pm aswell little pea ha

bigmc23

how is everyone getting on with their applications?

jemmyboy

bigmc23 wrote: »

how is everyone getting on with their applications?

Seem to be going good so far!!! Only one to catch me out so far has been the kpmg questions. It says either 200 words/4000 characters but won't let you exceed 200 words :-( how is everyone else getting on?? Many submitted yet?

bigmc23

jemmyboy wrote: »

Seem to be going good so far!!! Only one to catch me out so far has been the kpmg questions. It says either 200 words/4000 characters but won't let you exceed 200 words :-( how is everyone else getting on?? Many submitted yet?

i've pwc, deloitte, rsm tenon, and a wee bit of kpmg done. Nothing i've pressed submit on yet though! Haven't got as far as i would have liked but thats because i've started the PDA this week. Hope to have a big day at the weekend though! Have you submitted any?

Dartwader12

I saw BDO opened up on Monday and their application form doesn't look too bad. I've already completed applications for KPMG, PwC and Deloitte but have a friend in BDO who recommended there to me so think I'd like BDO as the teams aren't as big as in the BIG 4 so you might get more exposure to clients and interaction with partners Scared for interviews. Anyone got any tips?!

Rothmans

Well folks, who are the top ten?
I know who the big 4 are but I don't know the top ten. Can anyone enlighten me?

Dartwader12

http://www.finance-magazine.com/display_article.php?i=5839&pi=218

This link gives a bit of insight into them in terms of fees!!

blackwhite

wish103 wrote: »

Just a word of warning from someone doing their FAEs

Really really really think this through. I'll go through the positives and negatives
Positives:
Generally the people in accountancy firms are sound as they are your age.
If you pass your exams it is a stable job for 3.5 years which is hard to get

Negatives:
90% chance you will end up in audit as that is the largest department in most big 4. It is a thankless and soul destroying job that is in no way mentally stimulating. It is tedious and repetitive, where the only increase in challenge is the increase in workload rather than the interesting nature of the assignments given to you. I am 99% sure you will hate your job for the next 3.5 years, unless you are one of the rare people born to be an auditor (wouldn't wish this on anyone). Be prepared for many false deadlines and frustratingly difficult exams too.
If you get advisory, fantastic. That sounds a lot more interesting.
From my own experience, working in audit has almost completely put me off business and corporate life to the point I am even considering ditching this and starting another career path once I am done with this qualification (and I am not the only person like this). I can count the number of people who like this job on half of one hand.

Also, don't apply to a certain Big 4 firm. They don't offer time in lieu.

Just something to think through.

The negatives aren't as bad as you make out.
I did 5 years in audit in one of the Big 4 (although not the one you allude to at the end - had friends work there who would agree with that, avoid like the plague).
Audit is, by and large, what you make of it. A good pro-active attitude will go a long way to getting you wider experience and opportunities. If you are seen as a strong performer (which is 90% down to attitude and work-ethic) then managers/partners will generally make an effort to keep you happy.
Yes, you'll work on difficult audits and do crazy hours at certain times of the year. But, you'll also get given the more interesting and prestigious audits and get exposure to people that a graduate in their 20s would never otherwise encounter (CFO's of Irish plcs, senior management in multinationals, etc).
If you make it know that you are interested in other types of work, then they'll try and get you some exposure to it. In my 5 years I worked on 3 M&A deals, an IPO and Bond issue - all on top of my audit experience.
For the most part, even people who left the firm immediately at the end of the training contract were positive about the experience that they had gained in their 3-3.5 years. Not all enjoyed it, but even then most would say that it had been work it for the professional experience and exposure gained.

In my experience, those who claimed to have gotten nothing out of their three years were the ones who put SFA effort into it to begin with. The ones who spent more time bitching about work than actually working, would constantly arrive in at 9.15 and be out the door at 5.25 (despite the pile of outstanding work) and seemed to spend most of the day sitting at the coffee shop, and who you would do everything to avoid having on your audit team.

TL/DR??
Working in the Big 4 is like everything else in life. You get out what you put in.

Hewhodares

I filling out the PWC application form and it mentions who your ideal client would be and commercial issues facing the company. Does it have to be a client already with them or not?

I'm really struggling with some of the other applications, dunno if I should bother with any of them. I'm going to the CAP2's externally and struggling to get interviews or work in a small firm. What would my chances of getting in be?

bigmc23

Hewhodares wrote: »

I filling out the PWC application form and it mentions who your ideal client would be and commercial issues facing the company. Does it have to be a client already with them or not?

I'm really struggling with some of the other applications, dunno if I should bother with any of them. I'm going to the CAP2's externally and struggling to get interviews or work in a small firm. What would my chances of getting in be?

No is doesn't have to be a client of theirs. In fact it's better if you choose a company that you know is definitely not a client of theirs! Your attitude doesn't seem to be the best mate - because your struggling with a few applications your going to not bother with them altogether?! You'l need to do some excellent answers if your going to get an interview. Draw your answers from uni, work, extra ciriculars etc!

regarding the CAP2's a lot of people join firms having got their cap2s from doing a masters so i would imagine that wouldn't be a problem. Not entierly sure though.

Sea The Starz

Hi guys,

On all job specs for firms it lists ""commercial awareness"" or an ""interest in business" as important. What exactly are they looking for. Should you just have a broad idea of whats going on in the economy or should you have in dept knowledge of challenges and opportunity facing certain industries or specific companies?

I've been extremely lazy on this front and am completely ignorant - so any info on where you guys check whats going on in the business world would be much appreciated? Is there a particular news/website you visit? I've just been checking the irish times website and seems pretty good.

Regards

Dellboy2007

Bit of advice from someone who did the milkround last year, don't get too hung up on the commercial awareness questions.

Also, if you don't have a fairly good leaving cert I wouldn't bother applying for KPMG unless you're on for a 1.1 or play County football or hurling. That's my opinion however, you can take it or leave it.

And make sure you have no spelling or grammar mistakes.

Locomotion

Anyone got any call backs / rejection letters yet?

ElektroToad

I think it's a bit early for any feedback. Most firms state that they won't even start reviewing applications until later this month.

ElektroToad

Btw, I'm curious to know what is the general consensus regarding choosing industry instead of practise as a trainee achieving an accounting qualification?

I see that Kerry Group have a Finance Graduate Programme and some of the roles look pretty interesting. I realise that I will be setting myself up for a very different kind of career. My main concern is that I will probably get very little study leave compared to most accountancy firms and hence might end up failing and exam or two!

On the other hand, I wouldn't be pursuing an ACA qualification with them as they prefer ACCA or CIMA....which might be a good thing because it seems that the general opinion on boards is that the FAEs are the stuff of nightmares! :eek:

Any thoughts on this?

Flunch

Anyone know the closing date for Ernst & Young? Cant seem to find it

bigmc23

Flunch wrote: »

Anyone know the closing date for Ernst & Young? Cant seem to find it

Yep, 17 October.

maninblack

Dellboy2007 wrote: »

Bit of advice from someone who did the milkround last year, don't get too hung up on the commercial awareness questions.

Also, if you don't have a fairly good leaving cert I wouldn't bother applying for KPMG unless you're on for a 1.1 or play County football or hurling. That's my opinion however, you can take it or leave it.

And make sure you have no spelling or grammar mistakes.

This man speaks the truth. I had a terrible LC but a solid degree and msc results with cap2s and decent work experiance. was offered interviews at all of the mediums and all of the top4 bar kpmg. they're seriously hung up on that bloody Leaving Cert! :rolleyes:

blackwhite

Managers in some PwC offices will be looking at applications next week, and people will be getting calls for interview fairly quickly after that.

masoodsarwar

maninblack wrote: »

This man speaks the truth. I had a terrible LC but a solid degree and msc results with cap2s and decent work experiance. was offered interviews at all of the mediums and all of the top4 bar kpmg. they're seriously hung up on that bloody Leaving Cert! :rolleyes:

hey man ...

Nice to see u. So did u start in PWC? or next week?

I remember your excitement on getting PWC

acb0ards

Just wondering how many firms everyone else is applying for in the first round?:)

freeze4real

i all just wondering i shou apply no.

I got a 2.2 in 1st 1st and 2nd year and will b expecting a 2.1 of 65% in my final year should I still appy to any of the big 4 .

jemmyboy

Just submitted KPMG and Deloitte hopefully get phone call now.......eecckkk!!!

bigmc23

jemmyboy wrote: »

Just submitted KPMG and Deloitte hopefully get phone call now.......eecckkk!!!

good luck!