Big 4 or Medium Sized Firm Training

tkelly2012

Currently have an offer from both Big 4 and medium sized firm (Top 20) with about 30 employees.


Big 4

• Sponsored Masters in Smurfit
• Salary (about 21k)
• Mostly out of the office at clients site. Purely audit experience but more high profile and maybe 1-2 stock listed company's. Mix of both FS and non-fs clients.
• Regional office (Cork)

Medium Sized Firm

• Sponsored Masters in Smurfit
• Based in Dublin
• Salary (about 21k)
• Mostly based in the office
• Position would involve a lot of audit, accounts preparation and bookkeeping experience. A good overall broad level of training.
• Firm is growing pretty strongly and plenty of opportunity to get managerial positions etc. as you work your way up.

Future: I would probably see myself working in industry as a management accountant. Preferably I'd like to have a good knowledge broad knowledge of accounting.



Given my objectives and information provided above, I would greatly appreciate any advice that anyone might have to offer me!

Is the Big 4 name worth it even it it might be more monotonous and boring job given the lack of variety?

Thanks again.
Thomas

Casati

tkelly2012 wrote: »

Currently have an offer from both Big 4 and medium sized firm (Top 20) with about 30 employees.


Big 4

• Sponsored Masters in Smurfit
• Salary (about 21k)
• Mostly out of the office at clients site. Purely audit experience but more high profile and maybe 1-2 stock listed company's. Mix of both FS and non-fs clients.
• Regional office (Cork)

Medium Sized Firm

• Sponsored Masters in Smurfit
• Based in Dublin
• Salary (about 21k)
• Mostly based in the office
• Position would involve a lot of audit, accounts preparation and bookkeeping experience. A good overall broad level of training.
• Firm is growing pretty strongly and plenty of opportunity to get managerial positions etc. as you work your way up.

Future: I would probably see myself working in industry as a management accountant. Preferably I'd like to have a good knowledge broad knowledge of accounting.



Given my objectives and information provided above, I would greatly appreciate any advice that anyone might have to offer me!

Is the Big 4 name worth it even it it might be more monotonous and boring job given the lack of variety?

Thanks again.
Thomas

Both look like good offers, well done on getting them. I would have thought you would have a slightly easier time getting into a multinational if you have Big 4 experience as employee's are often keen on the big brand experience- also it travels a bit better

tkelly2012

Casati wrote: »

Both look like good offers, well done on getting them. I would have thought you would have a slightly easier time getting into a multinational if you have Big 4 experience as employee's are often keen on the big brand experience- also it travels a bit better

Thanks for the kind words.

Yeah, that's what I thought bit the thing that bothers me a little is the fact that going purely into audit is so specific. Like its a bit scary to think that all you might know is auditing and never know how to submit a VAT return for example.

Travelling abroad is something I would have an interest in alright which as said would be easier with a Big 4 Company that has offices in such countries.

Its still a tough decision! Anyone else have any experience or advice they wish to provide in regard to this?

yesman2000

tkelly2012 wrote: »

Casati wrote: »

Both look like good offers, well done on getting them. I would have thought you would have a slightly easier time getting into a multinational if you have Big 4 experience as employee's are often keen on the big brand experience- also it travels a bit better

Thanks for the kind words.

Yeah, that's what I thought bit the thing that bothers me a little is the fact that going purely into audit is so specific. Like its a bit scary to think that all you might know is auditing and never know how to submit a VAT return for example.

Travelling abroad is something I would have an interest in alright which as said would be easier with a Big 4 Company that has offices in such countries.

Its still a tough decision! Anyone else have any experience or advice they wish to provide in regard to this?

. As bad as audit is (which is pretty atrocious) I can't really see what the highlight of your day is going to be if you're going to be doing bookkeeping- that's not accounting. Either way you're not going to be exposed to any intellectual stimulation for at least 3-4 years so might as well stick it out at big4. You might see it as being worth it in the end. I don't.

tkelly2012

yesman2000 wrote: »

. As bad as audit is (which is pretty atrocious) I can't really see what the highlight of your day is going to be if you're going to be doing bookkeeping- that's not accounting. Either way you're not going to be exposed to any intellectual stimulation for at least 3-4 years so might as well stick it out at big4. You might see it as being worth it in the end. I don't.

Well its more than that. It would involve interacting and dealing with a particular client on a day to day basis and looking after their needs - filing of VAT Returns, RCT Returns and preparation of tailored management accounts to suit their individual needs. True, the accounts entry element might not be all that exhilarating but you'd be surprised what you would learn.

The accounts prep side of things is pretty interesting, particularly in terms of the different disclosures required for diffterent clients etc.

Anyone else have any opinions or experience to offer?

notanocelot

tkelly2012 wrote: »

Currently have an offer from both Big 4 and medium sized firm (Top 20) with about 30 employees.


Big 4

• Sponsored Masters in Smurfit
• Salary (about 21k)
• Mostly out of the office at clients site. Purely audit experience but more high profile and maybe 1-2 stock listed company's. Mix of both FS and non-fs clients.
• Regional office (Cork)

Medium Sized Firm

• Sponsored Masters in Smurfit
• Based in Dublin
• Salary (about 21k)
• Mostly based in the office
• Position would involve a lot of audit, accounts preparation and bookkeeping experience. A good overall broad level of training.
• Firm is growing pretty strongly and plenty of opportunity to get managerial positions etc. as you work your way up.

Future: I would probably see myself working in industry as a management accountant. Preferably I'd like to have a good knowledge broad knowledge of accounting.



Given my objectives and information provided above, I would greatly appreciate any advice that anyone might have to offer me!

Is the Big 4 name worth it even it it might be more monotonous and boring job given the lack of variety?

Thanks again.
Thomas

Medium. Definitely. You'll get more respect and more opportunities.
I speak here as one nearly through my Big4 contract.

Edited to specify that the description is 'mostly out at client site' but the reality for many is "sit around the office for weeks and proofread financial statements because there's nothing else to do". Majority of clients at most Big4 firms have year-end dates of 31 December, meaning that there can be feck-all to do outside of busy season.

Username2011

notanocelot wrote: »

tkelly2012 wrote: »

Currently have an offer from both Big 4 and medium sized firm (Top 20) with about 30 employees.


Big 4

• Sponsored Masters in Smurfit
• Salary (about 21k)
• Mostly out of the office at clients site. Purely audit experience but more high profile and maybe 1-2 stock listed company's. Mix of both FS and non-fs clients.
• Regional office (Cork)

Medium Sized Firm

• Sponsored Masters in Smurfit
• Based in Dublin
• Salary (about 21k)
• Mostly based in the office
• Position would involve a lot of audit, accounts preparation and bookkeeping experience. A good overall broad level of training.
• Firm is growing pretty strongly and plenty of opportunity to get managerial positions etc. as you work your way up.

Future: I would probably see myself working in industry as a management accountant. Preferably I'd like to have a good knowledge broad knowledge of accounting.



Given my objectives and information provided above, I would greatly appreciate any advice that anyone might have to offer me!

Is the Big 4 name worth it even it it might be more monotonous and boring job given the lack of variety?

Thanks again.
Thomas

Medium. Definitely. You'll get more respect and more opportunities.
I speak here as one nearly through my Big4 contract.

Edited to specify that the description is 'mostly out at client site' but the reality for many is "sit around the office for weeks and proofread financial statements because there's nothing else to do". Majority of clients at most Big4 firms have year-end dates of 31 December, meaning that there can be feck-all to do outside of busy season.

Definitely not in my experience. Final year of my contract and I would estimate that in my training contract I've had about two weeks I'm total with downtime in the office. From first year its hectic, with so much client interaction and responsibilities growing. No experience re basic bookeeping such as VAT returns as you mentioned but surely those can be picked.up after your training contract is up

Cyrus

notanocelot wrote: »

Medium. Definitely. You'll get more respect and more opportunities.
I speak here as one nearly through my Big4 contract.

Edited to specify that the description is 'mostly out at client site' but the reality for many is "sit around the office for weeks and proofread financial statements because there's nothing else to do". Majority of clients at most Big4 firms have year-end dates of 31 December, meaning that there can be feck-all to do outside of busy season.

more respect? from who?

And i dont recall too many sit around the office doing nothing weeksif you are good at your job you get more than enough work to do,

also OP, starting salary in both jobs is the same, but whats the post qualification salary comparison like? still the same?

Dont kid yourself one way or the other, in both you will be worked hard and for the first year or so doing pretty tedious work, if you are good you will get more interesting challenging work in both.

Also preparing vat returns etc isnt that difficult, doing an IFRS conversion is a better thing to learn in your training.

Loughc

Medium Sized Firm

• Sponsored Masters in Smurfit
• Based in Dublin
• Salary (about 21k)
• Mostly based in the office
• Position would involve a lot of audit, accounts preparation and bookkeeping experience. A good overall broad level of training.
• Firm is growing pretty strongly and plenty of opportunity to get managerial positions etc. as you work your way up.

Sounds the better of the two opportunities, gives you a more all round experience of Accountancy rather than just Auditing in the other one. I've had similar roles for both options and I would IMO pick the Medium Sized firm.



Hope it helps.

tkelly2012

lockie1983 wrote: »

Medium Sized Firm

• Sponsored Masters in Smurfit
• Based in Dublin
• Salary (about 21k)
• Mostly based in the office
• Position would involve a lot of audit, accounts preparation and bookkeeping experience. A good overall broad level of training.
• Firm is growing pretty strongly and plenty of opportunity to get managerial positions etc. as you work your way up.

Sounds the better of the two opportunities, gives you a more all round experience of Accountancy rather than just Auditing in the other one. I've had similar roles for both options and I would IMO pick the Medium Sized firm.



Hope it helps.

Yeah, in terms of experience it would definitely be better. Still as I said, you wouldn't have as near as high profile of clients. What worries me is getting the post-qualification job, wouldn't a background with PwC/Deloitte/ etc. be better albeit not as good experience?

Did you work in both Big 4 and in a smaller firm when training?

It's a tough one now, any other comments/suggestion appreciated!

Theboinkmaster

tkelly2012 wrote: »

Currently have an offer from both Big 4 and medium sized firm (Top 20) with about 30 employees.


Big 4

• Sponsored Masters in Smurfit
• Salary (about 21k)
• Mostly out of the office at clients site. Purely audit experience but more high profile and maybe 1-2 stock listed company's. Mix of both FS and non-fs clients.
• Regional office (Cork)

Medium Sized Firm

• Sponsored Masters in Smurfit
• Based in Dublin
• Salary (about 21k)
• Mostly based in the office
• Position would involve a lot of audit, accounts preparation and bookkeeping experience. A good overall broad level of training.
• Firm is growing pretty strongly and plenty of opportunity to get managerial positions etc. as you work your way up.

Future: I would probably see myself working in industry as a management accountant. Preferably I'd like to have a good knowledge broad knowledge of accounting.



Given my objectives and information provided above, I would greatly appreciate any advice that anyone might have to offer me!

Is the Big 4 name worth it even it it might be more monotonous and boring job given the lack of variety?

Thanks again.
Thomas

For future career prospects Big 4 definitely. Like it or not big 4 graduates are seen on the market as a higher calibre and are thus in more demand.

Alot of jobs in industry are looking for big 4 qualified only so by not going big 4 route you will deny yourself opporunities in 4 years time.

tkelly2012

Cyrus wrote: »

more respect? from who?

And i dont recall too many sit around the office doing nothing weeksif you are good at your job you get more than enough work to do,

also OP, starting salary in both jobs is the same, but whats the post qualification salary comparison like? still the same?

Dont kid yourself one way or the other, in both you will be worked hard and for the first year or so doing pretty tedious work, if you are good you will get more interesting challenging work in both.

Also preparing vat returns etc isnt that difficult, doing an IFRS conversion is a better thing to learn in your training.

Post-qualification salary wouldn't obviously be as good but I can't see myself staying in practice anyway. I think I would be interested in trying to get a position in industry as mentioned above. Again, probably easier with a Big 4 firm?

tkelly2012

Theboinkmaster wrote: »

For future career prospects Big 4 definitely. Like it or not big 4 graduates are seen on the market as a higher calibre and are thus in more demand.

Alot of jobs in industry are looking for big 4 qualified only so by not going big 4 route you will deny yourself opporunities in 4 years time.

Thanks for the comment, appreciate your input. You could be right there alright. I am just curious as to whether people find the transition from Big 4 audit to an industry position difficult given the lack of experience in other areas?

Cyrus

tkelly2012 wrote: »

Post-qualification salary wouldn't obviously be as good but I can't see myself staying in practice anyway. I think I would be interested in trying to get a position in industry as mentioned above. Again, probably easier with a Big 4 firm?

what i mean more is what way the salary increases over your 3.5 years, so when i was in a big 4 it went from 21 to 45 or a bit more before i left, whereas in a smaller firm it might only goto 30 (i dont know but its something to check)

And you are right a lot of companies look for Big 4 trained accountants as they are seen to be the best available, which while not necessarily true, they do tend to take the best grads and the rest filter down to smaller firms

Cyrus

tkelly2012 wrote: »

Thanks for the comment, appreciate your input. You could be right there alright. I am just curious as to whether people find the transition from Big 4 audit to an industry position difficult given the lack of experience in other areas?

the transition from any firm to industry is a little tricky at the start, most of the operational stuff is easily picked up tho

ferike1

Go for Big 4, its a snob thing but future employers like it more. Its like going to Oxford/Cambridge or getting an MBA from Harvard! You might do the same as anywhere else but its the outside perception that you are doing something better.

Username2011

ferike1 wrote: »

Go for Big 4, its a snob thing but future employers like it more. Its like going to Oxford/Cambridge or getting an MBA from Harvard! You might do the same as anywhere else but its the outside perception that you are doing something better.

And a LOT of industry jobs require 1-2 years Big 4 experience. You see an awful lot of non-big 4 qualified accountants going to the Big 4 for 12-18 months just to get it on their CV.

ferike1

Yeah, we get people who trained in small practice come over and do a 'year' with us. Its the shorter than your standard year but they still put a year on their cv. Creative accounting if you ask me.

tkelly2012

Username2011 wrote: »

And a LOT of industry jobs require 1-2 years Big 4 experience. You see an awful lot of non-big 4 qualified accountants going to the Big 4 for 12-18 months just to get it on their CV.

Ok thanks for that. Probably best to stick with Big 4 then if I want to get into industry.

Obviously if I want to become a practitioner I'd say the medium sized firm would be more suitable in terms of the broad overall exposure provided in such a firm.

So essentially, it just depends on your aims! Hopefully, 3 years of audit will be worth it if I could get what I wanted in industry.

Anyone else have experiences/thoughts/comments?

ferike1

Will be the longest three years of your life.

This Norwegian prison seems more appealing than life in audit

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1989083,00.html

but that's just me

20 Times 20 Times

ferike1 wrote: »

Will be the longest three years of your life.

You need to quit or have a holiday because at this stage I really am sick of your pessimistic attitude on here. I am due to start with a BIG 4 company in two weeks and I for one am chomping at the heels to get going but, reading your posts sickens me.

This is not a personal attack , its attack on your negativity .

ferike1

That's fair enough. We are all entitled to our opinions on the matter. I am glad you are optimistic and looking forward to it. I was too before I first started.

Come back to me after a few busy season's and we can talk

Francesco10

Is it difficult to get into a Big 4 once you've qualified from a small-medium practice?

Cyrus

Little Pea wrote: »

ferike1 wrote: »

Will be the longest three years of your life.

You need to quit or have a holiday because at this stage I really am sick of your pessimistic attitude on here. I am due to start with a BIG 4 company in two weeks and I for one am chomping at the heels to get going but, reading your posts sickens me.

This is not a personal attack , its attack on your negativity .

like all things in life your training contract will be what you make of it yourself, dont let someones negativity sour your personal experience before you start

20 Times 20 Times

Cyrus wrote: »

like all things in life your training contract will be what you make of it yourself, dont let someones negativity sour your personal experience before you start

Big time! When I began this road in becoming an accountant, I knew which firm I wanted to work for. I was lucky enough to of been offered them all and got to choose. So to have someone be so negative towards a career and a contract that I can’t wait for is a bit sickening.

ferike1

Out of curiosity what department will you be in? I don't want to know the firm, just the department. FS audit? FS tax? Advisory? Commercial audit?

20 Times 20 Times

ferike1 wrote: »

Out of curiosity what department will you be in? I don't want to know the firm, just the department. FS audit? FS tax? Advisory? Commercial audit?

Commercial audit , and having CAP1 , CAP2 I cant wait for my first busy season TBH :-)

ferike1

Fair enough, the firms need enthusiastic people like you to make up for people like me

yesman2000

Little Pea wrote: »

ferike1 wrote: »

Will be the longest three years of your life.

You need to quit or have a holiday because at this stage I really am sick of your pessimistic attitude on here. I am due to start with a BIG 4 company in two weeks and I for one am chomping at the heels to get going but, reading your posts sickens me.

This is not a personal attack , its attack on your negativity .

Don't worry we were all fuelled with ambition on our first day. Just a pithy it's sapped from you within a few hours

20 Times 20 Times

ferike1 wrote: »

Fair enough, the firms need enthusiastic people like you to make up for people like me

Maybe I'm different , I got to pick my firm and pick which department I wanted to work in

Username2011

Little Pea wrote: »

Maybe I'm different , I got to pick my firm and pick which department I wanted to work in

I wouldn't be so presumptious to say that you are in the minority and that most people don't get their choices...

And as well "sickens" is it a tad dramatic.

The Big Red Button

Little Pea wrote: »

Maybe I'm different , I got to pick my firm and pick which department I wanted to work in

I think most of got to choose that, though?

And I don't think most of us would have been offered jobs unless we'd had similar enthusiasm to yours.

Ah well. I hope it lasts for you. Best of luck with it.

Eiriu

Little Pea wrote: »

You need to quit or have a holiday because at this stage I really am sick of your pessimistic attitude on here. I am due to start with a BIG 4 company in two weeks and I for one am chomping at the heels to get going but, reading your posts sickens me.

This is not a personal attack , its attack on your negativity .

You don't know unless you go. I think Ferike is a lot more qualified to voice an opinion on a big 4 firm, seeing as he has actually worked in one.

This amuses me- "chomping at the heals to get going"- you won't be doing anything worthwhile for about a year.

20 Times 20 Times

Eiriu wrote: »

Little Pea wrote: »

You need to quit or have a holiday because at this stage I really am sick of your pessimistic attitude on here. I am due to start with a BIG 4 company in two weeks and I for one am chomping at the heels to get going but, reading your posts sickens me.

This is not a personal attack , its attack on your negativity .

You don't know unless you go. I think Ferike is a lot more qualified to voice an opinion on a big 4 firm, seeing as he has actually worked in one.

This amuses me- "chomping at the heals to get going"- you won't be doing anything worthwhile for about a year.

You all can quote me in one year's time if I come on and rant as much as some of the posters here . It was my decision to apply and work for big four , I know what I am getting myself into. By the sounds of things on here couple of people could of researched it a bit more and also FYI I have worked for several multinationals , I know how the corporate system works .

Username2011

Little Pea wrote: »

Eiriu wrote: »

Little Pea wrote: »

You need to quit or have a holiday because at this stage I really am sick of your pessimistic attitude on here. I am due to start with a BIG 4 company in two weeks and I for one am chomping at the heels to get going but, reading your posts sickens me.

This is not a personal attack , its attack on your negativity .

You don't know unless you go. I think Ferike is a lot more qualified to voice an opinion on a big 4 firm, seeing as he has actually worked in one.

This amuses me- "chomping at the heals to get going"- you won't be doing anything worthwhile for about a year.

You all can quote me in one year's time if I come on and rant as much as some of the posters here . It was my decision to apply and work for big four , I know what I am getting myself into. By the sounds of things on here couple of people could of researched it a bit more and also FYI I have worked for several multinationals , I know how the corporate system works .

You're right. We all are just silly people who applied for jobs without understanding what was involved or performing any research.
Thank god you, oh enlightened one, are so much wiser and maturer than us mere mortals.
"FYI."

20 Times 20 Times

Username2011 wrote: »

Little Pea wrote: »

Eiriu wrote: »

Little Pea wrote: »

You need to quit or have a holiday because at this stage I really am sick of your pessimistic attitude on here. I am due to start with a BIG 4 company in two weeks and I for one am chomping at the heels to get going but, reading your posts sickens me.

This is not a personal attack , its attack on your negativity .

You don't know unless you go. I think Ferike is a lot more qualified to voice an opinion on a big 4 firm, seeing as he has actually worked in one.

This amuses me- "chomping at the heals to get going"- you won't be doing anything worthwhile for about a year.

You all can quote me in one year's time if I come on and rant as much as some of the posters here . It was my decision to apply and work for big four , I know what I am getting myself into. By the sounds of things on here couple of people could of researched it a bit more and also FYI I have worked for several multinationals , I know how the corporate system works .

You're right. We all are just silly people who applied for jobs without understanding what was involved or performing any research.
Thank god you, oh enlightened one, are so much wiser and maturer than us mere mortals.
"FYI."

This wasn't a personal attack at all ..... What I meant was simple

Do I understand ill work long hours ? Yes
Do I understand I won't be recognized for it in most cases ? Yes
Do I understand that it can be very repetitive ? Yes

Did I apply for big 4 ? Yes

Did I choose to become an accountant ? Yes

It really is that simple to me , but your right I am more mature/older than your stereotypical trainee .

Username2011

Little Pea wrote: »

Username2011 wrote: »

Little Pea wrote: »

Eiriu wrote: »

Little Pea wrote: »

You need to quit or have a holiday because at this stage I really am sick of your pessimistic attitude on here. I am due to start with a BIG 4 company in two weeks and I for one am chomping at the heels to get going but, reading your posts sickens me.

This is not a personal attack , its attack on your negativity .

You don't know unless you go. I think Ferike is a lot more qualified to voice an opinion on a big 4 firm, seeing as he has actually worked in one.

This amuses me- "chomping at the heals to get going"- you won't be doing anything worthwhile for about a year.

You all can quote me in one year's time if I come on and rant as much as some of the posters here . It was my decision to apply and work for big four , I know what I am getting myself into. By the sounds of things on here couple of people could of researched it a bit more and also FYI I have worked for several multinationals , I know how the corporate system works .

You're right. We all are just silly people who applied for jobs without understanding what was involved or performing any research.
Thank god you, oh enlightened one, are so much wiser and maturer than us mere mortals.
"FYI."

This wasn't a personal attack at all ..... What I meant was simple

Do I understand ill work long hours ? Yes
Do I understand I won't be recognized for it in most cases ? Yes
Do I understand that it can be very repetitive ? Yes

Did I apply for big 4 ? Yes

Did I choose to become an accountant ? Yes

It really is that simple to me , but your right I am more mature/older than your stereotypical trainee .

In that case good luck to you. I too quite enjoy my job and hope it works out for you. All the best.

ferike1

No, I knew quite well what I was getting myself into.

Didn't have much of a choice

Did an MSc in Finance and didn't get work elsewhere. Such is life.



So I am fulfilling my basic needs - eating, sleeping, clothes etc but there is no esteem or self actualisation in audit.

Cyrus

Eiriu wrote: »

You don't know unless you go. I think Ferike is a lot more qualified to voice an opinion on a big 4 firm, seeing as he has actually worked in one.

This amuses me- "chomping at the heals to get going"- you won't be doing anything worthwhile for about a year.

i worked in a big 4 and quite enjoyed it, i also recognise a lot of the moaners in here as similar to the people who didn't get on so well when i was there, always someone elses fault, didnt get enough interesting work etc etc.

don't get me wrong, i left once my contract was up, but because my work was good and i was regarded by my manager and partner i got a great job at a client and to this day can count on excellent references if i need them 6 years later.

ferike1

Just to be clear Cyrus. I am not blaming anyone else for my lack of enjoyment in my work. The nature of the job just doesn't suit the type of person that I am .

Cyrus

ferike1 wrote: »

No, I knew quite well what I was getting myself into.

Didn't have much of a choice

Did an MSc in Finance and didn't get work elsewhere. Such is life.



So I am fulfilling my basic needs - eating, sleeping, clothes etc but there is no esteem or self actualisation in audit.

but there may be in your next job if you do well in this one, its only 3 years not 10

Cyrus

ferike1 wrote: »

Just to be clear Cyrus. I am not blaming anyone else for my lack of enjoyment in my work. The nature of the job just doesn't suit the type of person that I am .

i totally get that, but you are in it now, i assume you want to finish, so better make the best of it in order to get a better job when you leave

i couldnt countenance a long term career in audit myself either but its a decent platform for other things

statss

there is nothing wrong with giving an honest (negative) opinion of life at any company...telling someone "they need to go on holiday or take a break" because you don't like reading it is laughable.

As for the opening poster, I'd be inclined to take the big 4 offer as I think it will stand to you in the long run slightly better than the medium sized firm.

yesman2000

Cyrus wrote: »

but there may be in your next job if you do well in this one, its only 3 years not 10

It's only three years . Three years is massive amount of time in your life. It can't be compared to college because there's so much going on while you're in college. But in audit your basically devoting 80% of your life to audit for three year. To quote one famous film describing prison; 'you only remember the day you went in and the day you come out'.

Theboinkmaster

yesman2000 wrote: »

It's only three years . Three years is massive amount of time in your life. It can't be compared to college because there's so much going on while you're in college. But in audit your basically devoting 80% of your life to audit for three year. To quote one famous film describing prison; 'you only remember the day you went in and the day you come out'.

I'm similar background to Cyrus and i really have to say man the fvck up.

Yes 3 or 3.5 years in audit can be difficult however it's a sacrafice you make for the short-term that you'll benefit from the rest of your career. Make the most of it.

Do you think you can earn €80kpa in a few years working normal hours, doing interesting and varied finance work, without no sacrafice and hard work?! Seems you're the generation that expects everything to come to you far too easily IMO :rolleyes:

Cyrus

Theboinkmaster wrote: »

I'm similar background to Cyrus and i really have to say man the fvck up.

Yes 3 or 3.5 years in audit can be difficult however it's a sacrafice you make for the short-term that you'll benefit from the rest of your career. Make the most of it.

Do you think you can earn €80kpa in a few years working normal hours, doing interesting and varied finance work, without no sacrafice and hard work?! Seems you're the generation that expects everything to come to you far too easily IMO :rolleyes:

A men brother

ferike1

Just a small note. You guys worked in Big Four at the height of the boom? There is a difference between then and now. Also if anything competition is fiercer now than ever.

yesman2000

Theboinkmaster wrote: »

I'm similar background to Cyrus and i really have to say man the fvck up.

Yes 3 or 3.5 years in audit can be difficult however it's a sacrafice you make for the short-term that you'll benefit from the rest of your career. Make the most of it.

Do you think you can earn €80kpa in a few years working normal hours, doing interesting and varied finance work, without no sacrafice and hard work?! Seems you're the generation that expects everything to come to you far too easily IMO :rolleyes:

TBH since I started audit I've completely changed my mind set. Before I would have done anything for the big bucks. I am no longer money driven. It's not worth it. I'd prefer half the salary if I got a better work/life balance but more importantly work that interests and challenges me daily. That extra few quid isn't worth hours and hours of counting down the clock, basically wishing 3 years of your life away. Why do something if you don't enjoy it. I did well in my LC because I found it varied and most of the subjects interesting, same as with my degree. I find it hard to do the work I am so disinterested in. Hence, career change. Each to their own. Personal opinion.

Cyrus

ferike1 wrote: »

Just a small note. You guys worked in Big Four at the height of the boom? There is a difference between then and now. Also if anything competition is fiercer now than ever.

i trained from 2003-2006, some of my mates are still there in Associate Dir / Dir roles

what do you think the differences are?

ferike1

Nature of work = same

Paid overtime, I know this was around because I did an internship in 2008, now its gone

Slightly higher salaries

Firms less stingy in general

Acc7777

The question I always get asked is : Who should I go work for when I get out?
The real thing to do is get going for some institution or person you admire
It's crazy to take inbetween jobs just because they look good on your resume or because you get a little higher starting pay
I was up at Harvard a while back and a very nice young guy picked me up at the airport, a Harvard Business school attendee and he said
Look I got an undergrad here and then I went to work for X, Y and Z and now I've come here and
I thought it would really round up my resume perfectly if I went to work for a big management consulting firm

"Is that what you want to do?"

"No put that's the perfect resume"

"When are you gona start doing something you like?"

"Well I'll get to that someday"

"Well you know your plan sounds to me a lot like saving sex for your old age, it just doesn't make a lot of sense"

I said to the same group, go work for whom you admire the most and you can't get a bad result, you'll jump outta bed in the morning and you'll be having fun
Dean called me up several weeks later and said
What did you tell those kids, they're all becoming self employed

Warren Buffett