Confused Graduate

Dublin Student1992

Hi all,

I'm hoping someone could help with a few queries I have regarding the ACA trainee contracts.

A bit of background on myself:
I'm a second year trainee graduate in small to medium firm studying ACA. So far I've completed two of the Cap 2 exams (auditing and tax) and now currently studying the other two. I've enjoyed working in the firm which has around 50 staff, takes on 4 graduates a year, and is ranked in the top 20 firms in Ireland- I think it's number 18! I've gained great experience, with plenty of responsibility. A major plus is finishing work on time everyday at half 4.

However I've came to a stage recently where I'm questioning my future with the firm. I'm concerned that when I qualify will employers see past the small firm name and appreciate the experience I've gained? Will I find it difficult to get better work opportunities considering I didn't work in the big 4?

I've considering applying for the big 4, GT and BDO.. If this a wise decision? Am I being to hard on my firm? Is the grass really greener on the other side?

I definitely believe I have the potential to work in a big firm- I have the grades (435 LC points, 2.1 in DCU, and over 65% in both my cap 2 exams) and also the work ethic that I think these big companies look for. But I'm not sure if I'm selling my trainee firm short!

I would appreciate some well need advice off anyone that could help! Thanks in a advance!

Gard1

stick out your contract if you are happy with them. The big guns will be more than delighted to hire you after you finish your finals and work the socks off you for a few years. if you leave now you wont see a 430 finish unless you finish early on a Saturday!!!

Deenie123

Dublin Student1992 wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm hoping someone could help with a few queries I have regarding the ACA trainee contracts.

A bit of background on myself:
I'm a second year trainee graduate in small to medium firm studying ACA. So far I've completed two of the Cap 2 exams (auditing and tax) and now currently studying the other two. I've enjoyed working in the firm which has around 50 staff, takes on 4 graduates a year, and is ranked in the top 20 firms in Ireland- I think it's number 18! I've gained great experience, with plenty of responsibility. A major plus is finishing work on time everyday at half 4.

However I've came to a stage recently where I'm questioning my future with the firm. I'm concerned that when I qualify will employers see past the small firm name and appreciate the experience I've gained? Will I find it difficult to get better work opportunities considering I didn't work in the big 4?

I've considering applying for the big 4, GT and BDO.. If this a wise decision? Am I being to hard on my firm? Is the grass really greener on the other side?

I definitely believe I have the potential to work in a big firm- I have the grades (435 LC points, 2.1 in DCU, and over 65% in both my cap 2 exams) and also the work ethic that I think these big companies look for. But I'm not sure if I'm selling my trainee firm short!

I would appreciate some well need advice off anyone that could help! Thanks in a advance!

It sounds like your firm are good to work for and are supporting you well enough that you're flying through your exams. Well done on the great results.

Other than the name, what can big 4 give you that your current firm won't? More study leave? What is it that you reckon will stand to you more by moving, other than the name? Are you working on good clients?

I can't give you direct advice, it's your life and you need to be happy and fulfilled in your work. If you aren't happy or fulfilled, then you need to make some form of move. If you are happy, are you just concerned that you're being pigeon-holed into somewhere you don't want to go? Across lots of different industries, smaller firms can produce excellent professionals because of the early independence and responsibility. What's the long term goal? Self-employment/partnership? Employment?

Dublin Student1992

Deenie123 wrote: »

It sounds like your firm are good to work for and are supporting you well enough that you're flying through your exams. Well done on the great results.

Other than the name, what can big 4 give you that your current firm won't? More study leave? What is it that you reckon will stand to you more by moving, other than the name? Are you working on good clients?

I can't give you direct advice, it's your life and you need to be happy and fulfilled in your work. If you aren't happy or fulfilled, then you need to make some form of move. If you are happy, are you just concerned that you're being pigeon-holed into somewhere you don't want to go? Across lots of different industries, smaller firms can produce excellent professionals because of the early independence and responsibility. What's the long term goal? Self-employment/partnership? Employment?

Thanks for the reply!

I'm worried that by the end of my contract I'll find it difficult to move to a bigger firm! I feel there's no real opportunities to stay where I am post qualification! I'd imagine if I moved now I'd have a better chance of staying in that bigger firm after qualifying (hence I want to stay in employment) and move up the chain faster. I also like the idea of having the option to work abroad with these international companies, and obviously the big 4 name is a huge plus!

My firm has defiently thought me a lot- but I do feel I'm abit too good to be stuck in a smaller firm, I believe I could get a better offer somewhere else if I looked!

I'm on two minds whether to apply to these bigger firms and see what happens, or just stick out my contract!

I don't mind staying late in the big company's and putting in the hours etc. if I know I want to stay with the company post qualification.

An Citeog

Dublin Student1992 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply!

I'm worried that by the end of my contract I'll find it difficult to move to a bigger firm! I feel there's no real opportunities to stay where I am post qualification! I'd imagine if I moved now I'd have a better chance of staying in that bigger firm after qualifying (hence I want to stay in employment) and move up the chain faster. I also like the idea of having the option to work abroad with these international companies, and obviously the big 4 name is a huge plus!

My firm has defiently thought me a lot- but I do feel I'm abit too good to be stuck in a smaller firm, I believe I could get a better offer somewhere else if I looked!

I'm on two minds whether to apply to these bigger firms and see what happens, or just stick out my contract!

I don't mind staying late in the big company's and putting in the hours etc. if I know I want to stay with the company post qualification.

Did you apply to the big 4 or any of the other large/medium size firms when coming out of college and if so, did you get any interviews/offers?

From my experience anyway, big 4 firms don't take on trainees mid contract. Personally, I'd stick it out where you are currently for the duration of your contract and get the exams. After that, you could look at getting taken on as an experienced hire in a big 4 firm if that's what you really want.

blackwhite

Big 4 are screaming out for experienced hires - coming from a top 20 firm, once qualified, you should fall into the profile of what they are looking for.

MY advice would be to enjoy what seems to be a decent work-life balance in your current firm until you have ACA after your name. If you still want to get Big 4 on the CV after that (and despite what some will try to say, it can be a big advantage for certain roles) then you should be able to get a role in one of the firms.