Big 4 graduate offer.

Student78910

Hello all, I'm finishing up my accounting & finance degree next month and have a grad offer for one of the big 4. The problem is I'm worried I might get a 2.2 rather than the required 2.1. If so what should I do and is there anyone who has ever gotten into any of the big 4 in this situation?
Thanks

Johnnyhpipe

If they require a 2:1, and you get a 2:2, then you don’t meet the requirements. As harsh and as simple as that.

fishy_fishy

They're never going to budge on the 2.1. Head down and get studying.

The only other option that MIGHT be possible is to ask to defer the offer a year, do an MAcc (at your own cost) and get a 2.1 in that.

But ultimately you need a 2.1 in at least a level 8 degree. Honestly, if you can't hit 2.1 in college learning over three years what you're expected to cover in just a year whilst working through busy season, I don't see how you'd expect to get through CAP2 or FAEs.

frankythefish

Only times I have seen the required 2.1 be ignored is when applicant had family/friend already working in the big 4 company. I expect you ll just have to knuckle down for the 2.1

jus_tin4

fishy_fishy wrote: »

They're never going to budge on the 2.1. Head down and get studying.

The only other option that MIGHT be possible is to ask to defer the offer a year, do an MAcc (at your own cost) and get a 2.1 in that.

But ultimately you need a 2.1 in at least a level 8 degree. Honestly, if you can't hit 2.1 in college learning over three years what you're expected to cover in just a year whilst working through busy season, I don't see how you'd expect to get through CAP2 or FAEs.

I got a 2.2 and past the cap 2 and FAE’s first time while working in industry? So that point doesn’t stand? I know quiet a few who have passed the FAE on a 2.2?

Jim2007

jus_tin4 wrote: »

I got a 2.2 and past the cap 2 and FAE’s first time while working in industry? So that point doesn’t stand? I know quiet a few who have passed the FAE on a 2.2?

And how exactly does that relate to a conditional offer for a big four accounting firm??? You either meet their requirements or you don't.

jus_tin4

Jim2007 wrote: »

And how exactly does that relate to a conditional offer for a big four accounting firm??? You either meet their requirements or you don't.

The op made a comment of not being able to pass the FAE on the 2.2? That original comment was not relevant either and a sweeping assumption

fishy_fishy

jus_tin4 wrote: »

Jim2007 wrote: »

And how exactly does that relate to a conditional offer for a big four accounting firm??? You either meet their requirements or you don't.

The op made a comment of not being able to pass the FAE on the 2.2? That original comment was not relevant either and a sweeping assumption

Of course it's relevent. 2.1 is 60%. The pass mark in chartered is 50%. A&F is an easy enough degree as they go - if you've a head for numbers the material isn't complex and the hours aren't too bad. If someone can't get 60% in that environment it's reasonable to have doubts over their ability to comfortably get over the 50% line in chartered exams having to cover a substantial syllabus in a year whilst working a big 4 busy season each academic year. In fact, it's so reasonable to have those doubts that they just don't hire people who don't get over 60% in their degree.

Big 4 all expect everyone to pass all exams first time. Pass rates way in excess of national average. I've found them really accommodating about people being human beings who have lives and being flexible about stuff like working from home now and then, but they're never flexible on exams. You either measure up or you dont, and everyone in there has put the work in to meet the standards. Just because you got a 2.2 and passed doesn't mean that someone with a 2.2 is as likely to pass as people with a 2.1 or 1.

ogsjw

Jim2007 wrote: »

And how exactly does that relate to a conditional offer for a big four accounting firm??? You either meet their requirements or you don't.

Because the guy claimed he didn't think OP would be able for FAE if he couldn't manage a 2.1, when it seems plenty have. It was a fairly easy four posts to follow.

Good luck OP

Jim2007

jus_tin4 wrote: »

The op made a comment of not being able to pass the FAE on the 2.2? That original comment was not relevant either and a sweeping assumption

The OP has made exactly one post and they made no mention of any concern about passing or failing the FAE in any circumstances.

Hello all, I'm finishing up my accounting & finance degree next month and have a grad offer for one of the big 4. The problem is I'm worried I might get a 2.2 rather than the required 2.1. If so what should I do and is there anyone who has ever gotten into any of the big 4 in this situation?
Thanks

ogsjw

Jim2007 wrote: »

The OP has made exactly one post and they made no mention of any concern about passing or failing the FAE in any circumstances.

And people were referring to another post that was made, not the OP. You must know this.

MartyMcFly84

Have you considered going into a practice outside of the big 4 or working in industry?

I am doing the finals of my ACCA exams currently and never finished college when I went 10 years ago. I picked the wrong course and probably wasn't mature enough at the time.

While my advice would be 100% get the head down and do your best for a 2.1. It will make things "easier" and probably time saving in the long run getting qualified in a big four.

However if you don't get it is not the end of the world and there are other options and ways to get qualified out there. The company I work for in industry has sponsored my through my exams and even given me some paid study leave.