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Accounting Graduate Programme

  • 18-10-2020 10:31AM
    #1
    Ireland 86
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2 ✭


    Hi All,

    I'm a final year accounting student on track for a 1.1 looking for a graduate programme/job but am not sure if I should choose big 4 or industry? Any particular reason I should choose one or even firms I should look at (salary, overtime, work/life balance, exams etc)

    Any past experience from these firms or guidance on how you became qualified would be greatly appreciated.


Comments

  • #2
    StringerBell
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,449 ✭✭✭✭StringerBell


    Big 4 is a great way to go because of the supports in place for your study leave and resources, they also pay for everything. Have you looked at deadlines for applications? Something to keep an eye on. They receive thousands of applications a year. I went with EY, so could only advise on them I have no experience with any other.

    I believe small practice is perfectly fine too the study leave etc is just not as good but you should get a well rounded education in all things accountancy. Have you thought about whether you would be interested in audit/assurance or tax or something else?

    Oh an which professional qualificationd would you be thinking about sitting?

    "People say ‘go with the flow’ but do you know what goes with the flow? Dead fish."



  • #3
    JeffKenna
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,754 ✭✭✭JeffKenna


    I would go for the Big 4. Normally the milk rounds are around now but I'm not sure what's happening in the current climate. The study leave and support they have makes life a lot easier. Nothing wrong with a small firm either.


  • #4
    LaQuica
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭LaQuica


    I think you may have missed the deadline for applying for the B4 2021 graduate programs.


  • #5
    responder XX
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8 ✭responder XX


    Big 4 all the way. Whilst best candidates will do well anywhere, Big 4 training is highly valued in industry for more senior roles in Finance. Having trained in Big 4 myself and now working in industry - I can see a big difference between the average person who trained in Big 4 and someone who trained in industry. 

    Although as pointed out it is possibly too late. Do keep an eye on the Big 4 websites as they regularly re-open recruiting in late summer as there is always a drop off from those who accept milkround offers to those who actually start the following October.


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