Every day, I receive a question that sounds a little bit like this, "Big 4 Guru, what will I be asked in an interview with the smaller accounting firms and the Big 4 Accounting Firms? Is it the same questions?"
So to clear things up, here is an article that should help out! In my book, "The Interview" linked below. In the book, I go through, in detail over 15 questions that I have seen the big 4 ask, as well as the responses you should be giving. Here are a few examples of questions Big 4 Accounting Firms ask:
Here are a few examples of questions Big 4 Accounting Firms ask:
If you are actively pursuing other Big 4 or regional companies, keep this information to yourself. While you are in the interview, act like Mr. PwC or Mr. D&T. You may be tempted to bait the interviewer by making yourself seem impressive that you have interviewed with some of the others, but they are more likely to take this as a sign that you lack committment. Find a reason why the firm stands out to you. However, if they ask what other companies you are interviewing with, be honest. Let them know that you have interviews coming up or have already occurred. If they are your first choice, let them know that at the end.
The structure of the Big 4 is on a regional basis. The recruiter has a territory that he or she is responsible for, and that needs to be your first choice.
Where are you originally from?
Before my interview with PwC, personally, I was discussing with a Big 4 alumnus the fact that I was considering both the New York City office as well as an office in a smaller city. "That's good for you" he said, "if you want to cut your chance of getting the job in half."
What job do you currently have?
If you are actively pursuing other Big 4, regional companies, or small firms, keep this to yourself. While you are there, you are only interested in their firm. You may be tempted to bait the interviewer by appearing impressive that you have interviewed with some of the others, but they are more likely to take this as a sign that you are not committed.
Tell me about yourself.
"My name is Bill, and I am from Kansas. I'm a senior at the University of Kansas and will be graduating with an accounting degree in May. I have already passed half the CPA exam. I had no idea I wanted to do accounting. I started out as pre-med.
What year are you in University
I also plan to have my CPA license by that time. I have learned so much about KPMG from the on campus meetings I've attended and speaking with (insert name of someone who is a more junior person at the firm, not a partner), who was a past intern. I am very excited to be here today and interview with you."
Why are you here and interested in working for this company
Why are you interested in working for this company
The recruiting structure of most Big 4 accounting firms is on a regional basis. For example, the recruiter that you are interviewing with has a territory that she is responsible for and she is not very interested about helping her peers in other regions. It is likely that they will ask you which office you want to work for.
"My name is Jane Rodgers, and I'm from New York City. Currently, I am a senior at the UCONN and will be graduating with an accounting degree in December looking for an internship in the Spring.
My goal is to work for Deloitte in the Hartford office after graduation. I have learned so much about Deloitte from the on campus meetings I've attended and speaking with (insert name), who was a past intern. I am very excited to be here today and have to the opportunity to speak with you."
If you are associated with that person, in their eyes, you are more likely to fit in with their company and culture. Mentioning someone else who already worked at the company associates you with that individual and significantly ups your chances. If it is a partner, it can work against you so try for a lower level person.
So to clear things up, here is an article that should help out! In my book, "The Interview" linked below. In the book, I go through, in detail over 15 questions that I have seen the big 4 ask, as well as the responses you should be giving. Here are a few examples of questions Big 4 Accounting Firms ask:
Here are a few examples of questions Big 4 Accounting Firms ask:
If you are actively pursuing other Big 4 or regional companies, keep this information to yourself. While you are in the interview, act like Mr. PwC or Mr. D&T. You may be tempted to bait the interviewer by making yourself seem impressive that you have interviewed with some of the others, but they are more likely to take this as a sign that you lack committment. Find a reason why the firm stands out to you. However, if they ask what other companies you are interviewing with, be honest. Let them know that you have interviews coming up or have already occurred. If they are your first choice, let them know that at the end.
The structure of the Big 4 is on a regional basis. The recruiter has a territory that he or she is responsible for, and that needs to be your first choice.
Where are you originally from?
Before my interview with PwC, personally, I was discussing with a Big 4 alumnus the fact that I was considering both the New York City office as well as an office in a smaller city. "That's good for you" he said, "if you want to cut your chance of getting the job in half."
What job do you currently have?
If you are actively pursuing other Big 4, regional companies, or small firms, keep this to yourself. While you are there, you are only interested in their firm. You may be tempted to bait the interviewer by appearing impressive that you have interviewed with some of the others, but they are more likely to take this as a sign that you are not committed.
Tell me about yourself.
"My name is Bill, and I am from Kansas. I'm a senior at the University of Kansas and will be graduating with an accounting degree in May. I have already passed half the CPA exam. I had no idea I wanted to do accounting. I started out as pre-med.
What year are you in University
I also plan to have my CPA license by that time. I have learned so much about KPMG from the on campus meetings I've attended and speaking with (insert name of someone who is a more junior person at the firm, not a partner), who was a past intern. I am very excited to be here today and interview with you."
Why are you here and interested in working for this company
Why are you interested in working for this company
The recruiting structure of most Big 4 accounting firms is on a regional basis. For example, the recruiter that you are interviewing with has a territory that she is responsible for and she is not very interested about helping her peers in other regions. It is likely that they will ask you which office you want to work for.
"My name is Jane Rodgers, and I'm from New York City. Currently, I am a senior at the UCONN and will be graduating with an accounting degree in December looking for an internship in the Spring.
My goal is to work for Deloitte in the Hartford office after graduation. I have learned so much about Deloitte from the on campus meetings I've attended and speaking with (insert name), who was a past intern. I am very excited to be here today and have to the opportunity to speak with you."
If you are associated with that person, in their eyes, you are more likely to fit in with their company and culture. Mentioning someone else who already worked at the company associates you with that individual and significantly ups your chances. If it is a partner, it can work against you so try for a lower level person.
About the Author:
Before you begin the interview process with the big 4 accounting firms (and other small firms and private companies), make sure you've checked out my book which has been the book since '08 and helped thousands of students get hired with the big 4 accounting firms (and other small firms and private companies): http://www.big4guru.com/big-4-hiring-guide/
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