Each day, I get trove of emails from new Big 4 Accounting Firm hopefuls and go a little bit like this, "What questions will I be asked in a Big 4 Accounting Firms interview?" So to post it out there for everyone to see, here is an article that should help out! Before we get started let me also recommend the full version of this information in my book, "The Interview" which you can purchase at my website.
In the book above, I go into detail over 15 questions that I have seen the Big 4 ask, as well as the responses you should be giving. I also cover tons of examples of the questions you should ask them which is an important piece.
Is this firm your first choice?
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.
Is this the office you want to work for?
The recruiting structure of most Big 4's is on a regional basis and the recruiter has a territory they are responsible for.
How long have you been in University?
What job do you currently have?
Tell me about your background.
This may very well be the first question they ask. It is a good idea to have a succinct, confident response to this question. Write down your response to this question. This will be your "elevator pitch". Follow this format:
Where are you from
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."
Is our office your first choice?
REMEMBER TO BE PERSONABLE - Here's an example:
"My name is Joe Smith, and I'm originally from Hartford, Connecticut. I am a senior at the University of Connecticut and will be graduating with an accounting degree in May. I have been interested in accounting as far back as high school. I first wanted to be a doctor, so I took as many advanced placement science classes as possible. On a whim, I also signed up for a college-level accounting class.
Every day I would suffer through these science classes and then the accounting class just came so naturally. It was then that I realized that accounting is the path for me.
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."
You need to have reasons for this, even if you are unsure. If they ask if you are interviewing with other companies, tell them that you are interviewing with other big 4 firms, as well as some local, and regional firms. Try to avoid naming them but do not make it up and get caught in a lie. If you are actively pursuing other Big 4 accounting firms, no need to tell them. While you are there you are only interested in that firm. You may be tempted to tell the interviewer other firms are interested. They are more likely to take this as a sign that you are not committed and that you do not have them at the top of your list
In the book above, I go into detail over 15 questions that I have seen the Big 4 ask, as well as the responses you should be giving. I also cover tons of examples of the questions you should ask them which is an important piece.
Is this firm your first choice?
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.
Is this the office you want to work for?
The recruiting structure of most Big 4's is on a regional basis and the recruiter has a territory they are responsible for.
How long have you been in University?
What job do you currently have?
Tell me about your background.
This may very well be the first question they ask. It is a good idea to have a succinct, confident response to this question. Write down your response to this question. This will be your "elevator pitch". Follow this format:
Where are you from
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."
Is our office your first choice?
REMEMBER TO BE PERSONABLE - Here's an example:
"My name is Joe Smith, and I'm originally from Hartford, Connecticut. I am a senior at the University of Connecticut and will be graduating with an accounting degree in May. I have been interested in accounting as far back as high school. I first wanted to be a doctor, so I took as many advanced placement science classes as possible. On a whim, I also signed up for a college-level accounting class.
Every day I would suffer through these science classes and then the accounting class just came so naturally. It was then that I realized that accounting is the path for me.
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."
You need to have reasons for this, even if you are unsure. If they ask if you are interviewing with other companies, tell them that you are interviewing with other big 4 firms, as well as some local, and regional firms. Try to avoid naming them but do not make it up and get caught in a lie. If you are actively pursuing other Big 4 accounting firms, no need to tell them. While you are there you are only interested in that firm. You may be tempted to tell the interviewer other firms are interested. They are more likely to take this as a sign that you are not committed and that you do not have them at the top of your list
About the Author:
Before you begin interviewing with the big 4 accounting firms (and other small firms and private companies), make sure you've checked out my best selling book which has been the best selling 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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