Is it possible to be a manager in 6 years? I feel that that is a little optimistic, maybe 7-8 years is a better aim.

Just wondering, why do so many accountants join auditing when it is disliked by so many, aren't there those who join tax and advisory as well? Also if auditing is seen as a good stepping stone to progress in the career, some earlier posts said that an Audit Manager will find it hard to join as a Finance Manager in commerce, so what lies in the future path of an auditor (assuming he leaves the big 4)?

What are the general academic requirements to be called up for an interview? Around CGPA of 3.7 or ACCA?

2 people for First Class and got rejected does not really make sense, I am sure you guys did ok in the interview. Definitely apply for the other big 4, but I thought they have a shortage of people now. Do they just not want to train fresh grads during tax season?

To those in Big 4 now,

Are you there for the experience before switching to commerce after 3-5 years for a bigger salary? Or, do you intend to work in the company for a large portion of the career?

Reason I am asking is that it appears that the salary within the big 4 is not extremely attractive especially for the early years but after manager in ~6 years, maybe okay. Also, how do the work hours compare for a fresh grad and his senior/manager? Same hours? Do those in commerce have shorter hours?

So what do you think is better for career progression, remain in big 4 to possibly reach senior manager or director or to move to commerce which is what people seem to be doing... Commerce gets better pay I presume, but what about environment and pressure etc?

yeah i applied as well, been almost 2 weeks now. how long does it normally take?

Really? What i heard is that the cut off is generally CGPA of 3.2 or second upper...

Oh right. So passing ACCA kind of makes university grades less important.

Anyway, has the peak started for audit yet? Can anyone share the kind of roles which an intern does within the audit department? Thanks!

For those working at PwC KL, where do you usually park? Would you mind sharing the rates and time you usually have to get there by? Thanks!

The recommended Lot F parking seems really far away.

I tried both walking and using the shuttle van, not bad at all. Thanks for your reply!

Ok, will definitely check it out, thanks!

Any reason for EY's rejection? Call up Deloitte.

PwC does appear to have a preference for private uni/ foreign grads. It's a stressful period, but things could always turn out well.

Don't worry too much about the "big-4-audit-only" path, there are plenty of opportunities out there which you'd probably enjoy more. Search around the forums. All the best for your applications!

Go for the interviews you secured. You can always decide later. Good luck!

PwC's IX interview: Usually some basic tests then interviews. Those that have done PwC internships in the past just have 1 interview round which could be a casual chat or some competency questions (depending on your interviewer).

Why you didn't choose to join KPMG instead: You can be honest about it, they would not penalise you for it. You can bring up issues about firm culture, brand recognition etc (PwC take pride in being the 'best in Malaysia')

Different service line: Again, just be honest. You have tried it, is it where your interests lie? Do you see yourself in your current service line in 5 years/ 10 years? Do you feel that your knowledge development is limited in your current service line?

Perfectly normal for people to switch between service lines, and even rejoining big4 firms after leaving. Good luck!

For audit, yup, I think you're on the right track. Congrats!!

For audit and tax, definitely not.

Why would it be too big a leap? If they are willing to make you an offer, they obviously see something that you don't. There are people who love consulting and others who are intimidated by it, try to figure out what you want (depends on the dept offered too).

From what I hear, PwC has the largest clients, EY has more clients. Deloitte has a smaller presence than the other 3. But that was a while back.

Hahah I resigned after a month. A few main reasons:

1) Not allocated to my preferred industry
2) Took audit not for the job itself, but for the job that audit would give me after 5-6 years
3) Was not my interest and there was no certainty that I would be able to successfully make the switch in 5-6 years

To others aspiring to join big4, it is indeed a good path to start from, placing you on a great career trajectory. However, the work is not for everyone and there are plenty of opportunities outside, if you know where to look. I chose to go to my preferred field directly, as an undergrad. While audit experience is invaluable for certain roles, it isn't as valuable for others. Therefore, go in with the end goal in mind.

I've seen new auditors manually key results from their calculators onto excel... Always a mixed bunch!

Yes, you're right. This is somewhat a catch 22; if one performs well, the department/manager will not allow a switch in team and conversely, if one performs badly, other departments/managers will not want such a team member.

My main point was to keep the end goal in mind when venturing into an audit career, as you mentioned, not everyone is suited for a role in the big4.

1) Like pherac said, simple sections, cash, PPE, dormant/ semi-dormant companies
2) Not a "MUST", my BM was bad but I was lucky that my clients were English speaking. It would depend on the industry you choose, and more importantly, the specific clients. It sure helps though!
3) Nope. Simple documentations on excel sheets.