Hi, possible for accounting graduate (first class honour) to join advisory / deals / consulting in big 4?

What are the requirements or what they seek from the candidate? I've applied to two of the big4 for bout a month but not getting reply yet (deals and consulting). For info, I'm from a top public uni in the country, currently undergoing assurance internship in a big 4 till August and aiming to start in Sept.

Aiming for consulting / advisory actually.

Sure! Highly appreciate it! As for now, my main preference is strategy, followed by finance related lines.

Yes, that's what I've been hearing during my study, was a plan to get experience prior to making a switch. Then heard from some seniors saying it's possible to join as fresh grad and did found some positions are opening for fresh grads, hence would like to try.

Thanks for the suggestions, perhaps I should try asking for referrals then!

Thanks

What role u applied and when they called u?

Having an iv for valuation associate role soon. Any advice? I'm a fresh grad. Wonder would there be any technical questions?

Which role u applied for? I think it's normal for 2 weeks.

I'm still waiting for updates from another big 4 too, been 2 weeks.

I see, unsure about KPMG but usually would be within 2 weeks. If they reply your queries I think it's positive.

I personally know that pwc is hiring huge batch for Aug Sept and Oct intake.

It’s normal and if I’m not wrong, you need to pay in full for what they have incurred for you

AFAIK nope

FS is dealing with financial institutions such as banks, insurance companies, PE firms, asset management companies etc which are typically more regulated.

One example for bank audit, it would involve more on assessing the credit risks such as ECL; the audit report needs to be submitted to BNM as well, hence there would usually be two submissions

This post has been edited by zz287963: Oct 18 2022, 08:19 PM

Don’t think you will get extended or worse, being fired as I can’t imagine how bad you will need to be to put yourself in such situations.

Just work the best you can, as long as you meet the bar it should not be a big problem. Mind sharing which service line you’re from, is it audit? Personally, I have not really heard anyone mention that they failed probation. As I said, just put your effort into the work you do, build and maintain good relationships within the team, it should not be a problem for passing the probation. Good luck.

Think there are differences between the two report, as there are certain requirements to be met for BNM submission if not mistaken. However, the work done carried out from both would be the same, just the timeline for submission would be slightly different as one would usually be earlier. I’m just trying to give the best from my knowledge, welcome more inputs from those more experienced to give you more insights

I see, some may find working in FS is not their preference as the exit opportunities might seem narrower (jump to banks for instance) but it all depends on individuals. Good luck and enjoy!

Working in commercial after another 6 months - 1 year after the exam? Or right after your exam? You could do so but expect to start from entry level as I think the 6months - 1 year experience as external auditor doesn't really taken into account, think you would have much more bargaining power if it's a two years experience instead of just one. Then, expect to explain about your reasons for having that window between jobs.

What's your highest qualification so far? Is it the ACCA Advanced Diploma? Do you hold any degree? I am not 100% sure of this but I think from Big 4 perspective, it is either you have degree + pursuing / completed professional qualification; or completed professional qualification holder to be considered. If you have attempted the final papers left and is pending result, you might get a chance for interview and even conditional offer. If it is just ACCA Advanced Diploma (no Bachelor Degree) - which means you are not truly an ACCA holder (?), I think high chance you do not meet minimum requirement. And now considered that your passed paper has expired, which means you need to complete the all 4 papers to be qualified as ACCA holder. So your status now I think is not ACCA holder?

Does MBA helps? It might, depends on the university you went on to complete the MBA + role you apply to. For Audit, I wonder if MBA would actually helps.

Nevertheless, you may find the program in PwC like the Earn While You Learn, which means you could work full time + continue to pursue remaining ACCA, but for sure the salary would be lower and not as standard pay a fresh grad is getting.

Since when big 4 got 5 figure salary

Unless SM and above (not sure about M)

AFAIK, think all offer min 4k starting next year. Only starting next year, 2020 - 2022 first half, think still same as what it was 10 years back..