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.
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?
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:
This is usually the first question they ask. It is a good idea to have a confident response to this question as it is usually right out of the gates. Write a response that takes you 30 seconds to repeat and memorize. This will be your elevator pitch. Use the format below:
I suffered through science classes, and accounting was easy. I understood it, and it spoke to me. That is when I switched my major to accounting. My goal is to work for KPMG in the Wichita office after graduation.
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.
"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.
Is this firm your first choice?
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.
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?
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:
This is usually the first question they ask. It is a good idea to have a confident response to this question as it is usually right out of the gates. Write a response that takes you 30 seconds to repeat and memorize. This will be your elevator pitch. Use the format below:
I suffered through science classes, and accounting was easy. I understood it, and it spoke to me. That is when I switched my major to accounting. My goal is to work for KPMG in the Wichita office after graduation.
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.
"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.
Is this firm your first choice?
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 start interviewing with the big 4 accounting firms, 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: Big 4 Accounting Firms Interviewing
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