Big 4 Interviews- which one will you go for?

Richie75

So was the Milk Round what people though it would be? Going into the process, I thought all 4 firms would be the same but there were big differences or maybe my opinion was based on the people I met throughout the process;

KPMG: Very long interview process. Got the feeling they were the stiff upper lip types. Wasn't impressed by presentation.

PWC: Very formal and I felt the dinner was a bit stuffy. Nice enough people but felt the place was nearly too big and you are just a number. The two people interviewing me seemed to have only met each other for the first time that day and when I mentioned some of their staff whom I had opportunity to meet, they didn't know them

Deloitte: Surpirsed me in that they were larger than I thought but they were also genuinely nice people (both the staff and partner and manager I met). At present, my top choice.

E&Y: They didn't seem to care. Honestly. It felt like they were doing me a favour by giving me an interview.

Any thoughts?

schumacher

Agree with everything you said!! But deloitte are only the third biggest in Ireland so id go for the other two! i wouldnt consider ey tbh

Richie75

I was thinking the same thing about them being bigger but then when I was speaking to a qualified friend of a friend he made the valid point that no matter how big they are, as long as you are good you will get to work with some of the largest companies in the country, be it any of the Big 4.

tywy

schumacher wrote: »

Agree with everything you said!! But deloitte are only the third biggest in Ireland so id go for the other two! i wouldnt consider ey tbh

Deloitte are 2nd biggest in the world if you feel like travelling...

schumacher

yeah they all have top clients so it doesnt really matter which one you chose!! Best to go for the one that gives you the best vibe

Innervision

Definitely agree with you about the best vibe being from Deloitte, seemed the most down to earth place. Thought PWC was a close second though.

Richie75

When we are on the topic, does anyone know whats up with E&Y? While I have expressed a preference for Deloitte, and then PWC and KPMG a close second, E&Y were not at the races at all and people have said don;t go there.

Does anyone know what the story is with them?

clearya

I only managed to apply to pwc and ey as I'm a bit of an idiot sometimes! but I got an interview with both.
I found the pwc people to be lovely, I was talking to one of the partners before the dinner and he gave me all the time in the world, inside at my table the 3 that were there were lovely, as was the girl there before my interview. However, the 2 in the actual interview were a bit cold I'd say, asked a lot of 'future manager' q's and they didn't try and draw me into any conversation. And when the interview was over I was hurried out the door..it was the last interview of the day but they certainly didn't make me feel confident!
The ey night was also very good, they a firm that listens to their workers and they implemented a new training program in Feb that won an award. The people were really nice and the 2 interviewing me were lovely, they said they wanted to get to know ME and not 1 economy question in sight. They did ask me how i managed project groups etc but no 'what would you do if...' or 'can you tell us a time when...' questions. Was deffo a personality interview and 1 of them saw me to the door and was really nice and told me he enjoyed the interview. I definitely enjoyed the ey interview more and if I get offered both it will be tough as both have their perks and drawbacks.
And regarding ey, i have read on here that some said the firm was in trouble and that it wasn't the best place to work...don't know how much of that is true as there could be someone else in the firm that loves it and will tell you different!

Richie75

I asked someone in practice the question I had posted above and it appears that E&Y didn't pay much attention to their graduate recruitment over the past few years and hence were not getting the best people in and the place went down hill.

So maybe those places who say their graduates are important to them weren't telling lies just to get us in the door.

The same guy, who works actually works for KPMG, also advised me to go to Deloitte on the basis that they actually treat people well and its not just a marketing slogan- some of his house mates work there.

clearya

Richie75 wrote: »

I asked someone in practice the question I had posted above and it appears that E&Y didn't pay much attention to their graduate recruitment over the past few years and hence were not getting the best people in and the place went down hill.

So maybe those places who say their graduates are important to them weren't telling lies just to get us in the door.

The same guy, who works actually works for KPMG, also advised me to go to Deloitte on the basis that they actually treat people well and its not just a marketing slogan- some of his house mates work there.

I can see what he means, for the ey presentation I did have to travel to dub, the first 3 nights were all dub applicants and the last night there was about 60 of us from the rest of the country..I would go to ey but pwc would prob just be my top pref, just cos of the new building! But they did make some mistakes recently which does make me question their quality..but haven't heard back from pwc in a week so haven't the foggiest how that will go, I've read on here that others got offers within 2 days so I prob relyin on ey!

Alyosha

First up I'm going for Tax, but going to be doing a postgrad in either UCD or DCU next year first.

KPMG: Didn't get a good vibe from their presentation, but thought the interview process with business exercise was really well done. And the partner who interviewed me was dead on. He said he would recommend me for a position, but that was 3 days ago and haven't heard anything back yet so not sure if I will get an offer judging by other people on here. Also, managing partner had me wanting to jump up and punch him a few times during his presentation!

Deloitte: Had an interview Monday and got an offer today. Everything from the firm has being good so far and think i would like working there. Still though, would prefer to get...

PWC! My interview was only yesterday. I think this is the firm for me so really hoping for an offer. 5 out of the 6 people I really talked to during the presentations/interviews were dead on, one of my interviewers was a bit sticky but I think she was just trying to test me out. And she said in the lift afterwards that I did a good interview. I know a few people who work there already and who will be working there which is an added incentive also. I know they are sending out letters tomorrow so am hopeful of getting the call....!

EY: Have my interview tomorrow and still complentating wheter or not I should go. Probably will, but only as a backup incase I get neither PWC or KPMG and Deloitte see sense and change their mind about me! :P

So all in all, happy to have gotten an offer of Tax in Deloitte - but if either KPMG, or especially PwC, offer me a position I will mroe than likely accept it.

Alyosha

Alyosha wrote: »

PWC! My interview was only yesterday. I think this is the firm for me so really hoping for an offer.

:pac:

Fo87

Hey,

I'm new to boards.ie. I was trying to surf the net to find information on which of the big 4 to pick and I came across this thread.

I've been offered KPMG and PwC. I cancelled my EY interview because I knew I was never going to pick them over the others. Basically I was influenced by rumours, family/friends opinions and the people I had met at the gradireland fair in the RDS and their presentation evening in the Radisson. By the way what did people think of the panel, the crazy lady hosting the forum and the ridiculous clapping and motivational music entrance? Personally, it just wasn't for me.

Anyway, back to my real question. I have my Deloitte interview on Monday and I was just wondering was anyone asked any tricky questions? Did they throw in any awful questions that had you panicking?

Also, if I'm lucky enough to get an offer from Deloitte I really will be in two minds as who to pick. It would be PwC Vs Deloitte for me. And I just can't see the difference. In the back of my mind I'm thinking that PwC carry the biggest weight behind them with regards to reputation and "looking good" on your CV? Love to hear more suggestions or who others are leaning towards.

Cheers!

Alyosha

My Deloitte interview was grand Fo. Very informal with them leaving you to do most of the talking. There was a little bit more emphasis on general business knowledge than any other interview - I was asked to talk about a businessman I admire for example, and what I would have done in the Budget.

Have the same Deloitte/PwC decision to make and am leaning towards PwC for the reasons you outlined. And I know a few people going in there aswell. Plus they ahve a regional office back home whereas Deloitte don't, so might be a chance to move there at some point down the line.

Richie75

Not sure if the PWC thing carrying weight on your CV actually carries water.

Globally, they are all of the same size roughly and they all have the same large client bases. I would view the reputation of all 3 as being equal in Ireland with E&Y lagging behind somewhat closer to the second tier.

On the basis of their reputations all being the same I am going for the one that I think I will enjoy working for, being Deloitte. (In my Deloitte interview, they accepted they were not as big as PWC and KPMG- but they are growing faster than either over the past 5 years so they must be doing something right plus that means there are more opportunities for someone like us coming through the ranks)

SIBHCHEVIE

To be honest the big 4 companies are over rated for training purposes. I just got my FAE's last week and I started with a medium sized company. You get more exposure in a medium sized company than you do with the bigger firms. In the big 4 you are designated a specific industry and you may not ever get out of it whereas medium sized you will work on a range of different clients. i have spoken to a lot of people that have qualified with big 4 and as soon as there contracts finish they leave to smaller firms to get more experience. I was also talking to one of my managers last year and her friend in PWC was asking if any people in my firm were finishing their contacts soon because they wanted people with more experience and training than what they give their trainees.

Just something to think about if they don't go to plan there are plenty of smaller firms that you will get great experience with and then after your contract finishes then move to the big 4.

Newaglish

Richie75 wrote: »

In my Deloitte interview, they accepted they were not as big as PWC and KPMG - but they are growing faster than either over the past 5 years so they must be doing something right plus that means there are more opportunities for someone like us coming through the ranks

In case you're interested:

Fiscal Year 2007 - 2008
KPMG 14.3% Growth (269.3m to 307.7m)
PwC 10.2% Growth (322m to 355m)
Deloitte 15% Growth (143.6m to 165.1m)
E&Y 7.2% Growth (138m to 148m)

Deloitte is growing faster in % terms, but in absolutes it's being outperformed by both PwC and KPMG

schumacher

SIBHCHEVIE wrote: »

To be honest the big 4 companies are over rated for training purposes. I just got my FAE's last week and I started with a medium sized company. You get more exposure in a medium sized company than you do with the bigger firms. In the big 4 you are designated a specific industry and you may not ever get out of it whereas medium sized you will work on a range of different clients. i have spoken to a lot of people that have qualified with big 4 and as soon as there contracts finish they leave to smaller firms to get more experience. I was also talking to one of my managers last year and her friend in PWC was asking if any people in my firm were finishing their contacts soon because they wanted people with more experience and training than what they give their trainees.

Just something to think about if they don't go to plan there are plenty of smaller firms that you will get great experience with and then after your contract finishes then move to the big 4.

im starting in a regional big 4 and its not ey! Do you think that il get a more broader experience there? Its a bit late now either way anyway!!

Failed Salesman

Newaglish wrote: »

In case you're interested:

Fiscal Year 2007 - 2008
KPMG 14.3% Growth (269.3m to 307.7m)
PwC 10.2% Growth (322m to 355m)
Deloitte 15% Growth (143.6m to 165.1m)
E&Y 7.2% Growth (138m to 148m)

Deloitte is growing faster in % terms, but in absolutes it's being outperformed by both PwC and KPMG

Even those figures can be skewed. As an example, both KPMG and PwC include the figures from the Northern Ireland offices (not sure about E&Y and Deloitte to be honest). KPMG NI is part of the same partnership as KPMG Ireland however, unlike PwC, which is part of the UK partnership.

Don't pay too much attention to the figures. Go with the firm which you feel suits you best, not just because they're the biggest.

Richie75

In a smaller firm you will get more exposure to doing the debits and credits, VAT returns, incomplete records etc.

In a larger firms you will get more exposure to the US reporting, Sarbanes oxley IFRS, large groups, special projects etc. Yes, you may be in a specialised area, however stuff like that is much more beneficial on your CV that having done Paddy Smith's famr accounts.

SIBHCHEVIE

schumacher wrote: »

im starting in a regional big 4 and its not ey! Do you think that il get a more broader experience there? Its a bit late now either way anyway!!

Yea you should get more experience there alright I went to college in Waterford and moved to Dublin to work. I went for an interview with one of them down there and they were a lot more down to earth than the ones in dublin. Two of my friends work for two different Big 4 firms down in Waterford and they seem to be getting on ok, prepare to become the photocopiers best friend for the first few months though.

It all depends what manager you seem to get and what sector you go into, luck of the draw really.

Only thing I will say about those firms though they are very very exam orientated some of them will give you only one repeat attempt at an exam and if you fail that your out. No one needs that pressure they are hard enough without that.

Good luck in the job though its such a weight off your shoulders to be sorted out already.

The_Hustler

Richie75 wrote: »

In my Deloitte interview, they accepted they were not as big as PWC and KPMG- but they are growing faster than either over the past 5 years

This is the first year in quite a while that Deloitte grew more than KPMG, and that wasn't by much.

Newaglish

Failed Salesman wrote: »

Go with the firm which you feel suits you best, not just because they're the biggest.

That's kind of what I meant, I guess I wasn't too clear!

FockRoysh

I've got offers for tax from PWC, Deloitte and KPMG...

I must say, it was PWC or bust for me after the application process and the drinks receptions and all that jazz. But my interview there was so weird, I can't describe it. The interviewers just were not interested and the conversation was forced, I'm shocked I got an offer at all. The building is amazing and I do know a few people who work there but I feel I'd be just a number in there and I've been told they are very strict about passing exams... they fired people a few weeks ago for failing, apparently.

Deloitte was great, they're really honest in there. They know they're not the biggest firm but they believe what they offer is the best. The Deloitte Academy is top notch too.

I do think I'm leaning towards KPMG though. I wasn't impressed by the presentation evening but the interview process was really good (but long!) and I really connected with the two managers that interviewed me. It was more like a casual conversation. Even the phonecall I received about the offer and the contract I got in the post (with personal note from interviewers included) were, as I said, more personal and they just make it seem like they want me more and would value me more.

I suppose it's all down to personal choice and what not. Most of my friends are dead set on PWC... the spencer dock office seems to sway most!

crapmanjoe

FockRoysh wrote: »

I suppose it's all down to personal choice and what not. Most of my friends are dead set on PWC... the spencer dock office seems to sway most!

I dont for the life of me get the attraction of PWC new building, sure its a nice building but its so far away from the centre of town (i know it'll have the luas and has special bus's but would still drive me daft)

If your working late and want to go for drinks its a complete disaster as well

I pretty much ruled out PWC when i saw where the office is.

Richie75

Once you are in a building for more than a week, you'll find it has little effect on you and its more the people you are working with.

Go for the firm that you think will help you get your exams and will not just treat you as another number monkey they can charge out. Don't be worrying about buildings.

Running Bing

crapmanjoe wrote: »

I dont for the life of me get the attraction of PWC new building, sure its a nice building but its so far away from the centre of town (i know it'll have the luas and has special bus's but would still drive me daft)

If your working late and want to go for drinks its a complete disaster as well

I pretty much ruled out PWC when i saw where the office is.

Also I have a friend who worked there and he said he much preferred the old office as the new building was too open/noisy and it was hard to get a bit of banter going.

Good place to work PWC but its ridiculous going there because the building looks swish imo.

clearya

Babybing wrote: »

Also I have a friend who worked there and he said he much preferred the old office as the new building was too open/noisy and it was hard to get a bit of banter going.

Good place to work PWC but its ridiculous going there because the building looks swish imo.

I haven't seen the new building, but I was on placement in AIB Bankcentre and they also have a newish lovely building, also open plan. I was happy because I was in the 'old' side and we had an enclosed office so you had some peace. The other open offices were around the atrium where people sat with tea/coffee etc and I don't know how the people on the first floor deal with all the noise at lunch time...and i'd NEVER choose a company because of the building, daft if you ask me! And a 24 hour gym? My first thought was what a waste of electricity Seriously, why?!

bozotheclown

To be 100% honest there is very little difference between any of the big 3, I would avoid EY if possible. You will gain equal experience with any of these firms.

I'm ex Deloitte so would be bias in promoting them. I had a great time in there, learned a lot and made great friends.

I read on one post that a medium firm is the better option - I would disagree with this now that I'm out in industry, when we are looking for a newly qualified acc we only look at big 3 applicants with obviously the odd exception.

Go with your gut feeling - it worked for me!

Millie123

I think the last poster is correct, you have to go with your gut. I applied and interviewed with 3 of the 4 (didnt apply to EY) and the whole experience was exhausting but interesting at the same time..I got 3 offers (thanksfully ) but kinda knew who I wanted after all the careers fairs and presentations in college..its PwC for me a lot of my friends are there and a few more are planning to join with me next year so I cant wait to get started and start earning some money!!!

clearya

bozotheclown wrote: »

To be 100% honest there is very little difference between any of the big 3, I would avoid EY if possible. You will gain equal experience with any of these firms.

I'm ex Deloitte so would be bias in promoting them. I had a great time in there, learned a lot and made great friends.

I read on one post that a medium firm is the better option - I would disagree with this now that I'm out in industry, when we are looking for a newly qualified acc we only look at big 3 applicants with obviously the odd exception.

Go with your gut feeling - it worked for me!

Can I just ask why avoid EY? one of the things drawing me to them is the fact that they introduced a brand new training program this year and it won them an award...I know that after my contract is up I could apply to one of the others, but is EY really that bad!

playingpirate

Can i just ask if you've heard back from EY yet?
I interviewed with them in their waterford office on the 10th and havent heard anything either way yet.
The not knowing is starting to drive me mad!

clearya

playingpirate wrote: »

Can i just ask if you've heard back from EY yet?
I interviewed with them in their waterford office on the 10th and havent heard anything either way yet.
The not knowing is starting to drive me mad!

I had my interview on the 12th and am in the same boat, someone also pm'd me asking if I'd heard back! I did my interview in Dublin and was told I should hear back around the 28th....it's hard waiting, but at the same time, if it was pwc or someone else you'd know you hadn't gotten it after around 3 days! I guess we'll just have to keep our fingers crossed.

playingpirate

I was told i'd hear back in a week or so,but nothing yet!
One of my friends did an interview in dublin at the end of last week and got a letter to her home address to tell her she didnt have the job this monday.
So i suppose no news is good news for the moment!

Hope you get good news from them (and soon!)!

clearya

playingpirate wrote: »

I was told i'd hear back in a week or so,but nothing yet!
One of my friends did an interview in dublin at the end of last week and got a letter to her home address to tell her she didnt have the job this monday.
So i suppose no news is good news for the moment!

Hope you get good news from them (and soon!)!

Wow that was a fast response, hope your friend is ok...When I didn't get pwc I had to wait for 2 WEEKS and then they sent me an email! I knew my interview was horrible, I just wish they had confirmed my suspicions sooner..I wasn't home last weekend so if there's a letter there I'll see it tomorrow. I'll keep everyone updated on my fascinating job hunt. lol

kodmuffin

clearya wrote: »

Wow that was a fast response, hope your friend is ok...When I didn't get pwc I had to wait for 2 WEEKS and then they sent me an email! I knew my interview was horrible, I just wish they had confirmed my suspicions sooner..I wasn't home last weekend so if there's a letter there I'll see it tomorrow. I'll keep everyone updated on my fascinating job hunt. lol

Just to add my bit....

I applied to the top 7 places,strangely enough didnt get interviews with the "bottom 4" and did with the "top 3".........in one place i got offered the job in the interview,and in another i got offered it 9 days later......so basically what im saying is each place is different,and each interviewer is too, so dont get too worried if you havent heard back in 2 or 3 days!!!

hope that helps some people!

clearya

kodmuffin wrote: »

Just to add my bit....

I applied to the top 7 places,strangely enough didnt get interviews with the "bottom 4" and did with the "top 3".........in one place i got offered the job in the interview,and in another i got offered it 9 days later......so basically what im saying is each place is different,and each interviewer is too, so dont get too worried if you havent heard back in 2 or 3 days!!!

hope that helps some people!

So who are you going for This job hunting a major pain, I just hope in the end I'm working somewhere where I don't dread heading to work in the morning cos that's what it's all about for me!

Alyosha

playingpirate wrote: »

Can i just ask if you've heard back from EY yet?

I interviewd with them in Dublin last Friday and got an offer today. Know some people who got one within a couple of days though, and others who haven't heard either way after nearly a fortnight.

All my interviews/offers over and done with now. Going to accept either PWC or KPMG I think. And then forget about em til October 2010!

Newaglish

clearya wrote: »

Can I just ask why avoid EY? one of the things drawing me to them is the fact that they introduced a brand new training program this year and it won them an award...I know that after my contract is up I could apply to one of the others, but is EY really that bad!

KPMG was awarded #1 company in Ireland for training or learning or somesuch by the Irish Times if that's what you're into.

I don't think those awards are overly important though really.

What training course did EY implement? What award did it win?

FockRoysh

Ah they've all won awards of some sort... Gut feeling is whats gona decide it for me anyway at this stage

dudara

FockRoysh wrote: »

Ah they've all won awards of some sort... Gut feeling is whats gona decide it for me anyway at this stage

Bang on. Don't be swayed too much by new buildings or awards. All the big 4 can point to something like that. Go with the company where you get the best vibe.

maxi-twist

Between deloitte and KPMG for me atm, cant really decide between them so just sweeping over the contracts, its 22 days of leave for KPMG and 21 for deloitte!

bananatree

Hey,

Just wondering has anyone still not heard anything from Deloitte? Had my interview there thursday last week and still haven't heard either way. Kinda disappointed as thought I had done a good interview. Can I take it I won't be getting an offer from them? Anyone else in the same boat? Thanks

bibi9000

Really enjoyed EY interview process. It was relaxed and with some really nice staff members to talk too. Not as big as the others in Ireland but not a factory line of trainees coming out either. Want to travel to states afterwards too which rules out KPMG apparently. Interviewed by really sound manager and director, both really young and laid back. Much better than PWC or KPMG. Liked Deloitte but have heard EY have much better audit training than them.

FockRoysh

bibi9000 wrote: »

Want to travel to states afterwards too which rules out KPMG apparently.

Expand on that please?

bibi9000

FockRoysh wrote: »

Expand on that please?

KPMG have the lowest global revenues and i've heard thats mainly to do with their lacklustre performance in the states, and a corresponding bad reputation. the other big four are much bigger in the states. i know in ireland its larger than deloitte and ey but i honestly think choosing pwc or kpmg solely on their performance (namely size/scale) in the irish market is a lot like a big fish in a very very small pond. i'm most interested in what indigenous clients the big four have

playingpirate

clearya wrote: »

I had my interview on the 12th and am in the same boat, someone also pm'd me asking if I'd heard back! I did my interview in Dublin and was told I should hear back around the 28th....it's hard waiting, but at the same time, if it was pwc or someone else you'd know you hadn't gotten it after around 3 days! I guess we'll just have to keep our fingers crossed.

Got my contract in the post today!!!
Starting in their waterford office next year,cant wait!!!
This has made my UL Christmas Daze soooo much more enjoyable!

Hope you got good news aswell!

clearya

playingpirate wrote: »

Got my contract in the post today!!!
Starting in their waterford office next year,cant wait!!!
This has made my UL Christmas Daze soooo much more enjoyable!

Hope you got good news aswell!

Congrats! I didn't receive anything when I was home on Friday but decided to take that as a good sign! Just told my sis at home to keep an eye on the mail....may as well find out sooner rather than later! So what terms are u starting on? If you don't mind me asking.

clearya

bibi9000 wrote: »

Really enjoyed EY interview process. It was relaxed and with some really nice staff members to talk too. Not as big as the others in Ireland but not a factory line of trainees coming out either. Want to travel to states afterwards too which rules out KPMG apparently. Interviewed by really sound manager and director, both really young and laid back. Much better than PWC or KPMG. Liked Deloitte but have heard EY have much better audit training than them.

I really enjoyed my interview too, really different from my PWC one. It was much more friendly and a lot more questions about me, not one economic question in sight! Waiting to hear back now on whether I'm being offered a job, fingers crossed

Mr. Incognito

Can someone tell me what's wrong with EY?

Globally they are no 2 and they just merged all their practices this year and are the first of the big 4 to do this, i.e they are integrated now and it is much easier to transfer from country to country.

underflowers

Has anyone not heard back from Deloitte yet? Had my interview a few weeks ago but haven't heard anything at all yet...had a missed call from a strange number today and got a bit paranoid it could be them!! Even if it's a rejection I'd just like to know:)