Milkround Offers 2013/2014

Aine20

Anyone accept Deloitte Audit for Dublin

Gael23

I'm starting to look into smaller firms now. Seen one called beechwood partners that I like. Ad says they are seeking "high calibre graduates" but it doesn't specify anything in particular.

cat_xx

ryanf1 wrote: »

I'm starting to look into smaller firms now. Seen one called beechwood partners that I like. Ad says they are seeking "high calibre graduates" but it doesn't specify anything in particular.

I interviewed for them through a recruitment agency haven't heard anything back. They specify in tax. The recruiter called them a "tax boutique" He was very scrutinising of my results so i'd say they are looking for a very high standard. Hope that helps!

Gael23

cat_xx wrote: »

I interviewed for them through a recruitment agency haven't heard anything back. They specify in tax. The recruiter called them a "tax boutique" He was very scrutinising of my results so i'd say they are looking for a very high standard. Hope that helps!

What kinds of things did they ask about your results?

cat_xx

ryanf1 wrote: »

What kinds of things did they ask about your results?

Why weren't they better essentially! I have a 2.2 corporate law degree and then I did a LLB to get a 2.1 and now im doing tax exams. I got nowhere with a 2.2.

The thing about applying to smaller firms is they only take on 1 or 2 people. Keep trying for the bigger firms and try to get help with your applications from career services because they know exactly how to answer the questions.

Gael23

cat_xx wrote: »

Why weren't they better essentially! I have a 2.2 corporate law degree and then I did a LLB to get a 2.1 and now im doing tax exams. I got nowhere with a 2.2.

The thing about applying to smaller firms is they only take on 1 or 2 people. Keep trying for the bigger firms and try to get help with your applications from career services because they know exactly how to answer the questions.

I'm expecting to get a 2:2 business degree too, I find the bigger firms have no interest if you don't have a 2:1.
I do have some personal things which I would hope might help in explaining why my grades are not top notch but for me are very good considering what I've dealt with. Maybe not though.

cat_xx

ryanf1 wrote: »

I'm expecting to get a 2:2 business degree too, I find the bigger firms have no interest if you don't have a 2:1.
I do have some personal things which I would hope might help in explaining why my grades are not top notch but for me are very good considering what I've dealt with. Maybe not though.

Is there no hope of getting a 2.1? Surely you have summer exams that could pull you up? I do know it is easier said than done though from my own experience!

Gael23

cat_xx wrote: »

Is there no hope of getting a 2.1? Surely you have summer exams that could pull you up? I do know it is easier said than done though from my own experience!

It would take a miracle but never say never, I'm a good bit away from it so it would mean getting A's in nearly all exams which is not a realistic aim.

jus_tin4

I was sitting on a high 3rd lower 2.2 in after Christmas exams, pulled it up to 3% off a 2.1 so it's not impossible, of course it depends on your attitude and the college system on exams, and likewise I had personal issue for most of my college life, so you can do it, but it's a lot of work and sacrifice!

Gael23

With regard to salary, does the minimum wage apply to training contracts?

April O Neill II

ryanf1 wrote: »

With regard to salary, does the minimum wage apply to training contracts?

20,500 - 21,500 seems to be the going rate for the big 4 and mid tier firms this year inc. Dublin. Might be a bit higher for tax?

cat xx, do you know what your starting salary will be if you don't mind me asking?

xiongnu

I think 22,500 is the starting salary for a bachelor's, don't know what other firms are though, just assuming they wouldnt be any less.

hamm

Hi April

I meant to apply to Microsoft but forgot to in the end. Did you?

I think most of the firms use LC points as the first filter for applications. Not to sound bitter but it's annoying to hear about my classmates with a better LC get multiple interviews with the big firms while I have been consistently getting 20-30% more than them in exams over 3rd and 4th year and I got one lousy last minute interview with a top 10 firm and countless PFO emails after the deadline.

That's good to know that more contracts will be advertised again.

April O Neill II wrote: »

Hi hamm, did you apply to the Microsoft grad programme, out of interest? Did you hear anything back?

As to your query... I dunno. You not ticking the box might not be why you didn't get more interviews. I made around 15 applications in total (~ 7 at the milkround time and some later ones) - I have 480 LC points, including a higher B in Maths and English, a 2.1 degree (science though) and am doing an Accounting PgDip which gives me a number of exemptions.

I got one interview, with KPMG (unsuccessful). Most firms, I didn't even hear back from. It's likely my applications just weren't up to scratch. But I wouldn't contact firms that didn't give me an interview on the basis that my application fell short. They made their decision.

Training contracts tend to be advertised again later in the year, so I'd focus your attention on that, if I were you! It is likely that your LC might be an issue too, but I don't know. They do seem a tad hung up on points, I think because it shows you're consistent across different types of exams, I guess.

hamm

Does anyone know how many weeks study leave the big firms give for ACA exams each year, and what is the norm in industry for ACCA?

April O Neill II

hamm wrote: »

Hi April

I meant to apply to Microsoft but forgot to in the end. Did you?

I did. Filled in an evaluation form they sent, no reply yet. If I pass, the next stage is a phone interview. I have no idea if they send the evaluation form to everyone who applies though.

LC points aren't always a guarantee of an interview. One of my classmates got 500+ points and a 2.1 and only got one interview.

Did you analyse your applications to see where you might have gone wrong? Perhaps they came across a bit complacent or something?

hamm

April, I don't know. I'd guess only some of the applicants get the evaluation form as they look to cull the numbers at each stage.

It got to the stage where I was so fed up by the umpteenth application that I was just rejigging my answers from other applications, in order to meet the deadlines, so I'm sure I made loads of stupid mistakes.

April O Neill II

hamm wrote: »

It got to the stage where I was so fed up by the umpteenth application that I was just rejigging my answers from other applications, in order to meet the deadlines, so I'm sure I made loads of stupid mistakes.

Well, there'll have to be places available later on in the year because some people get multiple offers and can only accept one!

Gael23

If you send an application via email can you expect any form of acknowledgement?

April O Neill II

ryanf1 wrote: »

If you send an application via email can you expect any form of acknowledgement?

I haven't for most of my email applications. A couple of them, yes, but most, no.

Gael23

Even a line saying thank you for your application or something like that would be nice. Lets you know it got to them.

scheister

got another interview. Went for an interview with Aviva today for a tax trainee job.
I agree with what others are saying about companies not getting back to you. whats worse then applying and hearing nothing i have had firms where i have got an interview and then hear nothing.

Gael23

The one I sent off today has a closing date of Friday which is the day most offices will close for christmas so I expect I won't hear anything until the new year.

April O Neill II

ryanf1 wrote: »

The one I sent off today has a closing date of Friday which is the day most offices will close for christmas so I expect I won't hear anything until the new year.

Beechwood? Yeah, they don't acknowledge applications, I sent them one about three weeks ago. Doubt they'll have many spots available, TBH.

Gael23

April O Neill II wrote: »

Beechwood? Yeah, they don't acknowledge applications, I sent them one about three weeks ago. Doubt they'll have many spots available, TBH.

No probably not but I get the feeling it's more than just one.

Obrieski

Hope this is true but a bit of festive cheer for anyone who took up a role with EY..apparently from January they are introducing time off in lieu for overtime. A nice thing for anybody starting in September. Heard it from a friend of mine who works there so it seems legit!

Happy Christmas all!

Gael23

Obrieski wrote: »

Hope this is true but a bit of festive cheer for anyone who took up a role with EY..apparently from January they are introducing time off in lieu for overtime. A nice thing for anybody starting in September. Heard it from a friend of mine who works there so it seems legit!

Happy Christmas all!

I heard that too but not from anyone official

Dellboy2007

ryanf1 wrote: »

I heard that too but not from anyone official

Yeah it's true. Only for people in audit though. Hopefully they will actually be allowed charge the time. It's a problem in a few of the firms, particularly in the industry audit departments whereby the TOIL does not get approved.

spillit67

How much TOIL would you expect in the average Big4/Middle tier audit department? Couple of days a year?

Dellboy2007

spillit67 wrote: »

How much TOIL would you expect in the average Big4/Middle tier audit department? Couple of days a year?

Depends on the firm and the jobs you are on. There is no average amount really. You could be on one of the big bank jobs and accrue over a months TOIL. You could build that up working on an insurance company and a fund also.
You are quite likely going to work fairly long hours in a Big4 audit role, but again this isn't a given. I know plenty of people who worked less than 40 hours every week in busy season during their first year.

spillit67

Dellboy2007 wrote: »

Depends on the firm and the jobs you are on. There is no average amount really. You could be on one of the big bank jobs and accrue over a months TOIL. You could build that up working on an insurance company and a fund also.
You are quite likely going to work fairly long hours in a Big4 audit role, but again this isn't a given. I know plenty of people who worked less than 40 hours every week in busy season during their first year.

Jeepers, how would that work out so?

Dellboy2007

spillit67 wrote: »

Jeepers, how would that work out so?

How do you mean? They would probably use it as study leave or else take it as holidays.

spillit67

Dellboy2007 wrote: »

How do you mean? They would probably use it as study leave or else take it as holidays.

Wow. I just wouldn't expect for you to get that much, I thought it would be capped at least.

I know as a trainee solicitor it is expected that you do a lot of extra hours, though they are paid much better.

Obrieski

Guy who told me says he expects he might be able to 'clock up' up to 11 days due to TOIL, I don't know how accurate that is but he seemed quite happy about its introduction!

Gael23

Is there anyone considering applying for smaller firms?
Just wondering is the best way to search through the CAI website and find a few to apply to?

Gael23

PFO from Baker Tilly today

scheister

ryanf1 wrote: »

PFO from Baker Tilly today

yea took them a while to send them out think i have one application left but not holding much in the last one going on form

Gael23

Well there's usually more firms recruiting around this time of year so I wouldn't give up just yet.

sugarman21

I had an interview with glanbia before christmas and was told I would get word whether I am called back for 2nd round interview before or immediately after the new year. I have yet to hear anything so I am wondering if anyone had interviewed has got any word from them?

scheister

anyone get a call for interview off RBK or O'Connor leddy holmes in the last few days

freema

just wondering does anyone know anything about the transfer pricing sector in KPMG

MrSzyslak

freema wrote: »

just wondering does anyone know anything about the transfer pricing sector in KPMG

applications open for sept 2014 are they? were you called for interview, sure there must be info on the website?

twiddleypop

As well as transfer pricing, they are also looking for people to do a masters/PDA in September. Is this a year-round thing?
I really think the PDA is the way to go for me, would anyone have any idea how many places on the PDA courses KPMG provide funding for?

Gael23

Interview with Beechwood next Wednesday:)

Finance Siobhan

Applied yesterday to a small firm at about 5pm, got a 'Thanks but no thanks' response by half 11 this morning. Brutal! :-/

But at least they responded, I guess...

Gael23

Interview with O Brien Harnett next week!

mucks65

ryanf1 wrote: »

Interview with O Brien Harnett next week!

have an interview with them also! anyone been through their interview process??

Gael23

mucks65 wrote: »

have an interview with them also! anyone been through their interview process??

Do you think they are just interviewing everyone?

mucks65

im not sure but i do know a few people who got called aswell

Gael23

Its just that I think they are spending alot of time on interviews. And I thought getting a choice of time was odd too.

Starbordsie

ryanf1 wrote: »

Its just that I think they are spending alot of time on interviews. And I thought getting a choice of time was odd too.

That's not so odd, many companies realise that candidates have lives too so offer a bit of flexibility. Of course, most companies just give a time, like it or lump it! :pac: