Interview Questions At Big 4 Accounting Firms
Almost every day, I get a question that sounds a little bit like this, "Big 4 Guru, what questions will I be asked in an interview with the Big 4 Accounting Firms?"
So to clear things up, here a few examples, that should help out! In my book, "The Interview" which you can purchase at my website. In the book, I cover 15 questions that I have seen the Big 4 accounting firms ask interviewees, as well as the responses you should answer. Here are a few examples of questions Big 4 Accounting Firms ask:
Here are a few examples of questions Big 4 Accounting Firms ask:
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?
Before my interview with PwC, personally, I was discussing with a Big 4 alumnus the fact that I was considering both the New York City office as well as an office in a smaller city. "That's good for you" he said, "if you want to cut your chance of getting the job in half."
Find a reason why that firm speaks to you. However, if they ask if you are interviewing with other companies, be honest. Let them know that you have these interview coming up or if they have already occurred. If they are your first choice, let them know that at the end.
Why are you here and why do you want to work for this company?
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.
What job/campus leadership roles are you currently in
What is your year in University
Before my interview with PwC, I was discussing with a Big 4 alumnus that I was considering both the NYC office as well as an office in a smaller city, near my parent's house. "Good for you" he said, "if you are interested in cutting your chance of getting the job in half."
"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?
Mentioning someone else who already worked at the company associates you with that person. If your friends with, or even associated with that person, in their eyes, you are that much likely to fit in with their culture. Do not tell them you know the person, just display there is a relationship by casually mentioning they speak very highly of the firm and have given you a lot of insight into the company.
So to clear things up, here a few examples, that should help out! In my book, "The Interview" which you can purchase at my website. In the book, I cover 15 questions that I have seen the Big 4 accounting firms ask interviewees, as well as the responses you should answer. Here are a few examples of questions Big 4 Accounting Firms ask:
Here are a few examples of questions Big 4 Accounting Firms ask:
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?
Before my interview with PwC, personally, I was discussing with a Big 4 alumnus the fact that I was considering both the New York City office as well as an office in a smaller city. "That's good for you" he said, "if you want to cut your chance of getting the job in half."
Find a reason why that firm speaks to you. However, if they ask if you are interviewing with other companies, be honest. Let them know that you have these interview coming up or if they have already occurred. If they are your first choice, let them know that at the end.
Why are you here and why do you want to work for this company?
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.
What job/campus leadership roles are you currently in
What is your year in University
Before my interview with PwC, I was discussing with a Big 4 alumnus that I was considering both the NYC office as well as an office in a smaller city, near my parent's house. "Good for you" he said, "if you are interested in cutting your chance of getting the job in half."
"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?
Mentioning someone else who already worked at the company associates you with that person. If your friends with, or even associated with that person, in their eyes, you are that much likely to fit in with their culture. Do not tell them you know the person, just display there is a relationship by casually mentioning they speak very highly of the firm and have given you a lot of insight into the company.
About the Author:
Before you start interviewing with the big 4 accounting firms, make sure you've checked out my book which has been the book since '08 and helped thousands of students get hired with the Big 4 accounting firms: Big 4 Accounting Firms Book of Secrets
posted by Vittoria @ December 27, 2013
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