Big 4 articles experiences (auditing)

[soulman]

Would anyone like to share their experiences of serving articles with the Big-4 auditing firms (Deloitte, KPMG, PwC.)?

Is the pay and work atmosphere, management attitude, sundry benefits etc. in line with each other?

 

[MacBoney]

From what i've heard from my friends who are doing articles at these Big 4 firms.....they pay is definately not in line with the amount of work and late nights you put in. It's actually a joke how little they earn but i guess you reap the benefits year's later 'if' or when you pass your board exams and become a CA. So if you look at it that way, it's worth it....

Personally id say go TOPP if you have your honours....you get paid much more and it's more managerial Finance and Accounting based than Auditing.....and you still become a CA in the end.

 

[Smurfatefrog]

I did mine at a smaller company and dont regret it, i feel that i got a more rounded experience then i think i would've gotten at one of the big 4

 

[CyraxHB]

A friend on mine did his articles at deloitte. When he finished, he got a job at deloitte in London with a salary of £70000 a year.

 

[BCO]

Would anyone like to share their experiences of serving articles with the Big-4 auditing firms (1Deloitte, 2KPMG, 3PwC 4?.)?

Is the pay and work atmosphere, management attitude, sundry benefits etc. in line with each other?

I think you should first learn to count before you attempt your articles

 

[Rahl]

You dont necesarily join any audit company big or small for the pay. You need to do your articles and they know it. So you will be taken advantage of no matter where you go. Accept it and go on.

Only difference is that in one of the big 4 companies you get their name on your CV which counts for alot. Other thing is that they want the best of the best so its a pat on your back if they offer you a internship.

Then there is the exposure you get to major clients and how they do business which is an eye opener especially as they tend to play with the big boys out there.

Now I have quite a few friends who work in big and small audit firms and the smaller firms people are under more stress as they have to do the work of 4 people because everyone leaves as soon as they complete their articles (for better pay) but in a big firm they have quite a few senior people availbable to help you.

 

[Eh!]

I've been in a Big 4 and a second tier firm. You want advice? The only one I can give you is not which firm you go to but WHAT CLIENT you get to work on. Going to a big 4 and end up spending 3/4 of the year doing public sector and guavamint audit is hell. Going to those small firms i.e. Jan and Piet Chartered accountants working purely on CC's and sole proprietry lacks business exposures. I'm in a second tier firm now (i.e. Grant Thornton, BDO, PKF ect) and don't regret my move. So far I've gained experince and insight in
Media and filming companies
Publishing and advertising
Textile manufacturing
Hospital and medical practices
Financial services
Education and training
Non profit organisations and charities
Airlines
but no IT yet

When I was in one of the B4, I only HAD Guavamint audits! and some public sectors type clients i.e. telkom, transnet, eksom Iskor ect. Find out which department you will get allocated if you decide to join the B4. Experience counts in my books.