Bigger or Smaller Audit Firms?

[acmilan]

Hi all

I've got one more semester to go and I will have completed my degree in Accounting through Unisa.

I have now been applying for audit clerk positions.

One company who I just interviewed for had around 40+ staff in there firm and they seemed very keen on me.

My evening lecturers are snobbish when it comes to us mentioning we are looking at taking up jobs at smaller firms.

I am wondering if its just better to finish my honours and then seek a position at a bigger company?

I am Just worried my age will be a factor as I am already 32.

Any advice on the matter would be great.

 

[infscrtyrisk]

Bigfish smallpond vs smallfish bigpond. I've experienced both (albeit not in the same discipline) -- either way they will work you to death, so actually completing honours would be a challenge (but not impossible). From an academic perspective, it would depend on what your aspirations are (do you want to do a Masters --> Doctorate?). Also take into consideration your immediate family -- what are your goals on that side (wife / husband / children)? Lastly, career objectives -- how important are these to you, and what do you want to achieve?

Give thought to these three spheres of your life -- they are not the only ones, but my point is that you cannot give all to all three, you have to prioritize, and decide which ball is okay to drop.

 

[HavocXphere]

If you have a choice definitely do big 4. The opportunities are just better in the long run (in my very biased opinion).

Forget age...we had like 40+ year old okes join. Nobody gives a fk. You just need to be OK with 23 year olds telling you what to do because that will happen. If you can get over yourself on that front you'll be fine - I promise. If you expect age to score you free respect/position/seniority etc then that is going to get ugly cause the 23 y/o will successfully put you in your place.

Maybe wait for @Stefanmuller to respond as well for balance. He's from a smaller one & has different but solid views on this as well.

Also...if your marks are solid apply for bursaries. You're not likely to get a bursary without right skincolour, but some of them seem to fall back on "we can't give you a bursary but how about a straight article contract instead". Ended up not taking it but was interesting.

My evening lecturers are snobbish when it comes to us mentioning we are looking at taking up jobs at smaller firms.

The smaller firms are OK with accepting weaker candidates...they just work them harder for longer. You're also significantly reducing your opportunities for jumping between countries.

Either way expect that work long hours for decidedly modest pay. It's a rite of passage in a way & everyone suffers tbh.

From an academic perspective, it would depend on what your aspirations are (do you want to do a Masters --> Doctorate?).

Nobody in their right mind does master/doc unless they want to lecture. Remember this is already a 7 year minimum commitment without masters. Plus it's simply not necessary...the hons is enough to crush it - locally and intl.

 

[Dee96]

Hi all

I've got one more semester to go and I will have completed my degree in Accounting through Unisa.

I have now been applying for audit clerk positions.

One company who I just interviewed for had around 40+ staff in there firm and they seemed very keen on me.

My evening lecturers are snobbish when it comes to us mentioning we are looking at taking up jobs at smaller firms.

I am wondering if its just better to finish my honours and then seek a position at a bigger company?

I am Just worried my age will be a factor as I am already 32.

Any advice on the matter would be great.

I would recommend going for the big 4 if possible.

Look at job ads and you will see how many specify big 4 articles.

That being said, starting your articles with CTA means 3 years as opposed to 4 years without your honours.

Also bear in mind that the Big 4 do accept clerks without CTA, I personally know that they do in the smaller offices like PMB or when the failure rate is high like last year with the fees might fall strike.

 

[HavocXphere]

Also bear in mind that the Big 4 do accept clerks without CTA, I personally know that they do in the smaller offices like PMB or when the failure rate is high like last year with the fees might fall strike.

It's actually faster on the whole. 6 vs 7 years.

People straight out of school though & they end up being kept at lowish salary levels for longer.

Not something I'd do tbh

 

[handyman007]

What type of salary are we looking at if you stopped at honours (completed honours in 3 years so not eligible to do part 1 and 2 of board).

 

[HavocXphere]

What type of salary are we looking at if you stopped at honours (completed honours in 3 years so not eligible to do part 1 and 2 of board).

Don't know. Not a lot.

Haven't kept up to date, but the new clerks are probably at like 12-13k now. Article salaries tend to be lower though (there was a time when it was unpaid) so if you're in a more commercial operation you can probably get something above that. 15k. The killer will be the raises though - CA track guys will overtake you quickly & dramatically