Big 4 Accounting Firm Interview Questions
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 is an article that should help out! In my book, "The Interview" linked below. In the book, I go through, in detail over 15 questions that I have seen the big 4 ask, as well as the responses you should be giving. Here are a few examples of questions Big 4 Accounting Firms ask:
Here are a few examples of questions Big 4 Accounting Firms ask:
Before my interview with PwC, I spoke with a Big 4 alumnus that I was considering both the New York City office as well as an office in a smaller city where I lived. He remarked, "That's good for you" he said, "if you want to cut your chance of getting the position in half."
Is this the office you want to work for?
In conclusion, know where you want to work (first choice) and make the interviewer you speak with has the authority to place you in that area. As a general rule, the best place to *say* you want to work, is in the city where you are currently living. Most likely the recruiter is responsible for that city.
Is this firm your first choice?
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.
Tell me about your background.
Tell me about yourself.
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 campus leadership roles are you currently in
Is our office your first choice?
Why are you interested in working for this company
YOU NEED TO BE PERSONABLE Here's an example:
Make sure the person you are interviewing with gets the right story from you, and they have jurisdiction over you choice of office. In conclusion, the recruiter is responsible for the city where he/she lives. So if you want to work somewhere else, get the offer locally first.
Is this firm your first choice?
You need to have reasons for this, even if you are unsure. If they ask if you are interviewing with other companies, tell them that you are interviewing with other big 4 firms, as well as some local, and regional firms. Try to avoid naming them but do not make it up and get caught in a lie. If you are actively pursuing other Big 4 accounting firms, no need to tell them. While you are there you are only interested in that firm. You may be tempted to tell the interviewer other firms are interested. They are more likely to take this as a sign that you are not committed and that you do not have them at the top of your list
So to clear things up, here is an article that should help out! In my book, "The Interview" linked below. In the book, I go through, in detail over 15 questions that I have seen the big 4 ask, as well as the responses you should be giving. Here are a few examples of questions Big 4 Accounting Firms ask:
Here are a few examples of questions Big 4 Accounting Firms ask:
Before my interview with PwC, I spoke with a Big 4 alumnus that I was considering both the New York City office as well as an office in a smaller city where I lived. He remarked, "That's good for you" he said, "if you want to cut your chance of getting the position in half."
Is this the office you want to work for?
In conclusion, know where you want to work (first choice) and make the interviewer you speak with has the authority to place you in that area. As a general rule, the best place to *say* you want to work, is in the city where you are currently living. Most likely the recruiter is responsible for that city.
Is this firm your first choice?
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.
Tell me about your background.
Tell me about yourself.
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 campus leadership roles are you currently in
Is our office your first choice?
Why are you interested in working for this company
YOU NEED TO BE PERSONABLE Here's an example:
Make sure the person you are interviewing with gets the right story from you, and they have jurisdiction over you choice of office. In conclusion, the recruiter is responsible for the city where he/she lives. So if you want to work somewhere else, get the offer locally first.
Is this firm your first choice?
You need to have reasons for this, even if you are unsure. If they ask if you are interviewing with other companies, tell them that you are interviewing with other big 4 firms, as well as some local, and regional firms. Try to avoid naming them but do not make it up and get caught in a lie. If you are actively pursuing other Big 4 accounting firms, no need to tell them. While you are there you are only interested in that firm. You may be tempted to tell the interviewer other firms are interested. They are more likely to take this as a sign that you are not committed and that you do not have them at the top of your list
About the Author:
Before you begin the interview process with the big 4 accounting firms (and other small firms and private companies), small firms, and private companies, make sure you've checked out my top selling book which has been the top selling book since '08 and helped thousands of students get hired with the big 4 accounting firms (and other small firms and private companies), small firms, and private companies: http://www.big4guru.com/big-4-hiring-guide/
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