How To Break Into The Big Four
Looking to break into the Big 4 accountancy firms? Read our guide for practical tips and advice on how you can secure a career at the top firms.
Trying to break into one of the Big 4 accountancy firms can be difficult, with thousands applying to each firm per year.
If you’re looking to get into the Big 4, this guide will help you understand the application process. Read on for a step-by-step breakdown of the process, including a detailed example of what you can expect from applying to one of the firms.
We’ll also look at the average starting salary in the Big 4 and provide you with some tips and insights on making your application successful.
Interested in an accounting career? Read our accountancy career guides:
What is a management accountant?
What is a chartered accountant?
What is a chartered certified accountant?
Who are the Big 4?
The Big 4 refers to the four leading accountancy firms: PwC, EY, Deloitte, and KPMG. These firms are at the forefront of accountancy industry with services spanning audits, tax, risk, consultancy and more. They work throughout a variety of industries and are recognised globally.
Each firm has its own area of expertise, and a unique culture.
PwC have a strong and established client base. In 2022, PwC’s annual revenue was over $50 billion and they employ around 328,000 people. PwC’s strength is auditing, and the firm is working towards making its workforce more diverse.
Deloitte is the largest of the four in terms of revenue and manpower. The firm had a revenue of over $59 billion in 2022, and they employ around 334,800 people. Deloitte is known for its expertise in consultancy, a focus which has created an entrepreneurial culture.
KPMG employ more than 265,000 people worldwide and had a revenue of around $34 billion in 2022. KPMG is known for excellent staff development, offering many apprenticeships with pass rates for key qualifications higher than the industry standard. The culture at KPMG is quirkier than you might find elsewhere in the Big 4, with less pressure to fit into a city graduate lifestyle. KPMG has a reputation for being more rooted in Europe than the rest of the Big 4 and splits its focus evenly amongst different areas of accountancy.
EY is the final member of the Big 4, with a revenue of over $45 billion. EY has a large workforce of around 400,000 people and has a reputation for diversity. The firm’s record of promoting women and a history of support for LGBTQIA+ rights demonstrates its inclusive nature and value-driven culture. EY are also industry innovators with their push towards technological consultancy.
The virtual recruitment process
The following example of the virtual recruitment process at EY will help you understand what it takes to get a job in the Big 4.
Some of the Big 4 application processes are done almost completely online. To show how the recruitment process can work, we’ve provided an example of EY’s process.
Virtual recruitment at EY
EY applicants will need to complete an initial online application, followed by a series of aptitude tests:
Numerical and verbal reasoning – These tests will determine whether you have a suitable grasp of mathematical and language skills. They are designed to test your comprehension ability in a business environment.
Situational judgement test – This test evaluates how your strengths match the core values of the business by presenting you with workplace scenarios. Use this opportunity to show your problem-solving skills.
Personality test – EY assess the suitability of your personality based on your responses to a series of statements. You’ll need to rank the statements honestly, based on how well they relate to you. This test is based on five categories:
Learning a new language
Problem-solving
Understanding new technology
Attention to detail
Concentration
If you’re successful at this stage, you will go on to complete a job simulation.
This will virtually simulate the experience and challenges of working at EY. You will perform tasks such as communicating with clients, colleagues, and managers, managing a workload, and completing work.
The final stage will be the video interview.
This is not a live interview, but will require you to record video responses to a series of questions. For each question you will have two minutes to record responses, so make sure you practise answering questions concisely.
What are the Big 4 looking four in candidates?
Places at the Big 4 accounting firms are highly competitive. Because of this, there is a rigorous application process for each firm.
While there are differences in the process for each firm, the general objective is the same: to assess whether you’re right for the company, and to whittle down the vast number of applications.
The applications are not to assess your competence in the more technical aspects of your role. Instead, they will assess whether you have the right characteristics and qualities.
The Big 4 are also invested in diversifying their workforce. This has led to an assessment process that is based more on personality than experience. Some of the firms have also reduced their academic requirements to attract a greater diversity of applicants.
The Big 4 are mainly looking for excellent communicators and people who work well in teams. You will need to be able to show leadership potential, enthusiasm, and courage.
The recruitment process step-by-step
While the recruitment is different between firms, the following is some general steps you can expect from the application process.
Online application – when applying for one of the Big 4, make sure you do extensive research on the firm. Each firm’s culture is central to how they operate and heavily influences their recruitment process. Make sure you identify how your personality and values align with the firm before beginning your application.
Online aptitude tests – if you get through to the next stage, you will have to complete a series of online aptitude tests. These could include personality tests, situational judgement tests (SJT), verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, logical reasoning, and a job simulation.
Phone interview – during the phone screening, you may be asked some general questions. Be ready to elaborate on parts of your CV and think of a couple of questions you can ask to engage with the interviewer.
Interview – these are generally in-person, but since Covid, interviews have been frequently held online. Practice your interview techniques as much as you can, and make sure you’re prepared to answer a range of questions. Make sure you use your experiences to back up answers with evidence.
Assessment centre – assessment centres are common as part of a Big 4 application. During an assessment day, you will complete tasks as part of a group of other applicants, such as presentations and group exercises. This will test your communication and teamworking skills, and help your interviewer see how you would fit into the firm.
What jobs can you get in the Big 4?
There are a wide variety of roles available between the different Big 4 firms.
Some of the key areas of recruitment are:
Audit – auditing involves inspecting an organisation’s accounts to ensure the accuracy of the financial statements.
Consultancy – consultants offer expert advice to clients on various aspects of their business, in order to help them improve performance.
Deal advisory – deal advisory is a step during mergers and acquisitions that provides clarity for a buyer on a target company’s performance.
Tax – firms advise clients on their taxes, helping to prepare tax returns and payments.
Find out how to qualify for an accounting career.
Technology is a huge growth area for the Big 4. Digital and data skills have become critical in the business environment across all industries, and the Big 4 have been pioneers in technology consultancy. Understanding technology and having a high level of digital literacy will help you in your application to the Big 4.
Internships at the Big 4
Internships are a great way to gain experience while working towards a career at the Big 4. All four firms offer a variety of internships, marketed mainly to undergraduate university students during the holidays.
Internships generally last around four weeks and can help boost your chances of gaining entry onto a graduate scheme.
Average salaries for graduates at the Big 4
As a graduate at a Big 4 firm, you can expect to earn around £30,000 as a starting salary. After completing your training and becoming qualified, this can increase to £50,000.
Starting salaries can vary depending on location, but you can expect to earn in the range of £28,000 – £32,000 in locations such as London and Manchester.
Big 4 application tips
There are opportunities to work in the Big 4 all over the country. While most of the vacancies may be in London, consider roles in some of the other regions as well.
Dress professionally for interviews. This will show that you’re taking yourself and the opportunity seriously, and looking the part will help you feel more confident.
Don’t be afraid to express your personality. The Big 4 are looking for candidates that will fit into the firm’s culture. Be passionate and enthusiastic about the application process.
Be confident in what you know. After spending your time researching the firm, you’ll know all about the organisation, and the role you’re applying for. Make sure that you ask plenty of thoughtful questions when you have the opportunity, and try to embody the company values.
Final thoughts
When researching how to get a job in the Big 4, keep in mind that it is a lengthy and tough process. Aim to think about your application as an opportunity to assess your strengths and weaknesses and identify any areas where you need to improve.
Dedicate time to carefully plan your application, and practise skills such as teamwork and communication.
Most of all, don’t be disheartened if you are unsuccessful. There are a wide range of incredibly rewarding careers in accountancy. You can read the finance career guide for more tips on securing an accounting career.
You may also want to consider earning an accountancy professional qualification.
Everything you need to know about accountancy qualifications.
