Passing exams and obtaining global credentials like US CPA or CMA from the best CPA review institutes in India is just one step in your long accounting career. Most students and working professionals land at crossroads while making career decisions, particularly when it comes to choosing the accounting firm they would work for.
Choosing to work in an accounting firm also depends on your personal interest, working style, and long-term career ambitions. Having said that, we help you to know some benefits and challenges of working in a Big 4 or small accounting firm to zero down your future career decision after earning your CPA/CMA eligibility.
What’s the Difference?
Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG (Big 4) are considered the most prestigious and integrated accounting firms in the world. On the other RSM, Grant Thorton, BDO, and Crowe are some mid-size accounting firms outside the Big 4 that mostly invite applications for niche or generalized accounting roles or functions.
So if you are a fresh graduate looking for an opportunity with a Big 4, keep your CV strong with additional credentials and a global accredited CPA or CMA course.
Understanding the Big Picture
Working for a Big 4 is carrying a big brand on your CV. Your experience at the Big 4 will instantly tell your hiring manager about your credibility and can open up new opportunities. Advantages are many at Big 4 as you will be exposed to a diverse set of people and clients from entry to the C-suite level.
You will have a chance to work on expanding and new projects that are huge and widely recognizable as the Big 4s are prevalent in consulting services and earn an average median salary of up to 8 LPA and above. Working with these companies will enhance your global outlook as you will attend conferences or training at different spots across the globe.
If the Big 4 looks more global and prospective, then you need to be ready to work for long hours, spare weekends, and take up robust targets as these corporations are driven by strict processes and systems.
Growing your innovative capabilities would be challenging as you would spend most of your time learning new procedures and products. The job is adventurous but demanding!!
On the flip side, working in mid-and small-sized accounting firms will help you become a domain expert. Companies may cover technology, hospitality, fashion, entertainment to healthcare. The companies will help you develop and forge close partnerships with your clients and understand business needs more comprehensively.
Since the size of the firm is small, it will help enhance your value and sustain your employment long due to the absence of fierce recruitment capabilities. This would also enhance your work-life balance.
Despite the prospects, mid-size or small accounting firms may not give your adequate advancement in your profession and limit your global exposure. Due to social reasons, you may feel difficult to relocate and cannot take assignments or projects outside your regular schedule.
US Accounting Firms Beyond the Big 4: RSM, BDO, and Alliance Firms
Unique Aspects:
- Niche Opportunities: Firms like RSM, BDO, and Alliance firms often specialize in niche areas, providing unique opportunities for specialization and expertise.
- Balanced Exposure: While not as massive as the Big 4, these firms offer a balance between global exposure and a more personalized working environment.
- Collaboration: Alliance firms may provide collaboration benefits, allowing access to resources and expertise across multiple smaller firms.
Considerations:
- Balancing Act: Choosing these firms involves striking a balance between global exposure and the advantages of a smaller, more collaborative working environment.
- Industry Focus: The specific industry focus of these firms can play a crucial role in determining the nature of your work and career trajectory.
In conclusion, the choice between a Big 4 and a smaller accounting firm depends on your career aspirations, work style, and personal preferences. Each option comes with its unique set of advantages and challenges, and understanding your priorities will help guide your decision-making process.
Wayforward
The choice between a Big 4 and a smaller accounting firm depends on your career aspirations, work style, and personal preferences. Each option comes with its unique set of advantages and challenges, and understanding your priorities will help guide your decision-making process.
Whether it is a Big 4 or a small public accounting firm, both are geared to boost your accounting skills and credentials as CPA or CMA. To have limitless opportunities, take up a CPA or CMA course now!
