What do we learn in the Big 4s such as the PWC, KPMG, EY, and Deloitte that the Mediocre CA firms cannot provide?
Harsh Dhiman, works at EY (2017-present)
Former Senior Consultant at EY (2011-2016)
I think I am partially qualified to answer this. Partially because though I work at a big four but I am not from the assurance background, nor did I do my internships here.
Learning is something that is subjective, I have seen people coming to EY and learning and teaching us more than we expected, but some students come and just waste their time. Moreover, learning is about your willingness - people claim to learn lots at a young startup and there are some who do not learn anything at the biggest of firms. So it would be appropriate to say that there is no correlation between learning and company size.
Coming back to Big 4s, I think one of most intriguing facts I read is that the big four firms audit 99% of all Fortune 100 companies. You can just imagine the kind of clients we have on our plate every morning. We deal with best of best and biggest of the biggest firms; firms that actually run the world and are way ahead of the game. I think I can summarise all the benefits below:
- The Culture: At EY, we encourage people to ask questions and develop curiosity about their work, environment and surroundings. People here are some of the best available in the industry that inspire you to work hard and learn more. In addition, all EY knowledge portal and employees are accessible to you, and the best part is everyone is always ready to help!
- The Organisation Structure: We have a flat hierarchy like any other firm these days. That sounds cheesy and straight out of an HR deck, but it’s amazing when you get to see it. You literally can walk up to anyone and talk. It’s not a big deal for small company, but for a large firm believe me it really is.
- Professionalism: I think I have really picked up on this during my time at the firm. But then again, not everyone would say so as you ought to be really willing to learn and absorb these things up, and it does help. EY does teach you ownership and responsibilities for your deliverable.
- Learning Opportunities: These are immense. I can’t even begin to describe this. The firm is in to so many other things and not just audit You can get involved in anything that interests you. Sometimes you do feel that you’re short on time as there’s so much to learn.
That feels like an elaborated advertisement of EY, but I am really writing what I feel. Again, experiences will differ from person to person and some might like to disagree with me on some or all of the above.
I think if I have to pick one thing that makes the real difference at any firm (not just the big four) are the people. People are the reason that can make Apple the most valuable company in the world from a bunch of kids experimenting in their parents’ garage.
Hope that helps.
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