How Can I Get an Accounting Job at PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, or Ernst & Young?

accounting job

For people that are looking for a rewarding career in which they will have plenty of room for advancement, becoming a public accountant could be a great option. While there are plenty of public accounting firms to work for, four of the best continue to be PWC, Deloitte, KPMG, and Ernst and Young. Those firms tend to be the hardest to get jobs with. While it can be tough getting a job at one of those four firms, there are several tips that could be followed to help someone get a job at one of those top four firms.

Get a CPA

In order to get a job at one of those four top public accounting firms, all people will probably need to get their CPA. While most people do not necessarily need it right after graduation, those that already have a CPA will have a much easier time getting a job. To qualify to sit for the CPA, you will need to have completed the equivalency of at least five years of undergraduate or graduate coursework and have spent the equivalency of at least two of those years in accounting classes. After you have graduated from school, you should plan on spending at least another year preparing for the CPA while working in an accounting job and studying for the test at night.

Earn a Master’s Degree

The second tip to follow to help increase your chances of landing a job at one of the big four accounting firms is to earn a master’s degree. When going to receive your degree and eventually work as a CPA, you will have to take the equivalency of five years of college. In this fifth year, you will have the option of earning a second undergraduate major or earning a master’s in accountancy. If you want to get a job working at one of the big four accounting firms, it would be a good idea to pursue the master’s in accountancy degree. Not only will this increase your accounting education, but it will also help to give you some extra information that will be valuable when taking the CPA.

Internship

If you want to get a full-time job working for one of the big four accounting firms, it would be a good idea to get an internship working at one of the firms first. All of the major accounting firms hire interns to help during the busy tax season. This can be a great way to get your foot in the door at one of the firms and also gain some experience, which will also help you decide if a career in accounting is right for you. In many cases, people that have completed their internship successfully will be offered jobs for when they complete their education.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PWC, Deloitte, KPMG, and Ernst and Young are four of the top public accounting firms. While those firms tend to have tougher hiring practices, there are tips that anyone could follow to help increase their chances of getting a job at one of those firms.

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