Entry-Level Positions For Audit Associates At Big 4 Accounting Firms
The primary entry-level position in Big 4 accounting is an audit associate, requiring a second-year internship application for a summer position after the third year of undergraduate study—a "year and a half gap" between application and employment. This contrasts with most other internships, and the interviewee notes they used the intervening time for "something that I wanna do," highlighting the unique timeline and planning required for Big 4 roles.
Entry-Level Jobs, Job Search Strategies, Internship Process, Big 4 Accounting Firms, Career Planning
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Zachary Milano
Audit associate
Big 4 Accounting Firm
Cal Poly
None
Economics
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. The main entry-level position in Big 4 accounting firms is an Audit Associate.
2. Big 4 firms require internship applications in the student's second year, with the internship starting the summer of their third year. There is about a year and a half gap between application and starting the internship.
3. It's possible to pursue other experiences between securing an internship and starting the job, as the interviewee did by taking on a non-accounting role during that time.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
The main entry-level position is just an audit associate. That's my job.
A notable thing about this role is that many accounting firms require you to apply for an internship in your second year. Most people look for internships in their third year, but for the Big Four accounting firms, you must apply in your second year and then start working the summer of your third year.
This creates a year-and-a-half gap between applying and starting. With most internships, you apply for the following summer and start working then.
I applied, got the internship, and spent that next summer as a buser. I figured I didn't need another accounting internship since I already had one secured for the following year. So I decided to do something I wanted to do.
If you want an entry-level role as an associate, I recommend securing your internship in your second year.
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