How to get information about audit firms when everything is confidential?

Hi, how can I know what makes firms unique, different or special that I can write on my cover letter? I go to the website and I find pretty much same thing across all firms, similar values, similar industries, similar this and that, and then they ask why do you want to work at this firm...

When I talk to people who got jobs at big 4 and ask them why they chose, they would say because I got a job offer, not necessarily because of something special, so how can I do this?

I ask managers and people who work at these firms about what makes their firms special, all of them keep saying "People" here are nice friendly and helpful, open door policy yada yada yada, thats not something special... How would they like it if I say something like "I am the best candidate out there, I can do the best job", isnt that what everyone says??

3 Comments
 

All audit firms are basically the same. Just find a few big-name companies that are audited by the firm and use those as examples of the firm's "unique" portfolio of clients. And make comments about how much you like the people there and how you would love to be a part of the team. You can also check big 4 rankings online, and if the given firm placed well then you can also say that. Beyond this, just bullshit them with the same generic stuff that you mentioned in your post.

 

There isn't really much of a difference between any of the Big 4. I recently accepted an offer at PwC and had an offer from EY as well. I accepted PwC because I was interested in a few clients that they audited.

However, wherever you go, audit sucks. All you do is match numbers all day long and copy/paste prior year documentation. There is virtually no skill involved.

I don't say that to discourage you, but I would explore other options if they are available to you. I'm currently scrambling to try and find another career path.

 

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