Do the Big 4 take regular BBA Accounting majors?
I have been receiving mixed answers from people in regards to this question.
A little background about me. I am currently a rising junior BBA accounting major at the University of Texas At Austin seeking a Big 4 audit or tax internship at an office preferably outside of Texas (ideally Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle or San Francisco).
I have noticed on our Online Recruiting System that the Big 4 Audit internship postings (besides Big 4 Risk Assurance) have a desired major preference of "MPA" (Masters of Public Accountancy) and this is for those in the 5 year integrated BBA/MPA program here at UT. This is odd because in the job description qualifications it says "Pursuing a Bachelor degree in Accounting OR a commitment to satisfy all of the minimum requirements for CPA licensure per respective state regulation." This is quite odd because even though I meet those requirements I still can't apply for the job because my major isn't a desired major for them.
I noticed at other universities some regular BBA accounting kids I know that landed Big 4 audit/tax gigs that weren't in any special program (UCL, Bentley, Texas A&M, etc.) Is this normal or does it vary university to university?
I just recently decided that majoring in Accounting over finance (having been a finance major prior to the change) was the right choice for me after prioritizing my job goals (hopefully want to do an MBA and then become a CFO/Controller). With this I didn't get the chance to apply to the integrated MPA program this session but luckily the director gave me a second chance to apply for next fall.
For the worst case scenario though as far as Big 4 Audit/Tax, do they take regular BBA accounting students (those that aren't in any 5 year integrated MAcc/MPA program) or do they strictly stick with people in a special program like the integrated 5 year program at McCombs? If so, what are the circumstances (i.e: do they expect you to pass the CPA prior to working full time, etc.)? And finally as far as Big 4 recruiting goes how hard is it to get into an office outside of Texas?
Any feedback would be awesome
Thanks
They take people in regular 4 year accounting programs, as long as the student can fulfill the 150 credit hour requirement in that timeframe. If so, the student would intern the summer after their junior year, as opposed to summer after senior year for the 5 year kids. Sometimes career services stews up the requirements on these application sites, so if you can't apply, just give them a call.
Yes it definitely varies school from school. the big 4 take sophomores at my school
I have many friends from Georgia Tech who landed Big 4 internships and FT positions who graduated with regular Accounting degrees. Now realize that my only perspective is from the Atlanta area but I think you should be fine with your degree.
In a similar situation and had the same question! Thanks for bringing this up OP.
I am curious as to what the circumstances are for hiring regular BBA accounting kids because from what I have heard its a little more stricter than hiring the integrated/MAcc kids. Does anyone happen to know?
They definitely do hire people with Bachelors. Will a Masters give you a leg up? Sure, but there are still plenty of positions given to "normal" bachelors holders
The big 4 will be willing to hire you as long as you meet the criteria to sit for the CPA exam.
It's actually as long as you meet the criteria to be licensed, not to sit.
As a Big 4 professional with a few years experience now, Bachelors vs Masters makes no difference. I never got my masters (had 150 credit hours without it), and it didn't make a difference in recruiting. All I was asked was "Are you sure you'll have the requirements for the CPA?"
I think a Masters is a tie-breaker at most.
Do the Big 4 take traditional BBA Accounting majors? (Originally Posted: 08/16/2013)
Hey everyone,
You probably may have seen a similar post on the actual forums but I was very recently introduced to this Big 4 group on the boards and I figured you guys would be more helpful since its Big 4 Specific.
I have been receiving mixed answers from people in regards my original question regarding big 4 taking regular Accounting majors
A little background about me. I am currently a rising junior traditional BBA accounting major (NOT currently in a 5 year program) at the University of Texas At Austin McCombs School of Business seeking a Big 4 audit or tax internship at an office preferably outside of Texas (either Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle or San Francisco - but ideally Los Angeles since I am from there)
I have noticed on our Online Recruiting System that the Big 4 Audit internship postings (besides Big 4 Risk Assurance) have a desired major preference of "MPA" (Masters of Public Accountancy) and this is for those in the 5 year integrated BBA/MPA program here at UT. This is odd because in the job description qualifications it says "Pursuing a Bachelor degree in Accounting OR a commitment to satisfy all of the minimum requirements for CPA licensure per respective state regulation." This is quite odd because even though I meet those requirements I still can't apply for the job because my major isn't a desired major for them.
I noticed at other universities some regular BBA accounting kids I know that landed Big 4 audit/tax gigs that weren't in any special program (UCL, Bentley, Texas A&M, etc.) Is this normal or does it vary university to university?
I just recently decided that majoring in Accounting over finance (having been a finance major prior to the change) was the right choice for me after prioritizing my job goals (hopefully want to do an MBA and then become a CFO/Controller). With this I didn't get the chance to apply to the integrated MPA program this session but luckily the director gave me a second chance to apply for next fall.
For the worst case scenario though as far as Big 4 Audit/Tax, do they take regular BBA accounting students (those that aren't in any 5 year integrated MAcc/MPA program) or do they strictly stick with people in a special program like the integrated 5 year program at McCombs? If so, what are the circumstances (i.e: do they expect you to pass the CPA prior to working full time, etc.)? And finally as far as Big 4 recruiting goes how hard is it to get into an office outside of Texas since I understand UT places very very strongly in Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston Big 4 Offices
Any feedback would be awesome
Thanks
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