As a follow-up to our comprehensive article on the differences between working for each of the Big Four accounting firms, we’d like to draw your attention to Vault’s new-new ‘2016’ ranking of the best accounting firms to work for…
Actually, the top slots in the new Vault ranking are allocated identically to last year. As in ‘2015’, PWC came first, EY came second, Deloitte came third, and KPMG came fourth. Upstarts like Grant Thornton, which ranked third in 2013 (and second in 2012) have now been squeezed out of the leader board for two years running.
While the headline ranking is the same, the Vault has, however, gathered some entirely new testimonials from people working for each firm. These, we have listed below. Agree? Disagree? Express your empathy, or not, in the comments box at the end of this article.
Why you will love working for PwC:
PwC employees say that it’s great because it’s, “the most prestigious firm.” It has, “very smart people.” It’s the, “industry standard” and is the equivalent of “going to Harvard” when you work in accounting. It also offers ‘frequent and thorough training,” has a “great culture” with “flexible hours” and makes you feel appreciated.
Why you will not love working for PwC:
As we reported previously, the downside of working for PwC is the possibility that you will be worked to death. Employees complain of being worked “like crazy.” They say that PwC people can be, “arrogant and snobby – like a cutthroat investment banker.” Everyone’s competitive and type A. And according to PwC’s own employees, it doesn’t pay as well as competitors.
Why you will love working for EY:
EY employees say they love working there because there are, “opportunities to grow and learn daily,” there’s, “challenging and enjoyable work” and there’s “incredible exposure to well known clients.” It’s also described as “top dog” and “highly professional.”
Why you will not love working for EY:
On the other hand, EY’s employees also say that it’s, “stuffy and harsh,” “arrogant and stuck up”, “old and stagnant” and that working there involves long and unpredictable hours.
Why you will love working for Deloitte:
People say they love working for Deloitte because it’s, “friendlier and more compassionate” than the three other Big Four firms. It also offers, “prestige” and “professional growth.” The people who work there are, “top-notch, highly talented, very intelligent” (or so they say).
Why you will not love working for Deloitte:
Less glowingly, Deloitte’s employees complained to the Vault about low base salaries, lack of work/life balance, regulatory pressure and stuffiness in general.
Why you will love working for KPMG:
KPMG’s employees are into their employer because it pays them well, it’s reputable, it’s filled with “intelligent, talented, friendly, down-to-earth coworkers,” and there are good “training and career advancement opportunties.”
Why you will not love working for KPMG:
KPMG’s coworkers are less keen on their place of work because they say it’s the “least prestigious of the Big Four,” it involves long working hours between January and April, with “unpredictable schedules,” and the compensation is not as great as it might be.
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