Big Four firms: cultural differences? (especially interested in coaching culture)

Question

I understand that it is unlikely people have worked at all four firms. I would really appreciate it if someone can even just talk about one or two of the firms. Thank you!

Answer 1

Hi anonymous,

I have worked at one Big 4 and interviewed at 2 others. Overall, my personal opinion is that they are all quite similar in terms of the way they operate / culture.

In my opinion, different offices/countries may have slightly different cultures. For example, smaller offices and smaller teams tend to have a tight-knit culture in which everyone knows each other very well and perhaps there are less organisational politics.

Another factor to have in consideration is how Project Resourcing works. The Big 4 tend to have a local resourcing model. I.e. if a Partner in the UK sells a project (even if it is abroad) the tendency is to resource it with UK resources.

Hope this helps,

Tiago

Answer 2

Hi Anonymous,

here is what a quick Google search gives:

https://www.brightnetwork.co.uk/career-path-guides/accounting-audit-tax/differences-big-four-firms/

https://news.efinancialcareers.com/de-en/204621/working-for-the-big-four-pwc-deloitte-ey-kpmg

https://www.quora.com/How-is-KPMG-different-from-other-Big-4-firms

From a quick glance, there are many other sources where the same question is discussed.

Cheers, Sidi

Answer 3

Hi there, I have been in your exact shoes so will share my two cents. I have experienced a similar situation where yo... (read entire answer)

Hi there, I have been in your exact shoes so will share my two cents. I have experienced a similar situation where your best effort is not perceived as the best for the team. Yo... (read entire answer)