Hello everyone, Last year in august I cleared both groups of IPCC in one attempt and by God's grace I got into one of the big4. Initially I wasn't getting into it and remember being dejected. I was joining a small size firm and got a call on the morning of joining that I have been selected for the big4. I happily joined in September. 10 months into it, I have seen all kinds of things you get in big4 life. Big industries and plants, working 18 hours a day, working weekends, healthy stipend and all. It has been a very good learning and growing period for me. I got an exposure of multiple industries, audit areas to work on and different teams to work with. But I feel that as a CA student I have zero knowledge about taxation. I don't remember anything of tax I learnt during Ipcc. I am in doubt if I should continue here or join a mid size for more exposure to tax. Frankly, the work here is hectic, but not much of learning. I am checking invoices and signatures to a large extent. I always wanted to be an entrepreneur and plan to pursue my dream after completing CA. I know audit is not my cup of tea. I feel that in a big4 I am getting restricted in thoughts and knowledge. My primary aim is to be a CA with good knowledge of all areas a CA works in and not just to specialise in one. My parents are leaving it on me to decide. For me stipend is not an issue and I really won't give an ear to what people will say about my choice. So I would like to asked those experienced if I should continue in this big4 or shift to a mid-size. I have time till september to decide. I know many people (including me) crave for a big4 articleship. I am myself in a confused state. So could you please give your view with REASONS. Thanks.
Menu
Should i continue in big4?
I understand your problem my friend but you have also put me in confusion zone. People strive hard to get into BIG4 whereas you are unable to appreciate the same due to your personal opinion which seems fine to me.
As you have different area of interest and dreams about career then according to me even opportunity in BIG4 is of no use for you. There is no harm in moving to a midsized firm. However the biggest problem is to find a genuine firm which gives you enough and desired exposure in taxation and other area of your interest. So just move on from this BIG4 and select a good and reputed firm to complete your articleship on your own terms. Before leaving the present firm please make sure that new firm is good.
Good Luck
Big4 experience is better than Taxation work experience in a small firm. Taxation experience is important only if you plan to open a small firm after qualification. You definitely forget everything you learnt in IPCC until you revise. Dont blame the B4 for that. My advice continue in Big4 if you feel you can clear final with the spare time availiable.
Hi Raghav, your confusion is justified. Very few ppl get opportunity fo articleship in Big4s and you are one of them. You have got good exposure of how things go in Big4. If you feel that audit is not your cup of tea, better shift to other field, preferably taxation. First important thing for a CA, in my opinion in Taxation. I am presently working in service industry, with no touch in taxation. But, sill i update myself regularly on important matters.
It is also good that you have a clear picture of your future career. Being an entrepreneur, you must have atleast basic knowledge on all aspects related to CA. Be it audit, tax, finance,....
So, in my view, considering your interest and future, i advise you to move into taxation, be it small or mid or large firm. Stay for atleast 2 yrs in taxation. Then decide accordingly.. good luck.
Ankur Sir,
I learnt a lot and was lucky to get such a rare opportunity. It is a great learning experience. Anyone who gets a chance at a big4 must take it without doubt. I Now that I have spent 10 months here and that I think about the future, I get confused. Thanks for your replies everyone :)
| Originally posted by : Raghav Behani | ||
 |
Ankur Sir, I learnt a lot and was lucky to get such a rare opportunity. It is a great learning experience. Anyone who gets a chance at a big4 must take it without doubt. I Now that I have spent 10 months here and that I think about the future, I get confused. Thanks for your replies everyone :) |
 |
It is nice that your vision is clear and that’s the great quality you have. Your mind is also working in the right direction and that is why you are feeling the present situation as an alarming one. Otherwise people continue to do the same thing for years without giving any thought to it. But your good position is BIG4 is unable to satisfy you currently which according to me is a good sign.
You are doing CA not for BIG4 but for becoming a good professional on your own terms and according to your interest. You have got enough experience to your credit so I think you can move on. Doing the same thing for years even in BIG4 won’t help you in future.
Agree with the wording and opinion of Ankur Sir.
Read more at: /forum/should-i-continue-in-big4--252508.asp
Read more at: /forum/should-i-continue-in-big4--252508.asp
Hey, I would like to tell you just one thing "Listen to your Heart"...there is a famous saying which goes something like..."If you do what you love,you dont have to work even a single day in your life". No doubt BIG4 is very good but as you have realised your passion lies somewhere else, it is better to work towards it. You will face few problems intitially as not everyone does what you want to do,but if you are sure about it then it would definitely be worth it. Start searching right away and get into a good mid size firm. Wish you All the Very Best 
It may be possible to take transfer in taxation department after 4-6 months, till then you may get more exposure in Audit....
My dear friend,
You just answered your own query, you said "My primary aim is to be a CA with good knowledge of all areas a CA works in and not just to specialise in one" In my opinion you should pursue your primary aim. It's not about anyone else it's about you. Big 4s are not going to help you in the achievement of your own objectives. I'm totally agreed with Ankur Sir, you should scan the mediocre firm and then decide which firm suits you the best.
Thank You
Read more at: /forum/details.asp?mod_id=252508
Read more at: /forum/details.asp?mod_id=252508
working 18hrs w/o learning anything is a waste...join som mid size firm...slowly learn things......enjoy life...clear ur ca...all the best..!!
Enquire in B4 for change of work or transfer in taxation department...otherwise leaving B4 and joining a medium firm option is always available with you.
You are pretty sure about what are your priorities, therefore it should not be difficult for you to call the right shot! Frankly you should look for a firm which can provide you exposure in the desired areas and also you have some time for study and for yourself! For example I am from a mid firm and one article has joined our firm leaving a Big4 due to the same problems as your's.
I would suggest to switch to taxation. Even I have experienced both & I found that sometimes devoting 4 hours may be better than working 18 hours on the same monotonous work as u said checking signs & vouching etc. etc.
Its your articleship, do what you like what you want...learning will always pay you no matter you are in which department...this is the stage of learning...try to make best use of time & do not think 18 hours & Big4 will make you learn everything...try to have variety of work
Once you are dedicated, you will automatically land at the right place....Do not worry about the future...just go ahead with what your heart says...
All the best
Recent Threads
- First Time ITR with 5000 penalty
- Loss due to non tradeable stocks
- What's CGAS?
- A Comprehensive Guide to Modern Digital Marketing
- Income tax status
- Demand raised for 'Self assessment tax' amount AY2
- TDS payment using Form 26QB when buying property o
- Export sales not realised payment not received fro
- RCM related queries
- Negative Export Value in GSTR 3B
Related Threads
CAclubindia
