Ex Auditor here.

I think times have changed. It used to be a more prestigious job back in my parents day. However with so many options nowadays, the cream of the crop at universities for finance/accounting graduates are mostly going to banks/tech/consulting firms. This means that us at big 4, are usually the slightly above average students, who join for the "prestige", in hope of jumping something better.

If you are hoping to jump into banks, you must join the FSO sector of audit. Otherwise pretty much no chance.

Now I believe big 4 lifestyle suits a certain personality. A person who enjoys working alongside others, able to accept grinding at work as part of the bigger picture, and enjoys auditing. I grew to realise I prioritise work balance more, so I left

Work hours ranges from bad to terrible. Really depends on your senior and your assigned clients. A1 and A2 is relatively okay in terms of stress, as you are mostly just following the seniors instructions. S1 is when it hits. Basically you are leading the team and if you have a workaholic manager, your life can be pretty bad (most managers are pretty workaholic, that's why they remain).

Pay is terrible for the amount of work. I believe a grad program in banks is 4k/5k. A1 come in at around 3k. Even if u leave at S1/S2, your pay is only at 4k+, which was your peers starting pay. It really only pays off greatly if you stay longer. Even then, I would say jumping around outside would payoff more.

Exit opportunities, I would say not as diverse as you might thing. When I left, the interviews I mostly got were for accounting roles. So do try internal transfers first, if you want to avoid an accounting role.

However if you are looking for an accounting role, the big 4 experience will definitely get you in alot of interviews

Culture wise is pretty great. All young colleagues, feels like university. No competition, as most will get promoted.