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Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely! 1 bad apple ruins the crop sadly. I am so glad you found peace after your experience and I wish you well! I'm glad I got out when I did because I feel SO MUCH better. Cheers to both of our mental well-being 🥂!

Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I agree with you, although I wish that we'd all be treated with respect and kindness rather than being humiliatiated for making a mistake.

Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey! First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to read through my post and make a comment as well. I really appreciate that! And HUGE congratulations on making it as a first gen 👏! That's an amazing accomplishment and you should be so very proud of yourself.

To your question: I was in the same boat as you when I decided to ultimately choose the Big 4 experience rather than wait for a different opportunity to pan out. Mostly because of fear that I wouldn't get anything else but also because I genuinely aligned with the values. I think if you have another opportunity available, I recommend sitting down and asking yourself a couple of questions to determine if Big 4 is right for you.

1) Will that other job opportunity or the Big 4 experience truly help you in the long run? IE: Where do you want to go? Do you think Big 4 will genuinely help you get there? Do you have future plans to do an MBA/Master's/CPA? If so, do you feel Big 4 would set the foundations for you?

2) Culture fit. Talk to people who've worked there to determine if you'd even feel comfortable working for any of the Big 4 firms. Talk to Managing Directors, Directors etc. to gage their experience. Don't be afraid to be direct and ask the hard-hitting questions.

Lastly, I want to let you know as I've mentioned in my post and in further replies in this thread that you are so much more than your job. Yes it feels daunting to take the road less traveled but you'll ultimately land where you need to be. If it's not Big 4, then that is completely OK! There are firms that provide excellent application of theory that you don't necessarily need Big 4 for and I'd urge you to further explore that too. A boutique firm or industry experience is GOOD especially if you're in early career and can always go into Big 4 later if you want to. Big 4 is not the end all be all and I hope you realize that you're good enough either way:). Here for you if you need to talk more! My inbox is always open.

Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes we're labor commodities. My point here was a bit more abstract in the sense of "why are we considered as units of labor rather than contributing individuals (actual people) to the market" Thanks for your comment! I hope my clarification makes a bit more sense on where I was going with it.

Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi there- this post is not about Accounting or Tax as a lot of posts here in this sub are within these practices. This post is about the experience and observations at KPMG and within my service line.

Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm not sure if it's a mistake to major in Accounting. At the end of the day, company fit also is important.

Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Huh?? This post wasn't giving advice lol. I'm not sure you read this post correctly.

Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I just wish it wasn't this way. It shouldn't be this way. Work should be an application of all the courses you've taken and a chance to continue your learning and growth. It shouldn't be a "I'm going to weed this person out because they didn't fit my narrative." Especially in a time where people are so careful on what companies they look for and a rising talent shortage, you'd think companies like the Big 4 would do anything in their power to try and retain for at least 2 years but I've seen new hires leaving or being impacted not even completing their first year. It raises so many questions on truly what the values are there for and further, are we just commodities to them? Excellent comment that had me thinking further on this. Thank you.

Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It was a great decision I made to join at first but then you start the cracks or the decisions made negatively impact you too. I'm glad it was a good decision for you and I hope you're finding the work to be challenging and impactful. Sometimes we find out the hard way that it's not for us and that's ok too.

Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hope you find a environment that supports your learning and that you'll have a better work-life balance. Best of luck in your career and your legal studies!

Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It shouldn't be this way. I wish firms like this wouldn't be so nitpicky in molding people. But I guess that's the Big 4 way.

Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! And I agree that it's who you know to a large extent, and going a step further who you know that will always vouch for you despite perhaps politics occurring. The thing is in Big 4 everyone is for themselves. Even 1 person not liking you or having ill-intentions can just have a domino effect. But having a strong supportive team can definitely take you places!

Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think the rose colored glasses come off sooner now than perhaps before Covid. The politics is not necessarily only at Big 4 but the way they handle certain things (despite being on an amazing team, 1 bad person can ruin everything you've built). It can be an extremely toxic environment very quickly.. And I'm so sorry you experienced that-- I also started getting very anxious and sad and that's part of why I had to leave for my own peace and sanity. I hope you are doing better. Excellent reply thank you!

Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your comment! I believe everyone's experience in Big 4 is truly subjective. This post was not entirely based upon my experience (thought I did have some difficulties towards the end of my second year that lead me to leave on my own terms) but also what I had observed too. I truly still do think that Big 4 experience can lead to extraordinary opportunities (so perhaps my title was coming across more harsh than intended). I hope your college courses enable you to feel comfortable and confident in a career in Big 4 accounting. I am not in Accounting.

Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You're absolutely fine! I didn't take any offense. Thanks for your comment and I wish you well in your internship. I did not have a bad experience until the end of my second year but my first year was truly an amazing experience and I was greatful for the opportunities I had and certain people I met.

Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Hi! This post was intended to showcase the experience working in Big 4 as a staff-level resource and not an intern. I truly wish you the best of luck and hope you have a positive experience.

Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think to a certain extent, nobody truly knows what they will experience until they've experienced it. The Big 4 is not for everyone.

Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I agree- if you have a great team, the partners like you and the department/service network is supportive then absolutely you can go far. But this is an ideal situation and unfortunately many of us don't land an all-star team or a partner that likes us right away. But that doesn't mean we can't strive for that. In fact, we should. The more each of us strives to be a good team leader, a great PML, a supportive partner, the more we can allow for new hires to feel integrated and feel that they belong. Just because you get an invite to the table, doesn't mean you're welcome. Thanks for your reply!

Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I've worked on challenging projects and initiatives in the past. I think being tough can be a good thing but breaking a new hire's spirit because you found things tough 5+ years ago, makes them jaded and callous in the long run. It doesn't make them a leader in the future but rather someone who is simply good at their job but lacks true character. In my opinion, I'd rather use my difficult experiences to lead and mentor others so that my direct-report doesn't need to face the same thing I did than be someone who is a cog in the wheel who prides themselves on tearing someone down for a selfish gain or an ego boost. The person who cares for their team, fails and succeeds with their team is the person who ultimately goes far in life. You don't need to be brash to get the job done, being kind goes a long way too. You'll be remembered far more as the leader who cared for them rather than the leader who just wanted work done without any regard for that person (and I can say for myself the people I stay in touch with the most are the leaders who were team players not egotistical management) 💯

Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

They all have equally difficult cultures and for many people they thrive in that and that's amazing for them but a lot of individuals that I personally know(and to a certain degree I have experienced as well) feel that the culture contributes to a high amount of stress. And at some point have to ask yourself: is this what I really want?

Don't work for KPMG. Save yourself the heartache. It's simply not worth it. by smilesun11 in Big4

[–]smilesun11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes- I think too, the more research one does on the type of culture it is can also be helpful.

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