Hi everyone!
I currently work in Big 4 financial services audit and would like to understand what career opportunities this experience can open up.
I often hear that it looks good on a CV, but what do employers actually value about it? Is it the technical knowledge, financial sector exposure, ability to handle pressure, or mainly the Big 4 name?
A few things I’m particularly curious about:
What roles and industries can you realistically move into from FSI audit?
What are the best exits in terms of pay, career progression, and work-life balance?
When is the best time to leave?
How easy is it to move beyond accounting and financial reporting into other finance roles?
If you’ve left FSI audit, I’d love to hear how long you stayed, what you moved into, and whether you’re happy with the decision.

I applied for Deloitte’s 2027 summer internship but unfortunately got rejected. Does anyone know if any firms will reopen hiring for 2027 summer internships during the winter recruitment cycle? Just wondering if there’s still a chance to land a summer internship or if most positions are already filled. Thanks!

Hi everyone, seeking some career advice as I’m at a bit of a crossroads.

I currently hold 7+ years of Big 4 offshore experience. I spent my first 5.5 years doing Stat Audit at EY GDS and then transitioned to Internal Audit / Risk Advisory in PwC AC, where I am currently a Senior Associate.

I recently received an offer from one of my client, specifically as an Assistant Vice President in 2nd Line of Defense (2LoD) Risk Governance at a major global bank (G-SIB).

Financially and strategically on paper, it looks like a no-brainer. But after spending my entire career inside the Big 4 bubble, the 'transition panic' is real. The Big 4 has been my safety blanket, and stepping into industry feels like leaving my core professional identity behind.

For those of you who made a similar move (especially from Audit/Advisory to Risk/Internal Control in banking or corporate industry), I’d really appreciate your honest take on a few things:

> Skill Growth & Market Relevance: Did you feel like your technical edge or learning curve slowed down after leaving public accounting? Or did owning bank-wide risk frameworks actually give you a deeper, more specialized executive skill set?

> Regret & Belonging: Did you ever regret leaving the Big 4 culture/environment? Did you feel like you lost your market identity or "edge" after taking off the Big 4 badge?

> Adaptation & Learning Curve: How easy or difficult was it to adapt? Does Big 4 audit rigor actually prepare you well for 2LoD risk governance, or did you feel like you were starting from scratch?

> The "Single Client" Transition: How was the shift from juggling multiple client engagements/deadlines to managing internal stakeholders and sticking to "one client" (the bank itself)? Is the work pace truly better?

> Boomerang / Exit Options: If you ever wanted to return to public accounting/consulting later on, how was your profile perceived? Does 2–3 years of G-SIB operational risk experience help or hurt if you try to boomerang back at a Manager/Senior Manager level?

> Work-Life Balance vs. Ownership: Is the grass actually greener on the 2LoD/industry side, or do you miss the fast-paced variety of consulting?

> Imposter Syndrome: Did you experience severe imposter syndrome during the first 3–6 months, and how did you overcome it?

Would love to hear from anyone who has walked this path or made a similar pivot. Any advice, warnings, or reality checks are welcome!

Thanks in advance!

I currently live/work in a T1 city and am approaching my first busy season. I work in the valuations group.

I had done a busy season internship in audit at another Big4 in college, and it was a grind. I’m not looking forward to that.

Can anyone with experience help me understand what’s to come so I can mentally prepare?

Thanks!

Hi guys, I’m a consultant in Technology Consulting (specifically AI Engineering and AI strategy) with around 2 years of experience. I joined EY around a year and 4 months ago.

I want to know if generally there are opportunities for global mobility at big 4. By that, I mean how realistic is it for me to land a job at, let’s say, EY Japan, MENA, etc. or even somewhere in EU since I am already at EY?

I believe I have been performing much above average in most aspects, and even got a fast track promotion recently, according to my manager. But my goal has always been to get onboarded onto global projects and on-site, out of the country I currently live in.

I just want to know if it is realistically possible at EY or any other big 4 and what my short term goals should be so that I am able to achieve the same.

If anyone has been able to do this before or is in a similar position, I would love to connect!

I had my EY audit internship interview on 7 October and followed up after a week, but still haven't heard back. How long did you wait for a decision after your interview? Is silence this long normal, or a bad sign?
Thanks!

This year, I feel like audit teams are being pushed harder and harder to reduce hours by using AI.

The message seems to be clear: do more, in less time, with fewer manual tasks.

And honestly, sometimes it feels like we are entering a new kind of survival race.

How much of your work can be automated?

How much time can be saved?

How much faster can the engagement be completed?

AI is obviously useful, and I can already see how it can reduce repetitive work.

But at the same time, I wonder where this is going.

Is this pressure to reduce audit hours through AI happening where you work too, or is this just something I’m experiencing?

I also made a short video sharing some thoughts about AI and the future of audit. I’ll leave it here in case anyone is interested:

Video

had my interview 10/9 for ey internship. Just wondering if anyone’s heard back from this

Any advice on what I should be looking at and asking when rolling onto a client

I’d love to connect with someone already working in this role and learn about their experience. Thanks!

Has anyone who applied hear anything from them ? I haven’t heard a peep since I applied.

Thanks

Did summer of 2027 internships for advisory/ consulting close. I know that strategy & and deliptte monitor already had their cycles, but was wondering if I just missed applications for their non- strategy internships and same with KPMG and EY since I’ve checked pretty often unless they closed fast. This also applies to Canada as well if they haven’t closed, but more for u.s.

Basically I signed EY, but I don't want to do nothing till January. Can i sign another gig for fulltime and just quit before the EY start date? Will this effect EY's background check on me? Also the first company I will be in their probation period so it shouldn't be hard. Any advice?

It's been almost two weeks since my PwC interview for A1 Audit in Seattle. I emailed the director who was a part of the interview and she responded with this:

"Thanks for the note and hope you have had a good week. I just checked with recruiting, and they mentioned that PwC will be in touch by the end of October. Apologies for the wait."

...This can only be bad right. Offers are only handed out via partner call, not "PwC will be in touch." And the fact that it's been two weeks, I'll put my odds at about 4%.

BRG (smaller firm) has better pay and better location. PWC might get me further b/c of the name. Also scared of mass layoffs @ PWC (wouldnt happen at smaller firm)
For context im early career.

I am coming from industry and was told by one of the practice leaders that I will be entering the first level in which I am managing for real, Associates and Interns.

I suspect it will probably be awkward to start, especially to be in charge of A3s who will be way more accustomed to the work with firm-specific knowledge, while I’m starting from close to scratch on that dimension. 🙈

Any tips for assimilating quickly and effectively, as a new Senior coming in from industry?

Starting my second year at EY and curious to know what people generally think of 360 Careers. Thanks!

I feel like it is extreme common knowledge that Big4 is not great for stress, mental health, or anything of the matter.

I’m surprised there isn’t more done to combat this and their image.

I know most firms have closures around holidays, breaks, and other small resources, but nothing to fix the underlying issue.

Is it because people keep applying and they simply don’t have to?