We have had some lively discussions regarding how important having a Big 4 firm on your resumé is.
According to FINS, it’s a must-have:
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, Deloitte or KPMG. Resumes that boast experience at a Big Four firm are a step ahead of the pack.
These names signal that candidates are well-trained and meet stringent hiring standards, says Lisa Garcia, a marketing manager at Adecco’s Ajilon Professional Staffing, a recruiting firm based in Melville, N.Y. Other large firms such as Grant Thornton and BDO Seidman will also catch a recruiter’s eye.
“[S]tringent hiring standards” could be called in question in some instances but for the most part, we agree that having a big name on your resumé is definitely something that a lot of employers notice.
Our thread on Life After Big 4 life is a good place to get some further discussion.
Contrary to popular belief, your career is not dead in the water if you don’t have experience at a Big 4 firm. FINS lists some other must-haves including:
• IFRS – It’s coming people (albeit slowly). If you’ve got experience with it, make it known.
• SEC – Regardless of the Commission’s track record, there will always be filings.
• Experience with specific industry software – Caseware, SAP, PeopleSoft, Deltek, and Black Baud
• Numbers – listing specific accomplishments that result in cost savings or creating revenue streams
• Customer service skills – Yes, you socially awkward types will be at a disadvantage.
So a good presence of all these things will look good on your resume but we wouldn’t get too hung up on any one aspect. If there’s anything else you’ve noticed that get the recruiters giving you that extra look, please share in the comments.
Now get out there and impress the pants off somebody. January will be here before you know it. Good hunting.
Six Must-Haves for CPA Resumes [FINS]
