Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
September 29, 2023

Recruiting Season: When an Accounting Firm Has Multiple Openings, Be a Decider

Is your career stuck in neutral? Looking for a way to convince your boss that Fantasy Football strategizing is legitimate billable hours? Need ideas for accounting-themed names for your two Pomeranian puppies? Email us your questions.

Hi Colin,
 
I'm going through campus recruiting as we speak and was curious what your opinion was on applying for two positions with a Big 4 firm?
 
For example, KPMG (a large regional firm in my city) may be hiring for Audit and Advisory services. Does it make me look undecided if I apply to both? I am truly interested in Audit and am therefore leaning towards not applying for the Advisory opening if it kills my chance at Audit at the same time.
 
Any advice, meaningful or otherwise?
 
Sincerely,
 
A Bird in the Bush is Worth Two in the Hand
Dear Hunter,
 
Truly interested in audit? Are you feeling well? I know it's allergy season, so maybe you're overdoing the Claritin. 
 
Here's the deal – you will have to pick one and the best thing you can do is choose the area that it is best suited to your background and will give you the best chance at getting a job. If you're a run-of-the-mill accounting grad that is going to sit for the CPA exam, then go for audit. If you have some economics, finance, accounting, MIS combo, then maybe go for an advisory slot.
 
The reason you shouldn't apply for both is just as you suspected, the firm will see you as undecided and they want people, believe or not, who are decisive. It will also look like you're hedging your bets and not only is that tacky, it may appear that you don't have the confidence (or maybe the skills) to make the final cut. 
 
Pick one practice and make an honest run at it. There's nothing worse than hearing an over-eager candidate say, "I'm interested in everything!" Good luck.

Latest Accounting Jobs--Apply Now:

Have something to add to this story? Give us a shout by email, Twitter, or text/call the tipline at 202-505-8885. As always, all tips are anonymous.

Comments are closed.

Related articles

Steve Buscemi in how do you do fellow kids meme

AICPA Unveils Its Most Desperate Pipeline Initiative Yet

Surely this will get the kids interested in accounting! She’s riding a skateboard because you can’t afford a car on a public accounting starting salary. Why’s there a bearded hipster hanging out creepily in the back? Some appropriate Twitter reactions: Vibes: pic.twitter.com/p9pqErdnyG — Matthew J. Cordes, EA (@cordes_tax) September 26, 2023 CPAs be like pic.twitter.com/FwlwKqi2s7 […]

US Capitol at night

If You’re Looking For Career Options, Give Government Auditing a Look

Ed. note: This post brought to you by the Big Government Auditingâ„¢ lobby. Just kidding, it’s a guest post from Parker Skaats, CPA, an experienced government worker who’s here to pitch the joys of government work to the unwashed overworked masses.  Okay, let’s be real for a second. When you hear “government auditing,” do you […]