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Top Accounting Schools for Big Four Careers

If you’re a college student thinking about a career in accounting, you should know the top accounting schools for the Big Four. Why? Well, earning a degree from the right school can help you train for and then land your dream job. After all, recruiters from the Big Four firms visit colleges across the country to meet future accountants. So if you want to work for the Big Four after graduation, this post highlights the top accounting programs for planning your career.

The Big Four Accounting Firms: How Do They Hire?

What is the hiring process for the Big 4 accounting firms? And how do they hire new accountants, particularly young college grads or aspiring CPAs?

In short, the Big Four accounting firms– (PWC), Ernst & Young (EY), KPMG, and Deloitte—hire from a range of academic programs worldwide. They usually focus their recruitment efforts on colleges and universities with robust accounting, finance, and business departments.

The Big Four Hire from the Best Business and Accounting Schools

To begin with, the Big Four doesn’t have a specific list of “target schools” that they stick to. Rather, they typically spend most of their time hiring from the most demanding accounting programs because they continuously graduate the best candidates. So in this regard, firms do, in fact, hire more from some schools than others.

What Are the Big Four’s Recruitment Efforts?

How do the Big Four accounting firms hire college students? They usually find new talent via leadership conferences led by the Big 4. They also find prospectives at academic competitions, internships, and on-campus job fairs. Most of the best universities sponsor student-led groups for accounting, business, and finance students, too. These clubs let you explore your career interests while equipping you with the leadership qualities that the Big Four look for. They also recruit from college accounting clubs. But don’t just join accounting clubs or attend academic conferences to include them on your CV, though; Big Four recruiters are seeking students who actively participate in leadership and decision-making.

And last but not least, the Big Four have close ties to Beta Alpha Psi, or BAP, an honor organization for international students pursuing IT systems, accounting, and finance. Actually, BAP is the direct source of top talent for Big Four recruiters. At BAP meetings and networking events, for instance, you can make connections with Big Four firms. Additionally, you may differentiate yourself from the competition and gain recognition in this cutthroat market if you are in a leadership position with your local BAP chapter.

Recruitment via the Top Accounting Schools for Big Four

So in sum, the following lists some of the most common recruitment strategies used by Big 4 accounting firms:

  • Presenting and networking at Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) events
  • Participating in college accounting clubs and academic competitions
  • Taking an active role in leadership conferences
  • Attending on-campus job fairs

Big Four College Job Fairs and Recruiting

First of all, recruiters from the Big Four accounting firms visit job fairs (AKA career fairs), which are normally held at the best accounting schools. Basically, recruiters are interested in meeting you to assess your suitability for a student leadership conference or a summer internship, both of which are regularly sponsored by the Big Four firms.

Working as an Intern for the Big Four

Internships are frequently a part of the hiring process and are significant to your future accounting career for a number of reasons. Naturally, internships help accounting firms determine whether or not students would make good full-time additions to their team once they graduate. They also help students gain an understanding of the firm’s culture, which is just as important.

Which year is best for an internship with the Big Four?

Honestly, recruiters don’t care as much about your current academic year. In other words, they might give internships to seniors as well as sophomores or juniors. They are most interested in your graduation date because that will affect your eligibility to take part in a Big Four internship program. Generally speaking, your goal should be to gain an internship one to two summers prior to graduation. For example, your first internship may not occur until after your third or fourth year of study if you are enrolled in a five-year program. In contrast, you may be able to get an internship following your sophomore or junior year if you’re enrolled in a four-year school.

When is the right time to search for a Big Four internship?

Juniors frequently receive job offers from Big Four firms, particularly if they interned there during the previous summer. (If they completed an internship the summer following their sophomore year, that is.) Therefore, you should begin networking as soon as possible if you wish to work for the Big Four after graduation. So at networking events, even freshmen should make connections with Big Four recruiters! You will be surrounded by students who share your professional ambitions. Therefore, networking is especially crucial if you attend one of the best accounting schools for Big Four careers as listed below. (Please note: these schools have high Big Four recruitment rates.) Nonetheless, keeping a high GPA and getting involved in BAP or other accounting groups helps you stand out in competitive programs. Plus, this strategy will increase your chances of landing a Big Four internship in your sophomore year.

However, you may also be able to take advantage of early internship opportunities prior to your sophomore year. Top-performing college students can apply for pre-internships or other career-building programs at many of the best accounting firms. For example, PwC offers underclassmen a three-day intensive session called “Destination CPA.” This program allows interns to get to know PwC personnel and learn about the role CPAs play in Big Four firms. Similarly, KPMG provides freshmen and sophomores with a variety of local and national pre-internship programs.

The Big Four Conferences on Leadership

Additionally, conferences sponsored by Big Four firms give students the chance to showcase their leadership and accounting skills and attract the interest of potential employers. Finding an accounting school with strong on-campus job fairs for business students is crucial because companies usually hire students for these conferences straight from job fairs.

Big Four Meet-and-Greets

Finally, the Big Four occasionally host in-person meet-and-greets at the top accounting schools. Recruiters have the chance to meet students of all skill levels, including freshmen, at these casual gatherings. For instance, KPMG regularly hosts meet and greets at the Trulaske College of Business at Mizzou, which is part of the University of Missouri. Teachers, career centers, the accounting or Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) clubs at your college, and others will tell you about these networking events.

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Which Accounting Schools Are Best for the Big Four?

The Big Four firms naturally recruit from colleges and universities with the strongest accounting departments. In other words, recruiters usually seek programs that are known for their rigorous academic standards. Big Four companies also hire from programs that provide a variety of top-notch student clubs that give you the chance to develop your professional networking and leadership skills.

Additionally, for convenience’s sake, Big Four companies typically hire more from schools near their offices. Consequently, compared to other regions of the nation, some East Coast institutions see higher Big Four recruitment efforts. For instance, KPMG typically hires more students from East Coast universities, such as the University of Hartford, the University of Connecticut, and Fairfield University.

Nevertheless, Big Four recruiters visit many public and private universities from coast to coast.

Some of the schools where students are regularly recruited by the Big Four are listed below.

Large Public Universities

Some of the top public colleges in the nation with outstanding accounting programs and high placement rates at Big Four accounting firms are listed below:

University of California (Berkeley)

The Berkeley Charter of Professional Accountancy (BCPA) program consists of two summers of intensive coursework. At the conclusion, students have the required number of accounting courses for CPA licensure. * A GPA of 4.0 to 4.3 is recommended.

University of Florida

The Fisher School of Accounting at The Warrington College of Business offers a comprehensive accounting curriculum that focuses on the accounting concepts that are required to pass the CPA Exam. Additionally, the school provides numerous opportunities for students to engage in experiential learning. * GPA preference: 3.5+.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Gies College of Business is renowned for its excellent accounting program. Students can apply for internships in financial accounting, and some students may benefit from the curriculum’s experiential learning components. * Required GPA: 3.0.

University of Southern California

The Big Four also regularly recruit students from the Marshall School of Business’s Leventhal School of Accounting. Graduates have a strong foundation in accounting fundamentals. * Required GPA: 2.7.

University of Texas at Austin

The McCombs School of Business’s accounting programs are regularly ranked among the best in the country. The Undergraduate Business Council and Accounting Society provides opportunities to develop leadership qualities, which are highly sought after by Big Four recruiters. * Required GPA: 3.0.

University of Washington

The Foster School of Business at the University of Washington offers both an accounting degree and a bachelor’s degree with a business concentration; Big Four recruiters highly value graduates of both programs. * A 3.0 GPA is required.

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Accounting Programs at Private Colleges

In addition to big public universities, the Big Four also hire from private universities. The following schools have a strong Big Four placement:

Brigham Young University

The Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University is renowned for its excellent accounting program. Along with offering challenging fundamental accounting courses, including a rigorous Accounting Junior fundamental, the program has a strong emphasis on developing leaders. * A 3.0 GPA is required.

Boston College

Boston College offers experiential learning options, such as study abroad and internships, that allow students to obtain practical experience. * Depending on the program level (e.g., bachelor’s vs. master’s, respectively), a GPA of 3.0-3.4 is required.

Fairfield University

Due to their great accounting programs and close proximity to large eastern cities like Boston and New York, some small, private East Coast universities offer strong recruitment chances. One example is Fairfield University in Connecticut, where a sizable portion of its graduates get hired by the Big Four. * Required GPA: 2.5.

New York University

NYU is attractive to Big 4 recruiters due to its location and the Stern School of Business’s stellar reputation. * Required GPA: 3.0.

University of Notre Dame

The Mendoza College of Business is a Midwest institution with good connections to the Big Four and is renowned for its robust accounting curriculum. * Required GPA: 3.5

University of Pennsylvania

The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is regularly rated as one of the top business schools in the US. The Wharton Industry Exploration Program emphasizes experiential learning opportunities such as internships and global immersion programs. * Required GPA: 3.30

Wake Forest University

Some experts rank North Carolina’s Wake Forest University as the university with the largest percentage of Big Four graduates. * A 3.0 GPA is required.

How to Make an Impression and Get Hired by the Big Four

  • Information about early career routes is available on the websites of the Big Four firms. They are open and honest about their hiring procedures!
  • Completing an internship with a Big Four firm can significantly improve your chances of finding employment after graduation. Try to complete your first internship in your sophomore or junior year if you’re enrolled in a four-year school. (Or, if enrolled in a five-year program, one year later.)
  • Recruiters will notice you if you get the best grades in your class. Some firms do, after all, take grades into account. Staying close to the top of your class is crucial at these competitive schools.
  • But keep in mind that leadership opportunities are just as important as academics. Joining accounting clubs in school allows you to develop and show off your leadership abilities. Additionally, you should identify ways to actively participate in your campus chapter of BAP.
  • At the conclusion of accounting club meetings, students can rush Big 4 managers. As a result, always arrive early. You might be able to speak with them without interruptions if you arrive early.

Conclusion: Big Four Placement and Top Accounting Schools

Attend a top accounting school to increase your chances of getting hired by a Big Four accounting firm. These universities provide internships and career fairs that can help you get noticed. In addition, they have solid connections with the Big Four. The Big Four have ties at both public and private universities. So, you can choose the one that best suits your needs and your budget.

  • You will increase your chances of employment if you complete a Big Four internship. If you’re in a four-year program, try to finish your first internship in your sophomore or junior year. (Or a year later if you’re in a five-year program.)
  • You will stand out if you have the highest grades among the other accounting students at your school. But remember, some programs weigh their grades. As a result, students can graduate with a GPA higher than 4.0 (perfect grades across the board). So, in these highly competitive programs, it’s essential to stay near the top of your class.
  • But remember that it’s not all about academics – find leadership opportunities, too. When you’re in school, you can build and demonstrate your leadership potential by joining accounting clubs. Plus, you should take an active role with your campus chapter of BAP. Show up early for BAP networking events; students can swarm Big 4 managers at the end of club meetings. If you’re there early, you may be able to chat with them uninterrupted.

Final Thoughts: The Top Accounting Schools and Big Four Placement

For the best chances of being recruited by a Big Four firm, you should attend the best accounting school possible. These schools have strong networks with the Big Four and have job fairs and internship opportunities to get you noticed. Public and private institutions across the US have accounting programs with connections to the Big Four. So, you can find the program that is the best fit for you.

Further Reading

Is an Accounting Major Right for You and Your Career Goals?

About the Author S ML

Susan L. is one of the biggest cheerleaders on the I Pass the CPA Exam team. She loves seeing our readers succeed. You'll often find her writing about all things accounting.

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