How to get in Big 4 Canada(Toronto)

atgatg

Many thanks you in advances to all experts in Big 4....

Do you mind if you could share your experiences in getting in big 4 especially in Toronto office? How do u guys stand out from the crowd?

Zoolantz

My wife and I used to work for Deloitte (Beijing) before we came to Toronto.  Although we haven't tried to look for a job in the Big 4, but there are some info I can share with you:
1) Deloitte Toronto recently lost one of its major clients, so they're busy with firing rather than hiring.
2) KPMG and PwC might have more open positions
3) Depending on whether if you're experienced professionals (with CA designation) or new graduates.  If you lack the experience then you need to go through the campus recruitment process.
4) Not sure how much do you know about big 4.  Although auditing is by far their major line of business, they also have other departments such as financial services and enterprise risk management/SOX audit, which may also be of your interests.
5) Other than contacting the Big 4's HR dept directly, you may also want to contact various major job agencies specializing in accounting staffing.  eg. Robert Half; Accounting Advantage and etc.

Good luck!

atgatg

Thank you for your input....

I graduated in April 2007 and am currently working for a bookkeeping firm since then.  I have been trying so hard to get an interview with big4/8 through the Campus Recruitment Program.  However, it's never been easy as you know.   By this September-recruiting season, I will have had one year work exp.  I am not sure how they value my current work experience even though it is an accounting firm. 

As for the job hunting agencies, I have visited one or two but they said that my interest is getting in a CA firm(Accredited) and the placement they focus is industry/private sectors.  He also said big4/8 go through their recruitment by themseleves without having the needs of staffing agencies.

I hope I could go through the CA process in big firms and have done various things but end up with nothing.

atgatg

By the way, do u mind sharing ur experience in terms of how u settled down in Toronto after immigrating.

Zoolantz

Ok, my background is somewhat different.  My family and I migrated to Canada when I was 16.  After graduating from UofT, I took few months to pass the AICPA exams (which I should have started while I was still in school).  The reason why I went for the CPA instead of CA was two fold.  One, I wanted to go back to China and at least work for few years, because of the greater growth potential and opportunities.  Two, I didn't take enough advanced accounting courses to meet all the CA requirements (there are quite a lot of courses involved).  AICPA is actually more well known in Asia than CA, so I still believe I've made the right move.  I got a phone call from Deloitte, flew back for the interview and got the job.  The rest is history.

I moved back recently due to family reasons.  So really, my experience in term of settling down in Toronto is...... to move in with my parents again   lucky that I'm a Chinese, or else I should be ashamed of myself

From my understanding of your background, one year of bookkeeping experience makes litte difference to the eyes of a big 4 recruiter.  What they really want is either a qualifed CA or someone they believe have the qualities to become a CA.  If you can somehow demonstrate that to the recruiter, then I'd say you have a shot at getting into the big4. 

Zoolantz

If you really love the profession of accounting, then I would suggest you to go for a CPA, CMA or even CGA.  Having one of these designations might still not able to get you into big 4's auditing teams in Canada (because they prefer CA), but you can have a more realistic shot at their financial services dept.  In my opinion, working on due dilligence reviews for M&A is more fun than statutory audits.

But don't just take mine words, the best source of information is from the Big 4 recruiters.  Get their names and write emails to them, ideally during their off seasons (to ensure better response rate).  Ask them what can you do to improve yourself in order to become an ideal candidate. 

atgatg

You know what I am interested in M&A or insolvency practices.  But I do know the fact that I wont be able to be exposed to this area until I have a CA/CPA PLUS few years of professional experiences. 

So I didnt think that far away and I know I need to get in the CA route as my top priority.  You made a pretty good point that they prefer certain qualities in their candidates eg. social skills, leadership and obviously academic performance.  

As for my soft skills, I think its okay but not exceptional.   I knew big 4/8 recruit people through networking events.  I hate going there as all recruiters are surrounded by tones of students.  It's no way to stand out.

Lastly, I think the same way as you thought.  I am thinking of doing CPA at this point in time.  First of all, I wouldnt want to waste my time in this bookkeeping firm.  Plus, enrolling in CPA will make my CV better in the eyes of recruiters...I am not sure if I am on the right track.  Please  advise.....may I please get your email to stay in touch more?

Thanks

atalbert9

Nice communication! In fact, I have the same question as the poster. How can I get into Big 4 in Toronto?

I am a new immigrant from Beijing China and used to work for DTT beijing as a US individual income tax professional for one year and EY as an auditor for half a year. At present, I am thinking to move to Toronto from Beijing. However, I am afraid I can not find a job in Toronto. From my situation, my major is international business other than accounting, and my experience of half a year is also limited, and I only passed two courses of CICPA. But from the open position posting, Big 4s in Toronto request candidates with several years' experience.

What shall I do? Write an email to a partner in Toronto to try the interview chance? or find a person to pass my resume to hr dept.? What do you think about my chance? Shall I continue working for EY for one or two years, then apply?