The Big Four is a nickname used to refer collectively to the four largest professional services networks in the world, consisting of Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. The four networks are often grouped together for a number of reasons; they are each comparable in size relative to the rest of the market, both in terms of revenue and workforce; they are each considered equal in their ability to provide a wide scope of quality professional services to their clients; and, among those looking to start a career in professional services, particularly accounting, they are considered equally attractive networks to work in, because of the frequency with which these firms engage with Fortune 500 companies.(according to Wikipedia)
Even Grant Thorton LLP is considered as a big firm and is included as a Big 5.
Many CA Students have a desire to work in these firms either during articleship or after their qualification. Let us look at what are the Pros and Cons of doing articleship in any of the big fours:
Pros:
1. Excellent reputation and boosts your resume
2. Lucrative stipend
3. Exposure with international client assignments
4. Rapid development in skills and expertise
Cons:
1. Seasonally long working hours
2. Numerous outstation audits
3. Limited amount of study due to long working hours
4. Lack of job rotation from one department to another thereby resulting in single field specialization and not being able to have experience in other departments.
Analyse the pros and cons before deciding to join a Big four or five for your articleship.