NorthStar Academy
15 Years Anniversary
CPA career in Big 4 firm, skills for CPA success, qualities required for Big 4 CPA
👤 NorthStar Academy📅 30 Aug, 24⏱ 10 min read

Skills & Qualities for a Successful CPA Career in Big 4

Any accounting professional desires to work for one of the Big 4 accounting firms, which include Ernst & Young (EY), Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and KPMG. These companies are among the largest MNCs and handle most of the world's auditing operations. While it is true that being hired by one of the Big 4s is challenging, there are particular steps and techniques you may perform to get closer to one of their four doors and explore various US CPA career opportunities.

Any aspirant wondering how to acquire a job at one of the Big Four businesses may consider the CPA certification program. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), one of the largest accounting organizations in the world, oversees the CPA USA certification process. Here, we'll look at several essential pointers and tactics in this blog to assist you in flourishing after becoming a CPA at a Big4 accounting firm and getting many CPA career opportunities. But first, let's start with understanding the CPA course and how it can help us grow.

Latest Updates :

CPA USA Eligibility Criteria

Knowing the following qualifying requirements to take the Uniform CPA test is crucial since it may help you bag a lot of CPA career opportunities and alter your professional path for good.

  • Candidates must be master's degree holders from an accredited university or other institution.
  • Candidates should have at least 1-2 years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed US CPA.
  • To be eligible to take the US CPA test after graduating, applicants must have 150 credits.

US CPA Syllabus in India

Let's look at the Uniform CPA examination syllabus. The US CPA exam syllabus is divided into four sections:

  • Auditing & Attestation (AUD)
  • Regulation (REG)
  • Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) & Three optional subjects

CPA Fee Structure in India

The overall cost of the US CPA course in India, including registration fees, evaluation fees, test fees, and training costs, can range from INR 3.5 to INR 4 lakhs. Each fee category is mentioned below:

Specifics

Fee (INR)

Exam Fee

73000/-

International Testing

109,500/-

Evaluation fee

23,000/-

Application Fee

14,600/-

Training

115,000/-

US CPA Exam in India

There are four components to the US CPA examination. These exam parts have been carefully chosen and curated to evaluate candidates' abilities and expertise. Within the allotted 18-month exam frame, a candidate must complete all portions. Candidates can take any portion in any sequence in one open testing window. The number of examinations they take during the same window is unlimited, but they are not permitted to take the same portion of an exam more than once. A candidate who fails any part of the exam will not be permitted to retake that exam part until the next testing session begins.

CPAs India - Job Profiles, Accountant, Accounting skills

Indian CPAs have the expertise to manage company governance and international financial accounting effectively. As a result, different profiles within the financial services company recruit CPAs. As a result, there are more opportunities for CPAs in India, and employers actively seek them out.

You can select from various job opportunities based on your interests once you have successfully completed the US CPA Course and obtained your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification. Here is a list of a few of them: 

  • Financial Accounting
  • Corporate Finance
  • Internal Auditing
  • Financial Advisor
  • Forensic Accountant
  • Tax Preparation & Planning

Read More :

CPA Career Path in a Big 4 Firm

The Big4s are the top four professional accounting organizations, offering accounting, taxes, auditing, assurance, and other services to customers worldwide. Due to the high demand for the prestigious & rewarding services that these BIG4s offer, they are quite popular when it comes to recruiting CPAs in India. The fact that CPAs can offer many of these services without any problems is another reason why there are a lot of CPA career opportunities, and these BIG4s are recruiting them. They are also renowned for being knowledgeable in reporting under IFRS and US GAAP.  

It's not as simple as it looks to get a job at a Big 4 company. Before being hired by these famous companies, candidates must pass challenging interviews and extensive testing procedures. Here are some helpful advice and skills required for a CPA Career for landing a job with one of the Big 4 companies:

  • Pass the US CPA Exam

Many positions in the Big 4 businesses require passing the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and getting certified. By enrolling in a top US CPA course, maintaining a regular study schedule, and using practice tests, you may effectively plan and prepare for the exam. Learn about the exam's structure, topics, and scoring methodology. Aim to pass the US CPA exam in time by passing each of the four sections to show that you are serious about your profession.

  • Pay Attention to Your Resume

When recruiting new employees, the Big 4 firms are quite picky. Your resume is the starting point for the hiring process. The Big 4 companies won't call you in for an interview unless your CV is excellent and stands out from the competition. Make sure to style & audit your resume correctly, keep it brief, and also include a strong cover letter.

  • Grab an Early Internship

Internships are a fantastic opportunity to learn from professionals, obtain real-world experience, and present your abilities to prospective employers. Apply early and take advantage of these possibilities because Big 4 companies frequently provide internships to college students. Be proactive, ready to learn, and prepared to tackle difficult jobs. Create connections with your coworkers, ask for input, and make use of your internship experience to land a full-time offer or improve your CV.

  • Take Advantage of College Placements Procedure

Big 4 companies (Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and KPMG) frequently hold recruiting drives on Indian college campuses, so take advantage of these opportunities to network, meet recruiters, and learn more about the firms. Research each firm's culture, values, services, and clientele to adapt your applications and interviews. Highlight any relevant programs you have finished or are pursuing, such as CPA, CMA USA, ACCA, etc., and how they have helped you build key abilities that set you apart. Network with Big 4 graduates, instructors, and current workers to receive insights and references and boost your chances of landing a job.

  • Select an Area of Specialization  

The Big 4 firms provide various services, including audit, tax, advising, and consultancy. Choose a specialization area. Discover your interests, abilities, and long-term professional objectives by researching and exploring the many specialization fields. Consider each area of specialization's demand, development potential, and market trends. Your qualifications and professional prospects can also be improved by earning pertinent certifications, such as those for Certified Public Accountants (CPA).

Professionals with US CPA Certification are in Demand

US CPA-certified experts are in great demand because of the growing globalization and complexity of the company. Compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is required by several global enterprises, consulting organizations, and financial institutions. So, these are the most important skills required for a CPA Career in Big 4 firms. Hope! Your question on how to land a job at one of the Big 4 firms was answered.

Read More :

Conclusion

A US CPA is a professional certificate that helps applicants as much as is practical in their professions. The CPA qualification may lead to a number of employment prospects, including leadership positions, increased pay, and global assignments. The Big4 accounting firms offer among the best employment possibilities for credentialed professionals like US CPAs.  Working for the Big 4 also helps in the overall development of a person's personality and financial growth in later phases of their career. Finding the appropriate & highly organized US CPA certification course might be difficult for some people.  

The best success rate for getting people CPA certified is at NorthStar Academy, which is the top training facility for other finance courses as well. NorthStar Academy offers the most popular and thorough study materials. Numerous students have been able to learn the skills needed to be a CPA and pursue careers as professional CPA USA thanks to the guidance of world-class mentors like M. Irfat Sir. For more information regarding CPA career opportunities, don't hesitate to contact NorthStar Academy. Their world-class mentors offer expert guidance, helping you understand the ins and outs of the course and supporting you every step of the way.

Trending Blogs

Course

Links

ACCA

CMA US

CPA US

Enrolled Agent

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CPA equal to CA?

CPA and CA are highly esteemed accounting degrees that are now popular in the accounting industry. While CA, an Indian degree, is mostly recognized in India and, to a lesser extent, in a few Middle Eastern nations, CPA is a globally recognized degree accepted everywhere.

Is CPA difficult in India?

Yes, the CPA certification exam is difficult and demanding, necessitating consistent effort, hard work, and the right guidance from a top prep provider like NSA. Every applicant will be able to become a qualified CPA with effective time management, the correct advice, and a study plan and by developing essential skills required for a CPA Career.

Is there any scope for CPA?

There is a broad range of CPA career opportunities, and it is a well-recognized accounting title. It has a distinguished and well-known name in many international organizations. US CPAs can work internationally because of their comprehensive accounting and International Accounting Standards knowledge.

What is the scope of CPA in the future?

Inside the financial services sector, US CPAs are employed at a variety of profiles. Different Indian subsidiaries of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) with US headquarters are hiring CPAs. Because they are in demand worldwide and are indispensable, CPAs are extremely likely to have job security and stability throughout their careers.

Can I get a job in a Big4 firm after getting my CPA?

Yes, a CPA license enables one to work for a Big 4 business. As soon as they are in their last year of the degree, all applicants hoping to land a job with the Big 4 should begin preparing for interviews to bag the lucrative CPA career opportunities. For everyone to succeed in the major league, it's critical to remain focused, work hard, and enhance the skills required for a CPA Career.