What is it Really Like Working for the Big Four? Towson BAP’s day at Ernst & Young

- Ryan Carter

There are many conflicting ideas of the typical Big Four CPA firm experience. Some say it is the most worthwhile experience for an entry-level accountant, while others say you are just setting yourself up to be overworked for a year or two before finding a “real” job. However, why can’t it be a little bit of both? To answer that question and learn more about the Big Four employee experience, last Friday, February 22nd, 13 members from our Beta Alpha Psi chapter attended an office visit at the Ernst & Young (EY) Baltimore office.
EY is one of the Big Four CPA firms and its main purpose is to “build a better working world through our own actions and by engaging with like-minded organizations and individuals.” During our visit, we went on a tour of the office, had a presentation from their Campus Recruiter, Ally Yawman, and had the opportunity to ask questions to a panel of associates in different lines of service. As we walked around the office, it was interesting to see small ways that EY makes their employees feel comfortable at work. For example, they have a room with reclining chairs for associates to take quick work breaks, an exterior dining deck above the Harbor, and a seating kiosk so associates can choose which cubicle they want to use on a daily or weekly basis. Can you imagine being able to take a quick nap at work or enjoying a candlelit dinner above the Harbor on a late night workday during busy season? Aside from all of the “comfort” features in the office, Ally’s presentation on the firm, all that it offers, and how it is utilizing modern technology was very informative and showed why any business major, regardless of major concentration, could succeed at EY. The panel, of two first-year associates in audit and advisory, and a tax manager, reinforced this idea. They answered all of our questions about why they chose EY, their previous internship experience, and what they do on a daily basis. In addition, I really appreciated how they honestly answered questions about the dreaded busy season and emphasized ways that EY helps promote work-life balance for its associates.
Overall, I feel like our EY office visit was a worthwhile experience and showed how working for a Big Four firm is a lot of work and some long hours, especially during busy season, but also an extremely worthwhile experience for a business student beginning their career.

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