Should I work for a Big 4 firm?

You could try smaller accounting firms?

Definitely! However, I'm afraid that I'll be viewed as 'lesser than' because I didn't join the big 4.
There is so much hype around them despite all of the scandals.

It's because their reputation carrys some weight on your CV. Smaller firms tend to have better culture and its more close-knit so you build better bonds with your co-workers which is difficult at a bigger firm.

Another issue is that I want to join the PwC Flying start degree programme but of course, that's with PwC and I'll usually be on placement during the busy season. However, it'll help me become a chartered accountant faster.

You should consider working at a big 4 firm for your placement and then once you graduate go work for a smaller firm.

Is it worth it? Because I really don't know if I like the culture there.

This might sound a bit strange but I'm looking for more non-toxic and transparent firms to work with during my placement year.

Btw I'm not yet an undergraduate, I'm in Year 12 looking to become a chartered accountant and hopefully, work for charities or in the public sector.

If you want to work in the public sector, then you should aim to work for Grant Thornton. They're the firm with the biggest book of public sector work.

However, otherwise I would just say the Big 4 are not toxic environments to work in. The real culture from my own experience of working at Deloitte is that they tend to be very young because most of the leg work is done by trainees more than half of whom leave after a year or two of qualifying. However, the general youth of these organisations can sometimes be a bad thing - there was a drug culture in my office amongst trainees and I always felt like a bit of an outsider. However, that was nearly 20 years ago now and I think all the Big 4 firms would crack down hard on that now.

Yeah, I no longer want to be an accountant.

woah please do not make a decision so quickly based off one post - although very insightful
Like the above person mentioned that was 20 years ago and you should be joining PwC's talent network where they always have events on to showcase the culture, work and the latest things they are up to
I am doing an internship with them and honestly they are super attractive to work with! They have flexible working both at home or at work, they have a 'dress for your day' policy which means you wear whatever you find comfortable, everyone you work with is young and new to the Big4 just like you! I really do not think working with a big4 is toxic in anyway especially since they hire from personality and not just grades. So you will be meeting people from a range of backgrounds, universities, schools and there will definitely be people you get along with! Do apply to attend virtual events that always take place to get a feel for them - they can be done via signing up to PwC's talent pool

Yeah, I no longer want to be an accountant.

Are the school leaver programmes at big 4 worth your consideration since you're applying for pwc flying start? So 5 years employed at big 4 whilst completing chartered accounting qualification. Not degree though but you can move onto other things after 5 years.

Is it worth it? Because I really don't know if I like the culture there.

This might sound a bit strange but I'm looking for more non-toxic and transparent firms to work with during my placement year.

Btw I'm not yet an undergraduate, I'm in Year 12 looking to become a chartered accountant and hopefully, work for charities or in the public sector.