Is it possible to go from manager to senior manager after 1 year at big 4?

OP

Original post by 04MR17

Hello there. :hi:

I've asked for your thread to be moved into the Finance and accountancy forum where you should hopefully get the advice you need. :smile:

Thanks

Reply 3

Original post by e^x

Say if I'm a manager at PWC within audit, can I apply for senior manager roles within audit at other big 4 firms and have a chance?

Highly unlikely. One year of manager will likely see you pushed down essentially to a new manager unless you are exceptional. It will normally take at least two years as manager to make senior manager at your own firm and if you move you’ll need to build a new network, portfolio, reputation and business case.

Reply 4

OP

Original post by natninja

Highly unlikely. One year of manager will likely see you pushed down essentially to a new manager unless you are exceptional. It will normally take at least two years as manager to make senior manager at your own firm and if you move you’ll need to build a new network, portfolio, reputation and business case.

Do you hold a position within the big 4?
Is it realistic to become a director in 8/9 years after starting as a grad?

(edited 6 years ago)

Reply 5

Original post by e^x

Do you hold a position within the big 4?
Is it realistic to become a director in 8/9 years after starting as a grad?

Yes, I’m currently a senior associate.

Is it possible... well usually the quickest would be 3 years to qualify then 1-2 before manager promotion (firm dependent) then another 2 minimum as manager before 2-3 as senior manager so 8-10 years to director (more likely towards the 10 year end though) and 10-14 years for partner in total assuming quickest possible progression. So all considered yes it would be realistic but not easy.

Reply 6

OP

Original post by natninja

Yes, I’m currently a senior associate.

Is it possible... well usually the quickest would be 3 years to qualify then 1-2 before manager promotion (firm dependent) then another 2 minimum as manager before 2-3 as senior manager so 8-10 years to director (more likely towards the 10 year end though) and 10-14 years for partner in total assuming quickest possible progression. So all considered yes it would be realistic but not easy.

Can you tell me more in terms of having a business case? Is it an interview? Have you prepared one yet?

Reply 7

Original post by e^x

Can you tell me more in terms of having a business case? Is it an interview? Have you prepared one yet?

At my firm you don’t have to prepare a business case until you go up for promotion to manager but essentially you need to persuade the partnership why you are a suitable candidate and how you will help develop the practice beyond merely doing your job.

Reply 8

OP

Original post by natninja

At my firm you don’t have to prepare a business case until you go up for promotion to manager but essentially you need to persuade the partnership why you are a suitable candidate and how you will help develop the practice beyond merely doing your job.

How did you find the ACA exams? Do you have to study after work or can you get away with studying on weekends?

Reply 9

stirkee

19

Original post by e^x

How did you find the ACA exams? Do you have to study after work or can you get away with studying on weekends?

For the harder exams you will need to do a lot more than just revise on weekends. You'll get some study leave but probably not enough so you'll need to do revision after work, yes.

Reply 10

Original post by e^x

How did you find the ACA exams? Do you have to study after work or can you get away with studying on weekends?

We got college time for a few weeks before each set but definitely had to study after college and on weekends, they aren't too bad - more volume than difficulty.

Reply 11

OP

Original post by stirkee

For the harder exams you will need to do a lot more than just revise on weekends. You'll get some study leave but probably not enough so you'll need to do revision after work, yes.

Original post by natninja

We got college time for a few weeks before each set but definitely had to study after college and on weekends, they aren't too bad - more volume than difficulty.

Are you with Kaplan or BPP or other?

Reply 12

stirkee

19

Original post by e^x

Are you with Kaplan or BPP or other?

BPP

Reply 13

Original post by e^x

Are you with Kaplan or BPP or other?

Kaplan

Reply 14

OP