London vs Regional Offices

Hello All,

Just a few questions I'd like to put to you. I wish to apply for Audit positions at the big four and my preference would be to work in London. How much more competitive is it in London than elsewhere??? Are there key differences I should be aware of? Also would a big four firm offer you positions at alternative offices? I look forward to your comments...

Regards,
Thunder

Reply 1

Redeyejedi

7

Its not more competitive as such because there are more positions available than those in the regional offices.

The one principle differance is that you will have to apply for a specialist group within ABAS (Assurance and Business Advisory Services) such as Pensions, TICE or Finance and Investments group (those that deal with financial institutions)..and obviously you should specify a preferance for one group over the other, and this should probably come through in your interview.

Reply 2

fredstar

It definitely is more competitive in London in terms of applicants per place and the quality of applicant. I got a little bit of experience in Human resources for a very large firm and got to oversee all the applications that are made, there is a very noticeable difference in the number and quality of application to the London office vs any regional office.
I think it is worth it, much nicer to work in London vs any other city and generally it is easier to get to clients as most are near tubes rather than having to drive or train it for hours.

Reply 3

comic_book_guy

I think the number of applicants per place is more in London, and there are ALOT more positions, than any regional office. And the social side is probably a bit better as well. And the pay is better I'm sure.

But I went with applying to regional offices. I had a few main reasons. One is the fact that with the Big 4, for London offices you choose a sector and specialise in it. Im not sure if its true for all the Big 4, but I know both Deloitte and PwC do it. And I just wanted a broader experience working with clients based in different sectors.

I preferred the smaller office as well to be honest. I think it comes down alot to personality, but I preferred working more closely with a smaller group of people and getting to know them better, whereas in London you kind of end up like a whole army, which was somewhat intimidating for me :p:

And from what Ive been told, but cant confirm for myself, because regional offices are smaller you do tend to get a bit more exposure and a bit more responsibility from an earlier stage.

And of course there was getting there....I love driving, even in slow-moving rush hour traffic, and Id take it over public transport any day.

As for your question about alternative offices, I think most firms' forms require you to choose an alternative location on the form itself in the event that your first choice of location is full.

Hope that helps.

Reply 4

TommyS

comic_book_guy

I think the number of applicants per place is more in London, and there are ALOT more positions, than any regional office. And the social side is probably a bit better as well. And the pay is better I'm sure.

But I went with applying to regional offices. I had a few main reasons. One is the fact that with the Big 4, for London offices you choose a sector and specialise in it. Im not sure if its true for all the Big 4, but I know both Deloitte and PwC do it. And I just wanted a broader experience working with clients based in different sectors.

I preferred the smaller office as well to be honest. I think it comes down alot to personality, but I preferred working more closely with a smaller group of people and getting to know them better, whereas in London you kind of end up like a whole army, which was somewhat intimidating for me :p:

And from what Ive been told, but cant confirm for myself, because regional offices are smaller you do tend to get a bit more exposure and a bit more responsibility from an earlier stage.

And of course there was getting there....I love driving, even in slow-moving rush hour traffic, and Id take it over public transport any day.

As for your question about alternative offices, I think most firms' forms require you to choose an alternative location on the form itself in the event that your first choice of location is full.

Hope that helps.

from speaking to people that is definitely one of the upsides of working in a regional office. Apparently its a fairly common thing, and a pretty good thing career-wise, for employees to move down to London from a regional office after the 3 years of qualifying

London vs Regional Offices

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