Advice needed - Salary.sg Forums
Salary.sg Forums  

Go Back   Salary.sg Forums > The Salary.sg Discussion Forums: > Income and Jobs

Income and Jobs Discuss jobs, career options and of course salaries




Advice needed

Reply
 
Thread Tools
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 04-04-2019, 12:47 AM
Verified Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: singapore
Posts: 21
heracles is on a distinguished road
Default Advice needed

I am a fresh grad, actually currently offered several roles in the accounting and finance realm. I am seeking advice from experienced individuals out there on the degree of importance to start off in the Big4 as compared to MNCs.
I've heard conflicting opinions,
- Start in Big4, look better in resume and better long term prospects
- Dont need to start in big4 also can be successful in the accounting and finance realm.

I am not asking for unicorn/exceptional cases, I am asking for common experience, is it advised to start off in Big4 first and accept a lower pay compared to MNC (15-16% higher)

Reply With Quote
  #2 (permalink)  
Old 04-04-2019, 12:50 AM
Unregistered
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Anywhere is fine. Just not insurance agents or bank's relationshiip manager/personal banker

Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Old 04-04-2019, 01:04 AM
Verified Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: singapore
Posts: 21
heracles is on a distinguished road
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered View Post
Anywhere is fine. Just not insurance agents or bank's relationshiip manager/personal banker
it is not

10 characters

Reply With Quote
  #4 (permalink)  
Old 04-04-2019, 08:34 AM
Unregistered
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

It depends on whether you would like to be an accountant 10 years from now
Because of your age, you will be doing SQP to become a CA

And there is really no better place to train to become an accountant other than the big 4
This is for sure
Reply With Quote
  #5 (permalink)  
Old 04-04-2019, 08:51 AM
Unregistered
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by heracles View Post
I am a fresh grad, actually currently offered several roles in the accounting and finance realm. I am seeking advice from experienced individuals out there on the degree of importance to start off in the Big4 as compared to MNCs.
I've heard conflicting opinions,
- Start in Big4, look better in resume and better long term prospects
- Dont need to start in big4 also can be successful in the accounting and finance realm.

I am not asking for unicorn/exceptional cases, I am asking for common experience, is it advised to start off in Big4 first and accept a lower pay compared to MNC (15-16% higher)
I am not in accounting and finance. In general MNCs pay vs Big 4 or even banks for some roles.

I will go to where I am paid well. Unless big 4 is the only offer you have on hand.

As long as you are good in what you do, you can easily move in other companies in future.

Big 4 may be a good brand name but the truth is not all people who came from big 4 are really good in what they do.

I have worked with auditors and consultants in the course of my career. Only a minority of them is good but most of them are just trying to smoke their way through. They are supposed to help us in our work but it always seems like the opposite.

The above is just my honest opinion.


Primary School English Grammar and Vocabulary Drills
Primary School English Grammar and Vocabulary Drills


SG Bus Timing App
SG Bus Timing App - the best bus app - available on iOS and Android


Bursa Stocks Android App - check share prices
Bursa Stocks [Android] App - check latest share prices on the go


SGX Stocks Android App - check share prices
SGX Stocks [Android] App - check latest share prices on the go


SGX Stocks for iPad - check latest Singapore share prices
SGX Stocks [iPad] app
| SGX Stocks [iPhone] app
Reply With Quote
  #6 (permalink)  
Old 04-04-2019, 09:20 AM
Unregistered
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Also came from acct background. General advice is bigger base is always better especially when moving to other companies after gaining experience.

You can always check with ISCA on obtaining CA with the MNC, some may be considered an ATO.


Primary School English Grammar and Vocabulary Drills
Primary School English Grammar and Vocabulary Drills


SG Bus Timing App
SG Bus Timing App - the best bus app - available on iOS and Android


Bursa Stocks Android App - check share prices
Bursa Stocks [Android] App - check latest share prices on the go


SGX Stocks Android App - check share prices
SGX Stocks [Android] App - check latest share prices on the go


SGX Stocks for iPad - check latest Singapore share prices
SGX Stocks [iPad] app
| SGX Stocks [iPhone] app
Reply With Quote

  #7 (permalink)  
Old 04-04-2019, 09:24 AM
Unregistered
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

To give you a context, a typical big 4 freshie will take >4 years on average to catch up with MNC peers. Thats assuming the MNC peers do not move on for even better prospects to widen the gap. If you burnout before the 3 year mark and decide to move, you will most likely join MNC at a fresh level
Reply With Quote
  #8 (permalink)  
Old 04-04-2019, 09:37 AM
Unregistered
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Not from accounting background but,
i feel that in SG where HRs are very likely to give you +X% of your last drawn, you its of paramount importance to at least have a decent monthly pay so that you are in a position to negotiate when you do decide to leave your job for something better.

Just my humble opinion, but do consider. Certs can be picked up/studied for even without a good environment (provided you have the willpower) so is the training really worth your life and a lower pay? Something for you to ponder about.

-Fellow grad-to-be
Reply With Quote
  #9 (permalink)  
Old 05-04-2019, 02:26 AM
Verified Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: singapore
Posts: 21
heracles is on a distinguished road
Default

Thank you all for ur inputs. Pretty clear where everyone stands right now.
Reply With Quote
  #10 (permalink)  
Old 05-04-2019, 09:27 AM
Unregistered
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I really want to help you out, so do ask if you have anymore questions
I’m a local uni acc grad who has worked 2plus years in corporate

My advice to you is that because not only do your batch and future batches need to take the series of SQP exams to become a chartered accountant, you will also have to work for a registered ATO
The audit firms are all ATOs, yes there are some other corporates out there which are ATOs but if you are in this for the very long haul, it’s best that you begin in the audit firm

So
A) work in audit firm
B) pass your SQP exams
C) clock your 3 years of audit exp
D) get your CA cert

The world is your oyster in terms of accounting field

If you really feel that the pay is an issue, then don’t go accounting route at all
Apply to the banks, commodity firms, corporate treasury etc
Basically go for the finance route, meanwhile also embark on the 3 levels of CFA, 2 levels of CAIA, or even the CVA at NTU
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Advice needed! dandelions Income and Jobs 10 16-06-2016 07:22 PM
Advice needed! shadowly Income and Jobs 1 25-09-2015 11:54 PM
Advice needed: where to go with FCH? aeipathy Income and Jobs 32 21-02-2015 02:15 PM
Advice needed thedudeabides Income and Jobs 5 30-06-2012 12:45 PM
Advice needed! valle27 Income and Jobs 4 05-04-2012 02:52 PM

» 30 Recent Threads
Q: Big4 - Yearly salary increment ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
15,309 Replies, 4,983,264 Views
Lawyer Salary ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
21,014 Replies, 10,329,157 Views
GovTech ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
5,161 Replies, 2,163,525 Views
Career as Teacher ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
10,833 Replies, 6,665,997 Views
MAS for Mid Career Professionals ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
1,801 Replies, 1,044,019 Views
LTA (Land Transport Authority) ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
679 Replies, 388,346 Views
Visa Graduate Development Program ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
207 Replies, 134,573 Views
SIM-UOL fresh grad starting pay ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
6,922 Replies, 2,902,620 Views
UOB Management Associate Program ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
1,455 Replies, 784,413 Views
Nparks ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
39 Replies, 34,371 Views
MINDEF DXO (All FAQ on it) ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
5,828 Replies, 4,656,773 Views
ITE Polytechnic Scheme ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
309 Replies, 369,015 Views
Civil Service Performance Bonus ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
5,338 Replies, 4,770,313 Views
Compare civil service salary ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
16,342 Replies, 12,455,133 Views
Civil Service Current Estimated... ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
169 Replies, 309,126 Views
Constituency Manager (People... ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
989 Replies, 813,918 Views
Julius Baer Graduate Program 2023 ( 1 2 3)
21 Replies, 14,805 Views
Roles in accenture singapore ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
7,385 Replies, 2,324,130 Views
HTX (Home Team Science and... ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
752 Replies, 358,407 Views
Shopee fresh grad pay ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
1,049 Replies, 440,560 Views
DSTA (under Mindef) ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
1,464 Replies, 1,375,205 Views
ST Electronics ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
3,767 Replies, 1,544,502 Views
IMDA (under MCI) ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
1,260 Replies, 613,575 Views
Civil Svc/ Statboard - Typical... ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
6,123 Replies, 3,738,495 Views
MX12 reappointed at MX11
8 Replies, 813 Views
Hospital (Private or Public)... ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
749 Replies, 405,522 Views
NCS (SingTel subsidiary) ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
1,329 Replies, 1,142,091 Views
MFA- Foreign Service... ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
54 Replies, 84,968 Views
Cybersecurity/Info security career ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
511 Replies, 268,594 Views
Singapore Airlines ( 1 2 3)
22 Replies, 11,279 Views
Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.2



All times are GMT +8. The time now is 03:12 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.3.2