Advice needed

[heracles]

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)

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

[heracles]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

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

it is not

10 characters

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

Originally Posted by heracles

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.

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.

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

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

[heracles]

Thank you all for ur inputs. Pretty clear where everyone stands right now.

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