Q: Big4 - Yearly salary increment

Originally Posted by Unregistered

OP here, but I also dk whether the knowledge I have is truly insufficient, or is an ok level of knowledge to skip A1…I know how to do most tests and procedures but don’t have exposure on how to do variance analysis and more complex accounts as these are not usually done by interns or they are always escalated to seniors for help

Anyone knows if A2s have to start leading engagement teams already…I think if no need lead I still ok but if need to else I really dk what to do

Originally Posted by Unregistered

OP here, but I also dk whether the knowledge I have is truly insufficient, or is an ok level of knowledge to skip A1…I know how to do most tests and procedures but don’t have exposure on how to do variance analysis and more complex accounts as these are not usually done by interns or they are always escalated to seniors for help

there is nothing complicated in doing variance analysis for 'complex accounts'.

Accounts are never complex. Variance analysis is just writing cock and bull story. Dk how to write just ask client what to write.

The only more complicated part is doing valuation/complex accounting policy adoption like IA, Impairment etc. Nothing else is very complicated in audit.... A rat with half a brain can do it. Sometimes if u faced with a roadblock on audit ****, just ask client. Stop trying to figure things out by yourself.

Hi was offered SE at Orange, may I know is that S1 equivalent or?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

there is nothing complicated in doing variance analysis for 'complex accounts'.

Accounts are never complex. Variance analysis is just writing cock and bull story. Dk how to write just ask client what to write.

The only more complicated part is doing valuation/complex accounting policy adoption like IA, Impairment etc. Nothing else is very complicated in audit.... A rat with half a brain can do it. Sometimes if u faced with a roadblock on audit ****, just ask client. Stop trying to figure things out by yourself.

The complex accounts I’m referring to are like impairment etc, hedging, consol etc. as an intern, I don’t have experience with these because the accounts I work on are ”simpler” like search for unrecorded liabilities, cash, vouching, maybe test of controls etc

Things like journal entry testing I’m not sure too because I only follow instructions on how to run the tests so I don’t know how to write analysis if got any findings because this kind of thing my seniors will take over…

IVe also not been in an engagement from start to end so I also dk how to wrap things up etc like how to write the auditor report, produce the audited FS etc


^ because of all these gaps I feel I cannot only spend 1 year as an associate to gain more experience

Tax or audit more complicated/difficult?

I know both compliance so how hard can it be right? But if I were to just compare the 2, which one uses more brain?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Tax or audit more complicated/difficult?

I know both compliance so how hard can it be right? But if I were to just compare the 2, which one uses more brain?

Tax service line as offered in Sinkie's Big4 firms is around same level of sophistication as audit. Meaning, jhk or private uni grads also can do. Just check some boxes and crunch some numbers only.

At the high levels, tax advisory can be very complicated, especially multinational tax planning and avoidance. There's a reason why many tax professionals especially in Western countries with complicated tax codes are dual-qualified as tax advisors & lawyers or with law background.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Hi was offered SE at Orange, may I know is that S1 equivalent or?

isn't this the 2-yr contract role with no pay raise?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Tax or audit more complicated/difficult?

I know both compliance so how hard can it be right? But if I were to just compare the 2, which one uses more brain?

tax advisory/consulting. lots of creative accounting. sometimes u see the approach they use, u can really be impressed. ur achievement if u cause IRAS to patch your loophole

How is bonus at Green this year? Is it better or worst than Blue?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

The complex accounts I’m referring to are like impairment etc, hedging, consol etc. as an intern, I don’t have experience with these because the accounts I work on are ”simpler” like search for unrecorded liabilities, cash, vouching, maybe test of controls etc

Things like journal entry testing I’m not sure too because I only follow instructions on how to run the tests so I don’t know how to write analysis if got any findings because this kind of thing my seniors will take over…

IVe also not been in an engagement from start to end so I also dk how to wrap things up etc like how to write the auditor report, produce the audited FS etc


^ because of all these gaps I feel I cannot only spend 1 year as an associate to gain more experience

JE testing is mostly just for show anyway...

99% of all procedures in big4 are based on templates or template wp can be acquired from other engagements. Analysis is like the easiest part if you have a proper accounting knowledge.

If got findings just ask yourself why and why and why until you have something to write. This is what sets apart a jhk monkey and a normal auditor with some brain. If you think you have no brain and cant develop a analytical mindset, you are no different from a jhk monkey. Lying back and thinking your senior will handle everything is the classic lazy mindset. Get your **** together and actually work that rusty brain.