WHY I QUIT BIG 4 RISK CONSULTING?! | HONEST TRUTH | KPMG | LEFT FOR A BANK MANAGER ROLE | EXPERIENCE
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 พ.ย. 2020
- I quit my Big 4 consulting job! Why I left, my experience & all the tea haha! Get yourself comfy for this video, as I have alot to tell you!
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DISCLAIMER: Anything discussed in this video is for entertainment purposes only. What I share on my channel is from personal experience of working at the Big 4. Each individuals experience may differ. Past experience is not indicative of any future experience. Australia
HAVE YOU SEEN MY PROS + CONS OF WORKING AT THE BIG4 VIDEO? th-cam.com/video/cdL9UDJ6_Iw/w-d-xo.html
i want you to be the female version of christian grey and humiliate me
YOU TOTALLY WORTH ANYTHING YOU DESIRE! And GOOD DECISION to QUIT! (i know it is 3 years later but just wanted to leave a comment in case other consultants are reading this. Big 4 can be nasty sometimes (just as any other company)- Senior Management is responsible to ensure consultants (and even managers) are booked on such jobs that their growth is adequate, and they have enough relevant projects on which they can get feedback at the end of the year.
I work for a big 4 and It’s mentally draining. I’m expected to be available 24/7 work from home. The manager is an average arrogant guy, who called me at 8am just to complain about how an assignment that was poorly explained was completely wrong and that he intended to send it to the client so he could go on vacation. This is my first job out of college (Aug. 2021) & I feel like I’ve been sold into complete BS. I am currently on my second interview with a smaller firm and I’ll be switching to recruiting. My last day will be in December making just 4 months of working in the accounting role. I really just need my life back…
Sometimes, organizations only come to recognise your work when you put in your resignation.
haha it seems that way aye! so unfortunate, but it is what it is!
📌many organizations
I work at kpmg too- I have friends who work at EY, pWC, etc all of them suck lol it's always about proving yourself- highly competitive for no reason. life is too short. haha
hahhaa well said!
Are the salaries higher than in the practice though?
Hi Bob... I'm under probation period... Could you tell me how can I resign. Plz
I am 2.5 years through my job at a Big 4 as well and I feel super burnt out. Thank you for this, love your content. Hope opportunities come my way!
Sending you lots of love and courage! Hopefully you can do something that has a better work life balance soon! All the best x
@@successbysanjna Thank you so so much Sanjna!❤️
Hi Manisha
Have you changed your job?
You were at the big 4!! You’re desired by the market ❤️ hope it all goes well for you
@@haleysalz1770 Hi! Thank you so much ❤️, after this comment i stuck for another year and left to finish my qualification in a year, which i did and am returning for some post qualification experience! But i agree, you do become much more marketable once you've been at the big 4! Hope you have lovely opportunities knock at your door and have great teammates (so so important!)
Thank you for sharing this, and so glad that everyone worked out for the best in the end!!! The last point really hit close to home because it's what I've been experiencing this past year having only been on short projects with time in between. It feels wrong that the biggest KPI for getting promoted is well recognised as something outside your control as a con/staff level, and honestly quite demotivating for me. I'm also starting to feel like the vast amount of my time that I'm spending at work isn't really helping me get better and improve because I'm just doing menial tasks while not utilised. I keep toying with the thought of leaving, but it feels weird because given the different types of work I have experienced on projects, and the "emphasis on the big 4 big 4 career that we've been fed since uni, I can't really imagine myself in another role (that actually might be a better fit).
Oh I'm so sorry to hear that you have had to go through something similar. How long have you been at this role for now? If it's more than 2 years and not much has changed I would reconsider staying there. You must put your career at the forefront and also your happiness! I understand that staying at the Big 4 will mean you can leverage your experience to land higher paying and higher role jobs in the future but the sacrifice now will ultimately lead to you getting frustrated at your job right now and that can't be good for your mental health. I suggest also raising it with your manager and seeing if anything changes otherwise then probably plan ahead :)
For me working in big 4 was so toxic I felt like I was back in high school. I’ve worked in investment banking too and I feel the politics in big 4 is so much more petty. Also, the way they they track your work is how they trick you into working long hours. So if you work in big 4 you have to fill out a time sheet and if 90% of your day is not filled with chargeable hours then you get in trouble. But there isn’t just the chargeable work, you are also given internal work which is never just 10% of your working hours so you by default will have to work longer than your official hours. Another thing that bugged me was that every time we charged too much time because the project was genuinely delayed, the associates were openly blamed even if they were not part of the certain tasks that caused the delays.
I tried to network my way into another department at big 4 and when they found out they put me on a performance improvement plan.
I talk about this in my video but essentially working in Big 4 was the worst mistake of my life.
oh woww that so unfair! The big 4 model is just really tough to be able to have a work life balance. You do see yourself working longer than usual hours. It is what it is unfortunately, but 100% agree with your thoughts there.
which video? Id love to watch it
Good video, I have worked for KPMG in London and in my honest opinion you need to learn the office politics. You need to be well connected with the people responsible for your progression.
I actually left for the very same reason, some people don't really care. But it's you who knows what's best for you. It really disappointing when after all the effort it comes to nothing.
Well said - it's such an unfair work ethic, but yes you are right, you are the only one who knows whats best for you, so you need to look out for yourself and not take anything from anyone!
I completely agree with you...there are opportunities and should not feel trap. Change is always scary in the first place but once you try something new, you start to think all the things you can achieve.
100% agree!
Hi Sanjna, you really hit the nail on its head, cos I also work at a big 4 in Nigeria. Spot on. Many thanks keep it up yeah
Thank you Kunle! Appreciate the kind words!
This is so motivating, Sanjna 🥺 I work at a Big 4 in India and have similar feelings about my job. And especially in a place like India, it's kind of an unspoken rule to "tolerate" a toxic work environment without any questions. We tend to lack that sense of awareness unless we have someone else tell us that we shouldn't be settling for whatever comes our way and accept it like it's "normal." I would love to see you make more videos around themes such as effective communication, motivation, or honestly whatever soft skills you feel have helped you progress in your career and have healthy group dynamic. (Love your content!)
Thanks Samaya! Oh no so sorry to hear that! I think my workplace only became toxic or I started realising it since 2 months before I was about to leave. Its so unfortunate but it is what it is. I can definitely make more videos like this! Thanks for sharing.
Hey Samaya!
I recently got selected for Analyst role at Deloitte USI (india offices of the US) during college campus Placement drive.
I still have few months....... Either I can prepare for some product based company(like amazon, microsoft etc.) or get satisfied with the offer and start pursuing some of my hobbies.
Could you please help me decide which one to choose among the above two options?
@@rajripu4736 Hey Raj, thanks for sharing! I'd resonate with your question, but I suggest you to take whatever opportunity you get, because that will be a great teacher in itself, and you'll know what you like for yourself. You can always switch fields after working for a year in case you don't like what you're into. But don't go by what people say unless you experience it for yourself! Deloitte is a great firm. Loads of opportunities and connections to make. Hope this helps :)
I quit Bug4 last year and I can relate every point you mentioned here..some real bad environment is maintained there..all the best for all your future endeavour❤️
Thank you for sharing your experience :) I left audit assistant after work with kpmg just months. A little bit regret but I wish I did a good decision. And I truly understand how things was when work schedule was non-charge and still need to show face
No worries! Feeels!
@@successbysanjna would you mind making a video about job interview about the WHY like 'why did you leave your last job' or 'don't you like it' something like that, just like this video but how to interpret it to interviewer without bring so negative. Certainly, I really love your point of view and how you are soo energetic
I can relate to almost everything you said here on the challenges you faced. Felt like always trying to prove some point, no work and having to be kept idle, favoritism and all. It affected a lot of things for me from my mental health, confidence, and all. I wish i had left earlier, just thankful of my experience but it came at a cost. A huge one.Thank you for sharing your experience.
This thing always happen in big companies there are more savage situations than this. The solution to this is learn from it start own business and don't treat other people like how u were treated like this. I really like her videos. The tone of her voice is perfect for listening to the ears.
Thanks Francis! Really appreciate the kind words! But you are so right, I have heard so many horror stories of working at the Big 4 - sad reality
I can relate this too.I was in Deloitte working for close to 2 and a half years. Finally decided to quit and switch my job .
OMG yayy I am so happy for you!!! Everyone needs to put themselves first!
Hi Sanjna, this video is actually extremely helpful to my situation. I am a risk consultant and i rarely request feedback after projects, thanks for the advice!!
Hey Aaron! I'm glad you found it useful! Yes I can't stress enough the importance of making sure you continuously ask for feedback from all your engagements! It will help you down the track!
Honestly I would advise anyone trying to get a Big 4 job to have a gameplan to leave after two years max. Stack up your money, save 80% of your salary, and when you quit you will have enough money to live on for at least a year without another job.
I know exactly how you felt regarding the secondment stuff. Also joined a bigger company and being stood down for senior roles both internally and externally. I think your channel needs a raise
Yeah I’ve heard the exact same stories from my colleagues. I work in audit (KPMG) and they hate people going on secondments and it always will effect you year end performance!
It's pretty annoying! Especially when they say it won't affect your chances of getting promoted -.-
@@successbysanjna yeah that’s absolute bull. I think I will only use secondments to try and move departments!
Thank you for your insight on an important topic
I have worked Big4 in the past and currently working in one of top5 accounting firms in India. Few things I can also relate to like getting a promotion, relationship with the manager, meeting the KPIs and the utilization of billable hours, overall performance everything is included as part of the evaluation. It is extremely competitive and stressful. Sometimes, you work your ass off yet not able to build that level of relation or influence with your manager. The constant pressure of going extra miles and meeting the billable hours utilization is what makes it even tougher.
Totally agree with you! Unfortunately this is the case everywhere in the world! Thanks for sharing your thoughts :)
this video couldn't have come at a better time. I am shifting my career and I am honestly so anxious about it.
awwww im so glad! Thanks Haley! I wish you all the best with the career move! Let me know if I can help :)
Good luck!
@@successbysanjna if one is habitual of earning good Money then its difficult to leave big 4.
I left EY this month on 3rd even after a promo due to work life balance and now its recession time. I am not sure if it was a good or wise decision but lets see what's coming on my way now 💜
Only time will tell! Good on you for making a decision and thinking about your work life balance!
It's so interesting that during my research for this career I came across so many consultant TH-camrs who hyped up the life, and then after a few months passed they'd post how they quit/left. Just goes to show in-depth research is important cause if I just watched the videos that showed they were happy then I would still believe I wanted this career. Going to look for a career that fits my lifestyle c:
That is so interesting! Yes it's super important to do your research and look at both the positives but the negatives too! Good Luck with it!
Ahhh Big 4 firm life experience is the same no matter what country I see. So best case scenario is to leave not hope to another country 😞
Sadly its the truth and its everywhere!
very similar thing happened to me years ago, they didnt assign me to important projects despite I pretty much insisted on and again they told me I didnt get enough experience, which is really weird, forget it, I am an internal audit manager and I live a balanced quality life now.
Thank you for your insights!!!
You are so welcome!
A similar thing is happening with my husband at a big 4 firm but he cant resign due to visa sponsorship. Sad life :(
oh no that is very unfortunate to hear! I am so sorry to hear that - I hope he can turn it around and make things better hopefully!
Thank you Sanjana for this video. I am international student and i am looking for new roles as well, where i can uplift. Recently i did quit my job due to the work environment. Your videos gives lot of strength and confidence :)
congrats on the big move.
Thank you!!! :)
This would help people who wants to work for the big four. Thanks for being honest!
Haha yep obviously it’s for Big 4 people to share what different experiences have been like :)
I am not in big4, i am working in a very well known consulting firm and what you said is 100%happening to me omg, i am looking for a job now, wish me luck.
Good luck! All the best!
what's the worst part of working in a consulting firm???It's vrazy because many people I know dreamt so much about it and I think they regret it withiut saying it out loud out of pride...but why?
Great Video and very helpful to current Big 4 employees. Maybe show us the resume you had at the time or what it was that made these recruiters want to hire you other than you having Big 4 work experience ? When did you start receiving messages from recruiters? Was it after one or two years or maybe after meeting the recruiters in person and growing your network ?
Thanks! The recruiters hired me because I was previously working at the bank I currently work at as part of a secondment back then. I started receiving messages from recruiters since day 1 of updating my profile to working at the Big 4 :)
Hello, thanks for the video it’s an eye opening for many people out there, what happened to you happens to many of us in other industries, for me I worked for the biggest oil services company in the world, I had a similar story, my job title was product engineer and I was supposed to work in the office, but they assigned to me field operations supervision work and sales , when end of year came they told me “ there is a room for improvement “ and they refused to give a promotion after 2 years of work because they thought I didn’t had enough experience in engineering.
Oh no! That is very frustrating! I feel for you! In that case, there is no point of staying - better off moving!
I just received a job offer at a big 4 in Tech Risk/ IT Audit for summer 2021. I majored in sociology so don’t have any auditing classes, is there something you would recommend I learn before starting? Reading books etc?
Congrats on securing a role! In terms of doing any study or research, I think it's not necessary as you will learn everything on the job. Tech risk is a little different and I don't have much knowledge in that field so sorry I won't be able to suggest anything! Good luck for your role!
11:20
I know this type of partners very well!!!! they didn't offer that promotion until you told them about your resignation. Good luck with your career!
How unfair! It has to take someone to resign before any changes can be made -.-
my friend's partner used to tell my friend... WE HAVE ALL THE GRAND PLANS LINE UP FOR YOU.... WHY DID YOU QUIT... PLS DON'T QUIT...
Behind the scenes during round tables: *this person is just doing all the small jobs*
Reality : *cleaning up all the shitty engagements so that partner can meet their fee earning KPI to buy their new posh car*
How to fill the resignation form. Plz help, I want to quit this company ASAP. Multinational Experience, Multiple Client Experience... And I honestly don't like this company. I want to quit. Please Help
Hi Sanjna. Thanks for another super candid video. Just wondering if this kind of sharing has ever got you a bad rep with KPMG, which could potentially hurt your career later down the track? I know you're in a very good position professionally but who knows what could happen...
Hey there, I'm not sure why it would get a bad rep? I have left the organisation and have only expressed my opinion and the experience I had. In fact, some of the things that I've mentioned should have been addressed and I feel like the firm should take what I've said and act on it. I don't plan on going back to work for the big 4, so I'm not entirely fussed :)
People grow only when they are in good books of the senior management. Unfortunately this is a harsh reality.
unfortunate!
This is such a great video! I work in deal advisory at KPMG in the US. A lot of things are really unfair at the big four! alot of pros and cons! I find it so strange how you work in consulting and yet they want you to be in office?? I feel like that's counterproductive to what consulting actually is lol. Glad you were able to find your way out! It's tough to leave the big four.
Thanks Ashley! haha yeahh very strange in deed, but alot of the time my jobs kept falling through so had to "show face" in the office lol to find more work. Super glad to have left the Big 4.
coming from an accounting/banking & finance fresh grad - wow this sounds so unfair, but i like how you were able to articulate this in a nicely spoken manner cause all of the "lack of relevant experience" that hindered you from getting promoted to being a senior consultant (which was ironically arranged by your former managers) just kinda sounds like they already decided on who was going to get promoted at the very beginning which is total bs, biased, and unjustified. sounds like a scenario where a) you can keep working in the firm until youre "qualified" to get promoted or b) get a new job
Yes definitely unfair, but it is what it is. I'm glad I left for bigger better opportunities. This is just my experience and I don't want it to deter from enjoying or making assumptions with your team, but rather make you alert and aware of the possibilities.
Hi,
You are glade you are out. I am happy for you. You were doing what you were assign. They should not hold you back on that and they told you Vag info. Did they put you into project and let you figure out on your own. And some time you have to finish someone job. You let me know. Thanks.
Hi sanjna.. what do risk advisory interns do on a daily basis? I’m going to start my risk advisory internship soon with deloitte..hope you can shed some lights on this :D
Does anyone have experience working within the IT Team at a big four like KPMG? I have received a job offer but my current employer has counter-offered me to stay.
Hi. Thanks for sharing. Aa a Consultant myself I understand the decision made through calibration. It'll be very hard to justify to promote you to a senior role without the experience. Even more how to they justify selling your services to a client without this experience? They are likely to receive negative feedback if you are unable to fulfil a senior consultants capabilities. Were it wasn't your fault was with the promise made to you. That should be recognised. Hey ho. You've moved upwards so well done you
Yeah but why was I made to work on secondment opportunities and not internal audit work. They should not have said it wouldn't affect my prospects in getting promoted. There was a lot of confusion and no clarity with what was happening. I suppose it all worked out in the end! Thankful for this experience to make me realise.
@@successbysanjna I've known consultants refuse engagements as it hasnt benefited them. You have to be selfish unfortunately and do what's right for you and your career. You can be pulled left to right in consultancy. But at the end of the day if you want promotion you have to clearly demonstrate with you meet the criteria. Not your fault and see you have good intentions
This is way to real, I think a lot of us feel the same way. Here in México is the same as you mentioned.
so unfortunate alot of us feel this way.
Got an offer today, but after thorough reflection, I'll let it go. Big 4 was my dream 4 years ago after graduating from college, but not anymore.
To each their path. Good luck to those going into big 4😊😊
Woww that's a big decision! Good on you for thinking it through and doing what you want :) Good luck with it!
I work in a big 4 firm and we have lost cool and bad ass employees because of this issue. Management is so messed up and the amount of miscommunication is disheartening. How do I survive, I do my work, get my pay check, and work 8 to 5. Not a second more. And this I tell managers before the engagement begins. I work 8 to 5. You have a double life, I have like a triple life 😂 and I have worked so hard salary is now more of side income. I literally don't give a sheet about the firm no more. I just remain there to get experience but literally, I don't allow to be pushed over so easily. And I am leaving soon, insha'llah.
Good on you!!! Thanks for sharing - you should definitely do what is right for you! Work life balance is far more important than slogging it away at some big firm where you are just a number. I wish you all the best and good luck with everything!
Hi there. Though didn't really work as an official consultant in big 4 - risk consulting, I've worked as a trainee for almost one year and now get my return offer for the position. Before watching your video, I thought that the entry salary was the only problem I need to concern about. But now it seems I got another problem, the performance review, which reflects the firm's politics... Anyways, thx for sharing and I'm glad I watched before I entered this firm.
Thanks for watching! I do want to say that it may be different in each country and each firm, so please do not let that discourage you in applying. You must make a decision for yourself to see if it is right for you :)
@@successbysanjna im also entering in one of the big 4 as a trainee in accounting part-time and full time during the summer, do you still recommend it for the perk of having it on my CV? Noticed the pay was less than average
This is the real world in many firms. But it looks like TH-cam prob generate more than those service days at this point.
hahhaha yeahh exactly!!!
Is Accenture the same as big 4 in the sense of burn out? I need to choose between Willis Towers Watson and Accenture 😩
Different countries will have different work ethics. I suggest asking someone on LinkedIn - someone in your division :)
I feel you, I worked for a FMCG company that starts with N and ends with E, I’m so glad I moved on. The headache, stress and the constant political bs and bullying was awful.
ahhhh! good to hear you moved on! No one deserves it honestly!
Lol I had the same experience at that company that starts with N and finishes with E 😂😂😂
KPMG applications open soon Australia wide. I am a big fan of work/life balance as well. My main question is, was it difficult to transition to a smaller firm after spending time at one of the biggest in the world?
I wouldn't say Westpac was a smaller firm, because it's one of Australia's big 4 banks. I never felt the culture shift between KPMG and Westpac - perhaps due to the clients I was working with at KPMG were also Australian :)
Oh nooo. I have to watch the video. I was just checking up on u girl.
All good! :)
Can I work with my 8 ACCA papers holding in the us if I will be international finance student of masters
Currently having a mental breakdown during busy season and thinking about quitting after only
being with the company a few months… it sucks.
awww keep your head high! It might just be a challenging time - perhaps try taking some leave if possible?
I have watched a variety of I left THE BIG 4 or The Truth, and the sugar coating is cute. I am thankful for videos like these. I have made my decision now.
Just remember before you make your decision, that different countries and different divisions have different work cultures :)
I currently work at EY as an apprentice and i was wondering how did you get offers on Linkdn? I would also like to leave after a few years to increase my pay bracket but im scared if my skills will not be transferable else where....how was it to transfer from audit to banking? Also does it work that they pay you more when you have no experience in banking?
Sorry for the 100 Qs loool
I think you need to build your profile on linkedin! It should be very well detailed and outlined all your previous work experience and tasks. I'm sure your skills would be transferrable if you're working in audit at EY. You can get into finance roles or even risk assurance type roles. Transferring was easy - I actually just did a video on banking vs big 4 consulting: th-cam.com/video/INJr2goUCbY/w-d-xo.html Yes offcourse it works! You would have experience in auditing which is fundamentally what you need. Banking is something that you can learn whilst on the job :)
@@successbysanjna thanks for the detailed response👍🏽
I have just started working in a Big 4 in India. Please suggest me anything that I should do to help me in my future . Any skills , degree or anything else that I should go for . Should I not continue here longer.
Hey Sanjna !
I was a big 4 (PwC) employee for 4 years.
My experience is same. From the day I resigned miracle happened.
I listened to the universe too.
Love and XOXO,
Sreeparna
Oh yayyy that is so good to hear! We must all do this :)
okay so this video came to me at the right time. i've been an risk management intern in kpmg mexico for 9 months now and 3 months ago my boss told me that they were planning on giving me a full time position but then the pandemic happened and it changed their plans, so i stayed because i REALLY wanted to work there, but lately i've been feeling like i'm stuck, and i'm not really learning anything new. i think i should look for other jobs like you. :)
I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I recommend reflecting on your position and see if there is something else you can apply for. Working in an environment like this isn't fair on you - you must take ownership and be accountable for your future, instead of waiting around for others to tell you what to do.
Can a acca part qualified will be able to work in big 4s? Will the payscale will be loww...i have heared tat salary is very low there..plz reply
Generally the entry level positions do pay quite low, but thats the case for most Big 4's - they are known to pay peanuts so yes this will be the case if you apply for an entry level position.
@@successbysanjna how low do you expect the salary to be for entry levels employees?
Big 4 is the same everywhere. No work life balance. The salary is not really good compared to your work. Long working hour.
At least my team is really great. I am from Technology consulting service line
I am in tech too, tech risk. Hate every moment of it.
@@AruSharma04 I see. I am still trying to overcome difficulties but not sure if I can get it together anymore
@@Nathandrake1997 I've been at it 2.5 years. It doesn't seem worth it to me. She's right, it's too much of proving yourself to people who aren't fit to be in higher management roles.
@@AruSharma04 yeah she is
I'm glad you have it good! It's not like that in a lot of places unfortunately.
I wish KPMG should have given you a chance to work on the specific domain where you wanted to show your expertise!!!
That's alright, I'm not complaining. I am actually glad that was the push from the universe to leave :) Bigger and better things did come my way :)
@@successbysanjna Absolutely agree with you, Sanjana!!
Very well relatable.
Thanks Anu!
Not sure I’d be upset if I was in your scenario. It was kinda obvious that it would be hard to promote you to a Sr. Consultant role when you have minimal Internal Audit experience. Good rule of thumb is to look out for yourself and make sure you are doing something that sets you up for your next role. I’m speaking from experience as I had many jobs over my career.
This is the very same reason I have put my resignation with KPMG India Today. No point of working with a firm with false promises. I have over 2.5 years of experience in kpmg.. but with no use for the hard work we put in before the caliberation meeting. too much toxicity.. politics.. favouritism..
Good on you! I support people like you who take a stand and make changes for themselves. Wish you all the best!
Thanks for sharing your story with us sajana.. I am also currently searching for job.. Can you give suggestions for me for applying for job..
Thanks! I suggest watching my video on applying for the Big 4 here: th-cam.com/video/TUOGNBU9PCo/w-d-xo.html
I quit McKinsey for the exact same reasons you mentioned here
oh woww - so sad to hear it happens almost everywhere!
Glad you were able to leave the big 4 the moment you decided you were ready to move on!
Proud of you girl 👧 🫶🏼
The lesson is: Put all agreements on paper and follow up with your seniors on their promises.
Thanks for this video. I’m in a similar boat with over 2 years experience at another b4 for risk consultant and promotions for mid-year is iffy right now due to ‘covid’. I feel like with my experience and time, I definitely should be at the next level now...the issue I run into is that I’m also with the firm doing my accounting designation and I’m not certified yet...so hesitant to leave atm even if I can’t get promoted 😔
I’m not qualified yet either :( but I really feel like I want to leave
Oh no that is tough for sure! I know so many people who have left because they just cannot work there anymore or have not been promoted. I think you must do what is right for you and what makes you feel most comfortable, regardless of finishing your certification, as these can usually be paid by your next employer too. Mental health and wellbeing is far more important.
Thank you. I need it. I work on the same service line on the same firm but here in the PH. Same thoughts. Very timely. Thank youu.
Glad it was helpful!
Hello Sanjna, do you need a CPA if you want to be a risk consultant? I will have my bachelor’s degree in Accounting but I don’t think I want to take the CPA, can I still become a risk consultant?
Hi Kanwal, please view my video about CA here: th-cam.com/video/-ULusq3aprw/w-d-xo.html
Kanwal,
CIA should be your focus. If you are doing IT risk consulting, try to get both the CIA and CISA. You don’t have to have a CPA but it’s something nice to have. Risk consulting work does satisfy the work experience requirement for the CPA. Having a CPA, CIA, and CISA would make you desirable in the job market and help you make either a partner or a CAE.
Great video. Could you tell me what type of camera you used for this video? Thank You
I use the Sony Alpha 300 :)
Hi. I’m a student in year 2 and will be doing internship next March. Do you have any certified certification such as ACCA and CPA?
No I do not - just have a Commerce degree in economics and commercial law :)
@@successbysanjna I see. Thanks for the info
Sanjana, are you a CPA? How's life for CPA's? Could you please highlight?
At my local firm we have a ‘work load manager’ who is in charge of giving work and making sure staff is not over loaded.
still load enough to send you to hosiptal..
oh lucky, we never had that :( Do you think it works well?
Work load manager is just an exercise, in the Big 4 I was working, we had performance leader who regularly asked for updates on work and life balance etc. But it doesn’t change the fact that, to progress you have to work you a**off, which some people can.
Finance professionals is a ruthless industry, for progression people will happily walk over your dead body. There is no room for emotions because at the end it’s the profit margin and productivity that matters.
successbysanjna Yes definitely. It was one person making sure we are at capacity and not at an over capacity. If we did become over capacity in workload we just had to tell him that we need some work to me reassign to someone who can pick it up (either staff, senior, manager or the partner themselves depending on the time). He was the one that dealt with the upper management on behalf of us. His job was created because at one point a staff had two of the biggest clients come at the same time and two partners were dueling it out on who she would prepare first which had put her in a stressful situation. Also it keeps staff from being as you coined “benched”.
Amir Firstly this is not at the big 4. It was at a mid size local firm. All the partners came from the big 4 and wanted to change the environment from it. Also the workload management job, I believe, to be different from a performance manager since he manages who gets assign/reassign work based on capacity of the staff (see above comment).
Usually how much increment will there be if you leave kpmg as a senior consultant (after 4yrs of experience) and get a bank manager role?
This depends on each country and role, but my salary doubled :)
Nice insights! :) So to sum up you were not promoted because you dont wanted to work extra hours, right? Was it a general problem in your service Line? How long was the working hour there on average?
Hey there, nah it wasn't about the extra hours, it was the projects that I was put on and the secondments I had to work on for extended periods of time (out of office) which lost my connection and presence within the office and to be seen! Working hours are generally 9-5:30 in internal audit :)
@@successbysanjna ok, thanks! The working hours seems to not more compered to other firm in internal audit :)
Sanjana I have a question, I am taking courses towards data analytics, fintech and python. How important these skills along with Power BI and advanced Excel are needed in your new job and did you need them in your past career along with ERPs like Sap and Sage 50.
Hi Farruhk! If you are taking courses in line with data analytics, then these are definitely not required within the risk space. I have never used such programs before. The only thing we use is excel and that too very basic levels of it. I suggest not taking these, as it will not be relevant for risk, and possibly do a risk management course if you want :)
@@successbysanjna hmmm thanks Sanjana, I am going to pursue a masters in Msc in Finance and Management in UK from Jan 21. I am ACCA qualified. I plan to pursue my finance career in UK. But I have a demotivation that I don't have any firm or big 4 experience. Although, I have 5 years industry experience. Well to the point I come back, yes I have modules regarding financial management and investment and portfolio analysis which I hope will help me to land a job in investment banking.
What are your thought about Assurance associate position in EY?
I assume it would be pretty similar, but I suggest speaking to someone who works there. Try LinkedIn stalking someone and reach out :)
I don’t understand why people die to get into BIG4! I mean yea it’s cool it’s a great fancy thing to show on your resume/cv but at what cost??
Many new companies are emerging, many new accountants are starting their own firm. I would rather choose those than big 4 because I feel those growing firms end up teaching you a lot more than big4. This way you get to do what you like and also you don’t have to tolerate all the big 4 drama.
It really depends. I think having to go through the Big4 allows you to build skills where I don't see getting built elsewhere and working with different clients. If you can tolerate the 2-3 years, then I think its worth it in the end and tbh, not everyone has a negative experience, some people thoroughly enjoy it.
Hi Sanjna, since you moved to Australia, how has it been? I'm currently working for EY in Audit and I'm planning to move to Australia in a couple of years myself.
haha I could say that I was pretty much born here. I moved overseas to New Zealand when I was 3 months old and then moved to Australia. Australia is great (non-bias) - there is an abundance of opportunities in terms of work. Highly recommend!
May I know how do you feel after leaving Big4? Do you regret it or not?
I'm also a consultant focus on HR in one of Big4. I am afraid if I would lost many things and opportunities if I resign but I'm totally tired and burnt-out with the work, we dont have work life balance at all and the competition kind of kill me haha.
No regrets at all! I lived a much happier life afterwards. Have you decided to look elsewhere, outside of the Big4?
Big 4 doing a lot of internal changes, in last few years many points were not taken care of
I sure hope they're making changes! It would mean a better environment for everyone :)
Hey sanjana are you there on LinkedIn would really like to connect
Hey there - yes I am :)
That's cool can you plz mention the name so that I can connect
I was hired for something else, doing lot of something else and probably will get next job something else 😂.. that’s how big 4 environment is.. gives lot of exposure initially but yeahh at some point of time we have to find our way out for something really specific in terms of career building 😊 Sanjana, you have always been fantastic in communicating the facts .. keep it up .. way to go✌️
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Devanshu!
Hi Sanjna, I have following your content and am learning a lot from you. I am currently an external audit associate at KPMG. I want to shift to internal audit and I have received a vacancy from PWC in the risk advisory. How would you advise me on this?. Is internal audit just like external audit? Is it as stressful as external audit?
I would say 100% go for internal audit - it is more consulting type of work and I feel the scope is greater for employment opportunities! Also congrats!
@@successbysanjna
Thanks for that, what about the working hours, is risk advisory more flexible than external audit?
Which KPMG location was this
Sydney :)
2.5 years is so fast to get into a senior position or?? In my industry it would take 5+ years :/
oh really? it must be different in each country/division?!
This is quite normal. In the big 4 they put people out on secondments when they do not want to promote them. Sorry to hear that.
Well then I should have been told that because I was told otherwise unfortunately. Why waste someone's time and promise them something else?
@@successbysanjna exactly my point.
you dont have to worry about bench time and chargability now
It's still a thing at the Big 4. It has't gone away.
just list the main points to give a high level summary
Might be super indiscreet, but what his your year salary now in your current job?
haha over $100K AUD :)
You made the right the decision, this is the first time I’m tuning into your channel. What is your education background? I think working in Government would have benefitted you more…
I've studied commerce and economics :) haha perhaps!
I work for KPMG Jamaica 🇯🇲
That's awesome and how do you find it?
I went into compliance as an vacationer and god please. Everyone avoid risk assurance. if ur a numbers person just trust me and dont put any risk stuff under ur preferences
Unless u like regulatory, legally, and lengthy wordy stuff then be my guest
Having to kiss ass just to get more projects to work on so u avoid low utilization is pretty sad. U dont just work there, u fight to work …