Dear Sir,
I got to know you through Nairaland. I have read several of your answers to people’s questions on Nairaland, and I do see people referring others to you for answers to their tough questions. I have also read many posts on your blog, which I just stumbled upon.
Someone on Nairaland advised that when I complete my ICAN, and return to Nigeria, I should apply to any of the Big Four as a qualified trainee. He says that it is very easy to get. The truth sir, is that I applied for Graduate Trainee with KPMG. I passed the test but I failed at Assessment Centre stage. I also applied to Pwc, but I failed their online test. Akintola Williams Deloitte recruits only chartered accountants or CFA level II. I am not very familiar with EY’s recruitment.
Sir, please do you think the person is right, that I can easily get into any of the Big Four by following the qualified trainee route? I will love to have your opinion about this issue sir.
Thank you so much sir.
Best regards,
Jide
***
Dear Jide,
When people say
Big 4 is easier, it doesn’t mean their recruitment process is a walk in the park. What it means are:
- Your course of study doesn’t matter once you have a 2.1
- Their recruitment process is largely, probably absolutely, merit-driven
- They recruit almost every year
- They recruit entry level almost more than any company
- There are a lot of information out there on their recruitment processes
The above means their tent is broad – especially the non-discrimination with respect to course – and any graduate with above-average smartness should be able to scale their processes.
So, no matter your grade and school and other qualifications, you still need to work hard to beat the competition. Your qualifications only get you their invite, not the job. Test taking and probably interview and
assessment center are a different ball game.
I guess you didn’t prepare well enough for the KPMG
Assessment Center as it should not be so hard. We have prepared many candidates for the KPMG Assessment in the last 3 years and all but 1 passed (success rate of more than 90%). You may want to try our
Mock Assessment Center for preparation when next you have the opportunity.
It’s not good news that you flunked KPMG and PwC job opportunities, but I think you only need to work hard. You may have another opportunity when you return from UK for your master’s and complete your ICAN, but these qualifications won’t change anything if you don’t prepare well for their test when given another chance.
On Deloitte taking only ICAN qualified candidates, it is not true. Deloitte invites graduates irrespective of discipline and subjects all of you to same process.
Ditto for
Ernst & Young. They also advertise Graduate Trainee positions, shortlist for test and interviews etc. You just need to be on the look out for them. Monitor their social media channels, websites, as well as job sites.
In conclusion, a Big 4 will not give you job based only on your qualifications if you don’t do well in their recruitment process. So your friend is both right and wrong – right because Big 4 have broader recruitment tent and can accommodate many smart young graduates, wrong because it is not a stroll in the park for anyone without adequate preparation.
I wish you all the best.
Jarus
UPDATE: We have crated
this course to help candidates targeting Big 4 to prepare
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good day sir..
I came across your Site today while trying to find solutions to my dilemma.Great and inspiring site here sir..
am a 23yr old graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, estate management, almost done with service but I finished with a 2’2.now the issue is what career to fit in.. currently working as a customer service representative contract staff with Mtn Nigeria .. which I enjoy doing(although a bit challenging).. have always wanted working as an investment banker… but with my 2’2…I honestly do not know what to do
Your reply would be really appreciated . thanks
See this article: https://www.jarushub.com/with-my-22-how-can-i-break-into-investment-banking-industry/
Good day, I applied for EY graduate trainee program. What is EY Nigeria recruitment process like? How many stages are there and what are they like?
Test – assessment center – interview
Hi, I am graduate of Biochemistry from Ebonyi State University, I have always wanted to join kpmg as a graduate trainee eversince I heard of it.
So I applied and started the recruitment process. Aptitude test was successful, BAT was successful still, I did my documentation, went for assessment centre. I didn’t get a success/regret mail after AC, but was actually invited for a Partner Interview, which was successful.
I was then invited for an interview with the head of audit division and it was Unsuccessful. From my end, i was a bit nervous as i arrived the venue late due to traffic congestion, but i felt i had landed the only job i ever wanted. Now I’m shattered, trying to pick up and start afresh.Please sir What do you think went wrong after coming that close to landing the job?.
What can I do to improve on me, as I clock 26 in less than a month, which the age limit for most great jobs. Thanks
Sorry for the late response. Pls see response here.
https://www.jarushub.com/kpmg-recruitment-final-stage/
Good day sir. Please I would love you to advice me. I’m currently a student of University of Nigeria, studying accounting. Recently our transcript of 1st,2nd,3rd year was handed to us and my CGPA is currently 3.3. We have written our final year 1st semester exams remaining the 2nd semester to go. Do you know if I can still make it our with 2.1 and what is the first thing one can do if he/she leaves school with 2.2
I have always wanted to work in any of the big 4. Is there any chance? I am currently 28yrs
To stand a chance of Big 4, you need to make a 2.1
With a current CGPA of 3.3, you need to make B minimum in all your courses in final year. Target A in all, but if you land in B, not bad, you can still raise it to 2.2.
Its my dream to work with kpmg, I have been looking for this opportunity, I wrote the aptitude test and scaled tru, and expecting BAT. I seriously don’t want to play with this opportunity n rily want to scale thru the whole process. I need your help please.
Hello sir,
I would love to work for 1 of the big fours but the problem I am having is my age, I am 29 years old. I graduated in 2019 with first class in Accounting and served in 2020. I am currently at the Professional level (ICAN) and I am sure I will pass all by May with the level of preparation I have put in.
I have seen KPMG and PWC job adverts and both have an age limit of 26. What would you advise, sir?
Should I zero my mind on the big 4 and work with any opportunity that comes my way?
Thanks in anticipation.