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Welcome back to our continuing coverage of Big 4 interview questions. If you haven’t read part one yet you can do so here. Job seekers who are looking to break into a Big 4 firm will undoubtedly face tough interview questions, but with some preparation and the right approach, acing the interview is totally doable. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover, so let’s get right into it.
“Tell me about a time you struggled with something.”
The purpose of this question is to gauge how you handle challenges, solve problems, and stay resilient under pressure. As always, here’s an example of a bad answer:
“I once had a really hard test. It was tough, but I passed.”
Don’t expect to dazzle the hiring manager with an answer like the one above. It reveals almost nothing about the problem and fails to describe the steps that were taken to overcome it. Aside from that, it’s not very impressive at all. Instead, try something like this:
“During my internship, I struggled with balancing multiple projects with tight deadlines. I started using a prioritization framework and productivity tools, which helped me manage my workload more efficiently.”
“What sets you apart from other candidates?”
Big 4 firms receive thousands of applications for each role, so interviewers want to know what makes you unique. This is your chance to highlight your skills, experiences, and qualities that differentiate you from others. Don’t answer like this:
“I’m hardworking and a fast learner.”
This answer is extremely vague, and the hiring manager is likely to hear this response multiple, multiple times. To stand out, take a different approach and try something like this:
“I have a strong background in financial analysis, but what sets me apart is my ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights for clients. During my internship at [Company Name], I worked on a financial forecasting model that helped a client reduce costs by 15%. I also enjoy mentoring, and I led a training session for new interns on financial modeling best practices.”
“What is your career trajectory in the future?”
The interviewer will ask this question to determine your level of commitment to long-term career growth. It also allows them to assess your ambition and alignment with the firm’s opportunities. Check out this example of a bad answer:
“I’m not sure yet. I just want a good job.”
If thoughtfulness was a field of daisies, this answer would be a desert. It shows a lack of future planning and commitment and can even make a candidate seem careless or lazy. Instead, answer with something like this:
“In the next few years, I aim to develop my expertise in audit and advisory services, working with clients in the financial sector. My long-term goal is to become a senior manager or partner, contributing to the firm’s strategic growth. I’m particularly interested in how emerging technologies like AI and blockchain are transforming accounting and risk management.”
“Why did you choose the geographical location of the office you applied to?”
This question is a bit unique. Its purpose is to determine whether a candidate is committed to their chosen office location, and that they’re not planning on leaving quickly for another city (or state or country). Here is an example of a bad answer to this question:
“I just applied here because it’s close to my house.”
This answer demonstrates a lack of motivation and long-term planning, and not much else. If you want to impress the hiring manager, you’ll need to rely on your research. Check out this example of a good answer:
“I chose this office because it’s a financial hub with strong connections to fintech and private equity firms, which align with my career interests. Additionally, I have family here, and I’ve built a strong network through university alumni and previous internships, making it the ideal place for my professional growth.”
“How would you approach implementing data governance and privacy policies in your data pipelines?”
This question’s got all kinds of technical stuff going on. The goal here is to assess your knowledge of data security, regulatory compliance, and strategic thinking, especially in consulting, risk management, and IT or audit roles. Make sure you don’t answer like this:
“I’d make sure data is secure and follow company policies.”
Now, this one is a little trickier. It’s not a terrible answer, but it’s generic and lacks the technical depth the interviewer is looking for. Try something like this:
“I would start by identifying the relevant compliance frameworks or industry-specific regulations. Then, I’d ensure that data is classified based on sensitivity and implement access controls accordingly. I would also establish encryption protocols for data storage and transmission, conduct regular audits, and create employee training programs to ensure compliance.”
“I see you’re studying [Name of Course]. Can you briefly explain what it is about?”
This question assesses your ability to communicate complex topics in a clear and concise way— a crucial skill in client-facing roles at Big 4 firms. Check out this example of a bad answer:
“It’s just a business course.”
This answer comes off as dismissive, vague, and possibly lazy. Here, you really want to go into detail and show how your experiences translate to the workplace. Here’s how you should answer:
“I’m currently studying financial forensics, which focuses on detecting and preventing financial fraud. We analyze financial statements for irregularities, apply forensic accounting techniques, and study legal frameworks. The coursework has strengthened my analytical skills and deepened my understanding of compliance and risk management.”
“What are your goals?”
This question helps interviewers understand whether your aspirations align with what the company at hand can offer. They’re looking for candidates who have a vision for their career and are motivated to succeed. With that in mind, here’s the bad answer:
“I just want a stable job with good pay.”
A lack of ambition or any attempt to align with the firm’s long-term opportunities won’t get your foot in the door, to say the least. This is your opportunity to share your long-term and short-term plans, and how your goals can help you and the firm succeed. Here’s an example of a good answer:
“My short-term goal is to gain hands-on experience in audit and advisory, working with clients across different industries. Over the next five years, I aim to develop expertise in risk management and obtain my CPA or CFA certification. My ultimate goal is to take on leadership roles where I can mentor junior colleagues and drive strategic initiatives within the firm.”
If you're a job seeker and you're interested in a career with a Big 4 firm (or any accounting firm), preparation is key. Consider conducting practice interviews and running through these questions with a friend or family member. Once you know what kind of answers the interviewer is looking for and you can confidently draw connections to your own experiences, you'll be well on your way to a great career.
Rob Porter is an editor at Vault.
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