How do I get articleship at a Big Four CA firm?

Securing an internship at one of the big four CA firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG) is highly competitive, yet it is possible to achieve with the right attitude. Below are the steps and tips that will help you better your chances:

 

1. Academic Excellence

Strong Academic Record: Keep a high academic score in your CA exams. The marks you get for IPCC (Intermediate) are very important as they show how well you understand the main subjects.

Rank Holders: Being a rank holder increases your chances of being noticed by the Big Four.

 

2. Early Preparation

Start Early: Begin preparing for this application process much before intermediate results are declared. Find out about deadlines and requirements for each firm’s application.

 

3. Build a Strong Resume

Professional Resume: Make sure to have a professional and detailed resume showcasing all your academic achievements, relevant skills and work experience.

Certifications and Courses: Get more certifications or undertake online courses related to finance, accounting or any software such as Excel, SAP etc.

 

4. The Process of Application

Online Applications: Through the job portals of the big four, apply. Make sure one keeps track of the deadlines and presents all required documents.

College Placements: If your college has a placement cell, then you can make use of it. Several big four firms hire directly from universities that have good commerce and accounting schools.

 

5. Networking

Utilize Connections: Use your connections to get referrals. Reach out to alumni, family friends or people you know working in big four companies.

LinkedIn: Have a strong LinkedIn profile page with an existing network with active employees from the Company Name Companies (UCLT). Participate in their posts and discussions to be noticed.

 

6. Get Ready for an Interview

Mock Interviews: Another technique is to practice mock interviews so that you will be conversant with the format and question types that can be asked during such interviews.

Technical Knowledge: You should be well acquainted with your CA subjects especially subjects like Accounting standards, Auditing principles and taxation laws.

Current Affairs: Stay updated about developments occurring in finance as well as accounting sectors.

 

7. Internships and Work Experience

Relevant Internships : To enhance their resumes and real life experiences; students may gain experience by doing internships or working part-time jobs in smaller bookkeeping practices.

Extra-Curricular Activities : Involve yourself in case competitions, finance clubs among other relevant extracurricular activities

 

8. Soft Skills

Communication Skills: Work on your communication skills, they are essential when dealing with clients and team members.

Problem-Solving Abilities: Give examples of how you applied analytical and problem-solving competences in your resume and interviews.

 

9. Follow Up

Professional Follow-Up: After you have submitted an application or attended an interview, consider writing a polite follow-up email to emphasize your interest again and express gratitude to the interviewers for their time.

 

10. Be Persistent

Don't Give Up: If at first, it does not happen. Do not despair. Get feedback, develop your skills further, apply again.

 

 Additional Tips

Attend Career Fairs: Attend career fairs organized by ICAI or other professional bodies which may draw the big four firms.

Personal Projects: Engage in personal finance or accounting projects as evidence of self-motivation and love for this domain.

 

By following these steps you can increase your chances of getting articleship in Big Four Firm(s) and start up on path towards becoming a successful chartered accountant or financial analyst in future.