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What are the most sought out technical skills for business majors?
College Junior who is interested in working for a big 4 accounting firm.
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9 answers
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Molly’s Answer
Hello Alejandro!
This is a great question. As Sara mentioned, I would definitely recommend staying educated on anything Microsoft related. Whether this be Excel, Powerpoint, Word, Tableau, etc; these are highly beneficial necessities when utilizing a career in Accounting. As well, I would even recommend to learn a new language. Being multilingual in several languages will help in the long run as you have more and more conversations with customers, clients, etc whom their native language may not be English.
Additionally, I would recommend making as many connections as possible. The more people you know and communicate with, the more it will be beneficial in the long run for job hunting and further career growth.
I hope this helped and thank you!
Molly H.
This is a great question. As Sara mentioned, I would definitely recommend staying educated on anything Microsoft related. Whether this be Excel, Powerpoint, Word, Tableau, etc; these are highly beneficial necessities when utilizing a career in Accounting. As well, I would even recommend to learn a new language. Being multilingual in several languages will help in the long run as you have more and more conversations with customers, clients, etc whom their native language may not be English.
Additionally, I would recommend making as many connections as possible. The more people you know and communicate with, the more it will be beneficial in the long run for job hunting and further career growth.
I hope this helped and thank you!
Molly H.
Thank you, Molly for the advice. I never really factored in the importance of networking to land a job with the Big 4.
Alejandro
Updated
Sara’s Answer
Hi there! I would definitely recommend brushing up your skills on any Microsoft Office platforms such as PowerPoint, Excel, etc. and Tableau as well. Many companies are implementing these types of technologies in their everyday business, so having strong skills in these fields will make you stand out. It also does not hurt to learn a programming language such as Python, there is most likely a class at your university offered for business majors to help you understand the basics. Increasing your technical skills and being computer proficient are traits that companies today are looking for when hiring potential candidates.
Thank you so much Sara! I will definitely research the different programs my college offers.
Alejandro
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Harry’s Answer
Hello Alejandro. Your initial years at the big 4 will mostly involve routine tasks. You'll be performing fundamental confirmation work, such as ensuring company policies are adhered to, monitoring financial activities for correct documentation, and preventing fraud. While it may not be thrilling, it provides a solid understanding of business basics.
You'll also get the chance to explore various industries, which can be quite fascinating. Your auditing assignments could range from a dental firm, a manufacturing unit, an insurance provider, to a pet food manufacturer, either small-scale or large-scale, based on the engagement contract.
The key point here is that this role requires a diverse skill set, not just technical abilities. You need to have a keen eye for detail and the capacity to delve into the nitty-gritty. Don't feel disheartened, as this is where all novice auditors begin.
You'll also get the chance to explore various industries, which can be quite fascinating. Your auditing assignments could range from a dental firm, a manufacturing unit, an insurance provider, to a pet food manufacturer, either small-scale or large-scale, based on the engagement contract.
The key point here is that this role requires a diverse skill set, not just technical abilities. You need to have a keen eye for detail and the capacity to delve into the nitty-gritty. Don't feel disheartened, as this is where all novice auditors begin.
Thank you Harry for the advice! I needed this insight to temper my expectations of what it will be like working for one of the big 4.
Alejandro
Thanks Alejandro. There are other options instead of the Big 4 if you want to continue a conversation.
Harry Clapeck
Updated
Juan’s Answer
Hello Alejandro,
I would say that virtually in all of the first jobs that you take coming out of business school, specially in big corporations will not be very technical. Obviously, they are looking for some level of finance/accounting etc, but you are not expected to take decisions based on your college knowledge. Nevertheless, this is not to say you need nothing at all, I would say a decent level of Microsoft 365 tools, good attention to detail, proactivity, enthusiasm and overall diligence are very good traits. Those are the fundamentals on which you will build your accounting specific expertise.
I would say that virtually in all of the first jobs that you take coming out of business school, specially in big corporations will not be very technical. Obviously, they are looking for some level of finance/accounting etc, but you are not expected to take decisions based on your college knowledge. Nevertheless, this is not to say you need nothing at all, I would say a decent level of Microsoft 365 tools, good attention to detail, proactivity, enthusiasm and overall diligence are very good traits. Those are the fundamentals on which you will build your accounting specific expertise.
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PwC’s Answer
Focus on enhancing your Excel skills, especially formatting, as it's beneficial for any job.
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Matthew’s Answer
Hey Alejandro! In my experience being recruited at PwC for auditing, the main barrier to entry is we only hire candidates who have 150 hours and are eligible to sit for the CPA. They assume you have the technical skills if you have an accounting minor or major. We have 2 behavioral interviews, but no technical interviews. You can only get an internship if you will have 150 hours next year.
Awesome that you want to work at a Big 4! It's a great job and a fun life.
Awesome that you want to work at a Big 4! It's a great job and a fun life.
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Jenna’s Answer
Hello! I would recommend being somewhat proficient in excel and having great communicaiton skills and attention to detail. Things may have changed since then, but when I started in accounting 10 years ago they didn't expect you to know too much. The big 4 understand that you are just coming out of school and will teach you what you need to know. In my opinion, above a certain baseline GPA, they just want to know that you are hardworking, have a great attitude, and have potential / are willing to learn.
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Peter’s Answer
Communication and being able to connect with people is very important too, so do not under estimate the importance of soft skills.