PwC or EY for tax consulting? (1 Viewer)

[Suvat]

Hey guys,

I've decided I want to become a tax consultant, although not certain which area yet. Been fortunate enough to receive a couple of graduate offers and have pretty much narrowed it down to PwC and EY. Reasons are that these two are the only big 4 ranked "top tier" in ITR's Australian rankings for both 2006 and 2007. They are also the only firms to offer rotation programs in tax. Not much difference between the salaries and that's not my primary concern anyway.

PwC
Pros
Largest big 4 in both Aus and worldwide
Prestige factor
3 x 4 month rotations - can begin to specialise in 2nd yr
Offering a rotation in transfer pricing, an area which I'm interested in experiencing

Cons
Office layout not the best: cubicles surrounded by partner's offices, kitchen next to photocopier etc...
Building not in the best location
Arguably more competitive in climbing the corporate ladder

EY
Pros
More collegial "people first" culture
Corporate tax consulting team is not regimented into industries - can experience working across different industries
Nicer building in better location
Better office layout: open plan, plebs get the views, larger kitchens with proper dining tables, gym in building etc

Cons
3-4 x 12 month rotations, will not begin to specialise until later.
Transfer pricing does not participate in rotation program (although not a dealbreaker)
Only 3rd biggest big 4 worldwide

After going through the recruiting for both, I felt more comfortable at EY, although it shouldn't be too difficult to get used to the culture at PwC.

Any thoughts?

 

[§eraphim]

Congrats. I would pick EY. Of the two, who manages more/biggest clients?

 

[Suvat]

I don't think there's much to separate the two in terms of clients, both have an extensive blue chip client base.

 

[ifsonotso_100]

I don't think there's much to separate the two in terms of clients, both have an extensive blue chip client base.

have u had the cocktail/drinks thing they hold- use that as a guide ie: speak to everyone u can at both firms and use that as an indicator. though looks like u liked ey more- seemed to have more pros than pwc in ur situation so probably go with that.

 

[Vagabond]

Better location at EY?

They need security guards outside the building after hours ...

I don't think you can beat cockle bay wharf... but thats me.. ^_^

 

[velox]

If you have any specific questions about the job suvat, pm me, my brother was a tax consultant before.

Good to see High boys progressing

 

[Minai]

I don't have any advice on tax specifically, but on a firm as a whole, the best way is to go to where you would feel most comfortable working at (considering pay and client base is similar). If your gut feeling says EY would be a better place to work, then go with that

And its not the end of the world, if you end up hating EY, you could always move across to PwC as an experienced hire down the track