- The debate between Big 4 and mid-sized CA firms for articleship has been a common topic of discussion among CA students.
- But given your goals and area of interest, it is essential to choose the right firm wisely.
- CA Azfar Khan, a Youtuber and former Risk Management Consultant at RSM US, briefly compares the two.
Brand Value
- Big four firms have a global presence and are well-regarded for their quality of work. This enhances the candidates’ brand value.
- Mid-sized firms may not have the same brand value as the Big 4, which could affect the candidates’ first job prospects.
Exposure
- Although Big four firms handle more significant projects, candidates would only get exposure to a specific domain.
- In contrast, mid-sized firms offer exposure across various domains and clients.
Stipend
- Big four firms offer stipends ranging from INR12k-20k.
- Certain mid-sized firms provide an average stipend of INR 6k-7k. Some firms also adhere to the stipend limits defined by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), which range from INR 2k-2.5k.
Flexibility
- Mid-sized firms offer more flexibility than Big 4 firms in areas such as leave approvals, working hours, and the possibility of switching domains.
Grooming
- Big Four firms provide structured training programs. Being corporate setups, they assist candidates in developing their personalities and improving their communication skills.
- In contrast, mid-sized firms offer fewer opportunities for such development.
Mobility
- One of the challenges with pursuing your articles at Big four firms is their limited presence in India. They are only in tier-1 cities such as Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune.
- On the other hand, you can find reputable mid-sized firms in many cities; however, they may not be available in smaller towns.
Workload
- Typically, candidates at Big 4 firms must work long hours, including weekends, which can present challenges.
- Mid-sized firms generally offer a better work-life balance than Big 4 firms.
Career Opportunities
- Big Four firms provide a more significant opportunity for fresher CAs to be hired by top companies offering competitive salary packages.
- However, if you complete your articleship at a mid-sized firm, you may need to compromise on the initial salary package.
Conclusion
If you are certain about starting your career as a professional or have already developed an interest in a specific domain, opting for a Big 4 firm would be a better option.
But if you intend to pursue independent practice after completing the CA qualification or are open to exploring various domains, then choosing a mid-sized firm for articleship would be wiser.
Ultimately, Big 4 and mid-sized firms offer their advantages and disadvantages for articleship. The decision ultimately depends on the candidate’s preferences and goals.
However, regardless of the choices made, it is essential to remain open to taking on challenges and continuously upskilling yourself to thrive in this profession.
Here is a detailed video on this topic – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5fxBcIkA70
