BIG 4 EARLY PROMOTION | How To Achieve Manager In 4 Years (PwC, KPMG, EY, Deloitte)

[@JamesAlberts]

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[@GGxfireKeyz]

1 minute in and I totally agree that high flyers add value to the firm as individuals. One person at my firm has just made director at a young age because they are such a big player in their particular industry, and they appear in firm-wide conferences, training, webinars and have a considerable amount of volunteering experience in their industry

[@JamesAlberts]

I know someone similar - any chance it's in the charity/third sector? 👀

[@GGxfireKeyz]

Yep, and partner very recently ;)

[@marg8315]

I wish I had this video to watch when I started in pwc audit 10 years ago. I for one didn’t get early promoted (but no one made manager in just 4 years in NYC either). I did 6 years to become a manager (oppose to 5 years as early promotion for pwc US in the past) even tho I was super smart and responsible and hard working. Unfortunately, just like any other big companies, politics is important. I was a little bit unlucky (got staffed on the wrong jobs to get early promotion) and I didn’t play the politics at all (which I should have. Finding a sponsor is really important). However, I’m still grateful for my time at pwc because without that training, I wouldn’t have become who I am today. Today outside of housing and necessities, the amount I’m able to save post tax is already > what I made as a senior manager in audit in a year before tax. That 10k pre tax diff in total annual comp from early promotion, that I dearly cared so much, now seems so silly lollll

[@mindsetlab1265]

Great tips James. Definitely agree being great at your day job isn’t enough. You need to add wider value and work smart!

[@JamesAlberts]

Thanks Rachel, 100% agree!

[@petrolpoodle]

Absolutely loving the new lighting setup, worth the effort pal!

[@JamesAlberts]

Thanks Petrol Poodle - I'm glad you enjoyed it! If you're after more content, I’ve just launched my new website/newsletter which will be packed full with even more insider tips and knowledge. I've also opened up my diary if you had any questions you wanted to talk about over a video call. Check it out 👉 www.jsalberts.com/

[@matthiasrambally1899]

I think the best way to move up is to be able to communicate clearly

[@JamesAlberts]

Do you have any questions about the promotion process at the BIG 4? Let me know below!

[@DivingDeveloper]

Very useful, James! If I were starting out again, your tips would be most useful! Particularly the part about working collaboratively with the client. There’s a saying amongst consultants, ‘Why solve a problem when there is plenty of money to be made by prolonging it’! :)

[@JamesAlberts]

Thanks Mike, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Love that saying ;)

[@wisalabughalia555]

Thanks!

[@ebrahimshahshajehan6156]

Great Video! Really want to see a video on how to ace an Audit internship at big 4 and get promoted to a full time associate

[@mayuresh1704]

Very good content and presentation! And by the way, congratulations on the early promotion!

[@JamesAlberts]

Glad you enjoyed it, Mayuresh!

[@martamontreal9760]

Sharing this content is important, I'm currently trying to get higher position in Canada (moved from Poland here 5 years ago) and these highlights are true 👍

[@JamesAlberts]

Thanks Marta, I'm glad you enjoyed it - are there any other tips you'd add?

[@martamontreal9760]

@@JamesAlberts no so far I'm agree with you, once I have something interesting to share I'll come back to post it here. Nice afternoon everyone

[@markdepow]

Great video James! I agree with your advice whole heartedly. I'm an accountant in Canada. Cheers! - Mark

[@JamesAlberts]

Glad you enjoyed it Mark! Are there any other hints or tips you'd add?

[@davosrwilliams1015]

Good video as an 'add-on' to the first year video. Thank you for sharing.

[@JamesAlberts]

Thanks Davos - appreciate that!

[@MrCantthinkofaname10]

Just got to EY in May as a senior 3 consultant, I am already doing project management. Hoping I can be a manager before 2024!

[@JamesAlberts]

I'm sure you'll smash it, Daniel! Happy to help if you need any advice - feel free to message me on Twitter or LinkedIn

[@thedon1684]

Hi! How to secure a promotion from Manager to a Senior Manager? Great if you can create a short video about it. Thank you!

[@tinayang5342]

congrats on the early promotion!

[@JamesAlberts]

Thanks Tina, but, I left the company in the end for a new role (video coming soon on that!). Do you work at one of the big 4? If you're after more content, I’ve just launched my new website/newsletter which will be packed full with even more insider tips and knowledge. I've also opened up my diary if you had any questions you wanted to talk about over a video call. Check it out 👉 www.jsalberts.com/

[@richardmarkust9043]

Another banger, thank you, when is the exams video coming?

[@JamesAlberts]

Thanks Richard! The exam video is the next to be released so it will be in the next week.

[@chrisuren9811]

Really great video! I'm just a bit confused about the "quantifiable feedback" part - are you saying we should ask for quantifiable feedback from our managers? Thanks again!

[@mjolnir1981]

I find it funny how many of these videos there are on YT. The reality is you have to do pretty much nothing to go from grad to manager. It is just natural progression. The journey starts when you are chasing a promo to SM, D and Partner. That is what the videos should focus on…

[@JamesAlberts]

Not 100% true. If you stayed at BIG 4 and worked for 5/6 years you’ll make Manager easy. This video (and the title gives it away) it how to make Manager early (in 4 years).

[@markhill7273]

Extremely useful advice, thank you

[@JamesAlberts]

Thanks Mark, glad you enjoyed it! If you're after more content, I’ve just launched my new website/newsletter which will be packed full with even more insider tips and knowledge. I've also opened up my diary if you had any questions you wanted to talk about over a video call. Check it out 👉 www.jsalberts.com/

[@beth6895]

Useful tips, thank you

[@JamesAlberts]

Thanks Beth, glad you enjoyed it. If you're after more content, I’ve just launched my new website/newsletter which will be packed full with even more insider tips and knowledge. I've also opened up my diary if you had any questions you wanted to talk about over a video call. Check it out 👉 www.jsalberts.com/

[@congyiwang5757]

Great content! Thanks for sharing

[@JamesAlberts]

Glad you enjoyed it, Jane! Any other videos you'd like to see?

[@jd0879]

Thanks but no thanks. I’m okay doing the bare minimum and getting promoted in normal time than burning out

[@JamesAlberts]

On reflection, I agree with you!

[@harishrallabandi4263]

Thanks a million 🙌🏻

[@JamesAlberts]

No worries, Harish. I'm glad you enjoyed the content.

[@Charlie0311]

Hey, how different are the graduate salaries in accounting, consulting etc at the big 4? Would someone in a certain part of the business earn a lot more than someone else in a different area? Keep up the good content 👍

[@JamesAlberts]

Great question - typically the audit/assurance department have lower salaries and bonuses compared to other more profitable areas such as consulting or corporate finance. The compensation can be up to 20% higher! If you're after more content, I’ve just launched my new website/newsletter which will be packed full with even more insider tips and knowledge. I've also opened up my diary if you had any questions you wanted to talk about over a video call. Check it out 👉 www.jsalberts.com/

[@finejustgivemeaname]

Also worth noting, Consulting practice will not allow you to make MGR in 3.5 years. Goes, analyst - consultant - sr. Consultant - manager. Usually 2 years at each level. I think 3 at SC. Although MGR in 5 is possible, but very unusual. (Deloitte - other firms may be different).

[@Explore-MotherEarth]

Great content James, can you explain growth aspect with Deal Advisory & Strategy Business and any tips to ace in the profile Starting from Associate Consultant level..Thanks in Advance.

[@prodig1389]

thankyou for this video sir

[@JamesAlberts]

Most welcome

[@Accounting_training]

Perrfect 👌

[@JamesAlberts]

Glad you enjoyed it mate! Let me know if you have any questions or other content you'd like to see!

[@Accounting_training]

@@JamesAlberts you have covered many topics and all helped me alot , my request is what are the things which can really put our career in trouble... Like having a gap year, leaving previous jobs without notice or switching from industries to big4 ..

[@thefirstrule7041]

good content 👍🏻

[@JamesAlberts]

Thank you 🙌

[@mawandeisaac]

What a useful and informative channel ❤️💫🥇 I see this channel growing and reaching 100 thousands of subscribers 🤞❤ even someone who isn't in the corporate space would be interested to listen 💫🙂

[@ciaranselva]

Great videos, ive recently been offered a Assistant Manager role in a big 4 firm in a Tax Dept, is the difference in culture that great? and are the staff really ruthless with a step over the body sort of mind sets?

[@andresdominguez1078]

3 and a half years, but what was your starting point, i mean you started as an staff or as a senior?

[@JamesAlberts]

I started as a graduate.

[@Luna-oq8cy]

How much do audit managers earn?

[@tunglamle5955]

Character In the video It's great, I like it a lot $$

[@JamesAlberts]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SohaibAshraf]

Only see facts✍️✍️✍️

[@JamesAlberts]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it. Looking forward to your next one!

[@tehgamist7139]

Would you say exam performance is largely irrelevant to progression then? Someone can be the top of the class but unless they work on real day to day skills they get stuck. I think for most people I’ve spoken to (new joiners) - exams seem to be their sole focus. Obviously you want to do well, but from what you say getting involved in events and projects is equal if not more important. I guess trying to implement these habits day one you can’t go wrong. Thanks for yet another helpful video.

[@JamesAlberts]

Getting top marks in exams won't really differentiate you, it may add a bit to your reputation, but it won't be a key factor in progression. The firms really view the exams as pass/fail. You're expected to pass the exams, if you fail (after a couple of attempts) they will terminate your contract. That's why new joiners are so focused on exams, not for progression purposes, but to ensure they don't lose their job! I won a couple of exam prizes at PwC, and apart from a couple of nice Partner emails/shout-outs (and a small bonus ~£500) I don't think it benefited me too much! I'll be releasing a video this week sharing my exam tips. I should have made it clearer in the video, but I think these tips should be from 1 year plus, once you've settled in and passed a decent chunk of exams, as doing too much at once can be overwhelming! Most people make Manager in five years by doing their day-job role without any extra activities. You only really need to go above and beyond with additional things if you want early promotion. Hope that helps, but let me know if you have any other questions!

[@tehgamist7139]

@@JamesAlberts Thanks for the detailed reply and making the effort. That absolutely makes sense. Really really appreciated. I did get the sense it was "1 year plus" and you're right, you could easily get overwhelmed in your first year. I'm just a bit over excited as my start date approaches. Look forward to the next video and as I've said before - definitely the best "big four" insight I've come across by a long shot.

[@MrRafaBRPlay]

I better stay in excel or python

[@JamesAlberts]

Both are great tools!

[@minatoou]

isso fuciona?

[@JamesAlberts]

It worked for me, hopefully, it will for you as well! If you're after more content, I’ve just launched my new website/newsletter which will be packed full with even more insider tips and knowledge. I've also opened up my diary if you had any questions you wanted to talk about over a video call. Check it out 👉 www.jsalberts.com/

[@minatoou]

eu gostei do video mas não sei se é verdade devo acreditar?

[@JamesAlberts]

It worked for me, hopefully, it will for you as well! What part are you unsure about? If you're after more content, I’ve just launched my new website/newsletter which will be packed full with even more insider tips and knowledge. I've also opened up my diary if you had any questions you wanted to talk about over a video call. Check it out 👉 www.jsalberts.com/