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How to Get Articleship in Big 4 & Top CA Firms

Landing an articleship in a Big 4 firm or a prestigious CA firm is a major goal for aspiring Chartered Accountants. This guide will walk you through the steps to secure your place, from creating a powerful resume to acing the interview rounds. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving this milestone in your CA journey.

November 02, 2024

CA Articleship in Big 4

Step 1: Building a Strong Resume Your resume is the first impression a firm will have of you, so make it count. You can use free resume builders to help structure it professionally. Keep it clean, well-aligned, and tailored to the articleship role. Here's a quick breakdown of what your CA articleship resume should include:

  • Objective: Concise objective that highlights your career goals and enthusiasm for the role.
  • Education: Mention your education along with key achievements or awards that reflect your dedication and academic strengths.
  • Skills: List skills relevant to accounting, auditing, or taxation. Highlight technical skills and software knowledge if you have any.
  • Experience: Include previous internships, projects, or any practical experience related to CA or finance.
  • Extracurriculars: If you’ve held leadership roles, volunteered, or participated in relevant activities, mention them briefly.
Building a resume is an art, and a well-crafted one can make all the difference. I remember helping a friend refine her resume format, and she went from struggling to land interviews to receiving multiple calls in a short time.
Step 2: Selection Process There are generally two ways to get noticed by a Big 4 firm:
  1. Referral: If you know someone within the firm, a reference can give you a significant advantage.
  2. Strong Resume: If your resume is impressive and well-crafted, it can grab the attention of the recruiter.
Step 3: Interview Rounds Once shortlisted, you’ll typically go through a series of interviews. Here’s what to expect in each round: 

Aptitude Test Many firms start with an aptitude test to assess your basic reasoning and analytical skills. These tests are often straightforward, so stay calm, think clearly, and answer with confidence. 

Group Discussion (GD) If there’s a Group Discussion, here’s how you can make a strong impression:

  • Initiate: Try to start the discussion if you’re confident, as it sets a positive tone.
  • Contribute Meaningfully: Share relevant points and actively listen to others.
  • Stay Calm and Confident: Even if you’re unsure about the topic, participate with confidence by listening others and respect others’ points of view.
HR Round In the HR round, they’ll ask questions to gauge your motivation and fit for the firm. Common questions include:
  • "Tell us about yourself."
  • "Why did you choose CA as a career?"
  • "Why are you interested in our firm?"
Answer these questions honestly and confidently, showing your understanding of the role and the firm’s values. 

Technical Round In this round, you’ll likely meet with managers who will test your knowledge in your chosen field.

  • For Audit Roles: Prepare for questions on topics like audit standards, CARO, SA 700 Series, AS 9 & 10, journal entries, vouching, and verification processes.
  • For Tax Roles: Be prepared to answer questions on Income Tax sections like Section 28 or 16, TDS, form numbers, and other relevant taxation rules.
You can also check out our Master Blaster course to help you build a strong foundation of technical knowledge for securing a position in a Big 4 firm. I've shared my 9 years of experience in this course. 

Partner Round At this stage, the Partner Round is more about understanding your attitude, work ethic, and communication style. Here, they may ask about your relationship with previous mentors or employers to get a sense of how you handle professional relationships. In my experience, this round is less about technical knowledge and more about your soft skills and how you present yourself.

Flexibility in Interview Rounds Depending on the firm and the number of applicants, some rounds may be skipped. In some cases, only the technical and partner rounds are conducted to streamline the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q: What are the basic requirements for articleship in a Big 4 firm?
A: A well-prepared resume, strong references, and good performance in the interview rounds are key to getting shortlisted. 
Q: How can I improve my chances in the Group Discussion?
A: Try to start the discussion or summarize key points, speak confidently, and actively listen to others. 
Q: What should I focus on in the HR round?
A: Showcase your enthusiasm for the firm and explain why you chose the CA field and their organization specifically.
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Conclusion
Getting an articleship at a top CA firm takes preparation and confidence. By building a standout resume, refining your interview skills, and presenting yourself professionally, you can secure your place and take a major step forward in your CA career.

CA Tushar Makkar
Author - Auditing in real life | Consulting in India, US, Europe and Middle East | Content creator | Ex-PwC | CA AIR 47 Nov' 17 | YouTuber 40k+ | Expertise in manage accounts and Audit

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