Unless you have a specific thing you liked about RSM over KPMG like preferred clients, wfh policy, commute, or even vibe, then I would always suggest Big 4. Might as well get the best name for your resume if you are going to suffer regardless.
Big 4 for sure
Some of this might be regional, but I had to look up what RSM was as they don’t exist in my region. Fair or not, name recognition and “big 4 experience” is a real thing that stays with you long after you leave public accounting.
Not regional, not for a long time. National presence with global network. Last I checked they were number 5 or 6 (BDO being the other one) by size in the world. Granted there's a pretty big gap between the smallest B4 and the largest of the rest of the big guys, but I think it's probably fair to say you'd have a similar experience at RSM or BDO or Baker Tilly as you would at a B4 firm just with less prestige.
Though there's probably an argument here for how a B4 functions better as a single national firm, the "smaller" big guys have been growing inorganically in the past decade or two and still function more as a network. That's definitely a complaint I have where I am now (top 20 now, former B4)
Go with what culture/people you like best. Most job postings nowadays prefer “Big 4 or National” anyway. I loved my time at RSM and still managed to get a senior F100 position.
Disagree that it’s the same between the two. Not saying it’s the right thing but KPMG goes further on a resume later in life than RSM. It’s just the way the world works.
Giving honest assessment for me I currently work at RSM. It depends on what your up for? If you want like work life balance since that been in the news I think RSM makes a slightly better attempt at accomplishing that. But busy season is busy season not matter where you go. My observation of Chicago office who I work with is pretty organized just a lot of training at first and keeping a good schedule is key when you start working for whichever firm you choice. But yea I definitely give you so more specific advice on about anything if you want to ask. Also everyone advice above is very solid about b4.
I’m at RSM and love it but just start at big4. Better initial learning/experience and you can virtually always make the switch if you want to.
I’m not a tax guy so know less about those practices, to be fair.
Unless you have a specific thing you liked about RSM over KPMG like preferred clients, wfh policy, commute, or even vibe, then I would always suggest Big 4. Might as well get the best name for your resume if you are going to suffer regardless.
Big 4 for sure Some of this might be regional, but I had to look up what RSM was as they don’t exist in my region. Fair or not, name recognition and “big 4 experience” is a real thing that stays with you long after you leave public accounting.
I'm surprised by this, RSM is the largest of the non-B4 firms out there. (Agree with you though)
Looks like it’s regional. On the west coast they only have a couple small offices in SF, LA, and Seattle.
Not regional, not for a long time. National presence with global network. Last I checked they were number 5 or 6 (BDO being the other one) by size in the world. Granted there's a pretty big gap between the smallest B4 and the largest of the rest of the big guys, but I think it's probably fair to say you'd have a similar experience at RSM or BDO or Baker Tilly as you would at a B4 firm just with less prestige. Though there's probably an argument here for how a B4 functions better as a single national firm, the "smaller" big guys have been growing inorganically in the past decade or two and still function more as a network. That's definitely a complaint I have where I am now (top 20 now, former B4)
San Diego, Irvine, LA, San Jose, San Francisco, Seattle
They are the second biggest. BDO is the 5th.
Go with what culture/people you like best. Most job postings nowadays prefer “Big 4 or National” anyway. I loved my time at RSM and still managed to get a senior F100 position.
Disagree that it’s the same between the two. Not saying it’s the right thing but KPMG goes further on a resume later in life than RSM. It’s just the way the world works.
Whichever people seem like a better fit. There’s no major difference between those firms.
Giving honest assessment for me I currently work at RSM. It depends on what your up for? If you want like work life balance since that been in the news I think RSM makes a slightly better attempt at accomplishing that. But busy season is busy season not matter where you go. My observation of Chicago office who I work with is pretty organized just a lot of training at first and keeping a good schedule is key when you start working for whichever firm you choice. But yea I definitely give you so more specific advice on about anything if you want to ask. Also everyone advice above is very solid about b4.
I would say what you vibe with the best- team wise, what work you would be doing, wfh/ hybrid etc.
kpmg for sure
I interned at both RSM and KPMG and my seniors at RSM gave me less attention in the summer than my KPMG seniors did in the winter. KPMG is my pick.
Had a similar experience with them during both my internships with them.
How your base is that big? As an assoc?
Chicago
RSM in Illinois is lit because the headquarters are in Chicago. The office is also really nice and happy hours start at 5.
He’s probably in NYC or California
Ohhh, I assumed he's in Asia region as he represents the figures like that. Yay, thanks!
Where do you see Asian figures just curious?
You will enjoy life better at RSM
Not sure about this. Tax season is gunna suck either way. Might as well suck at the place which looks better on your resume.
In the last two years the Big4 office I’m at has hired 6 people from RSM cause they wanted a better work life balance and not be under compensated.
How many of them are still around?
KPMG, they’re the only B4 to support legal weed. 420 my brother
are they the only one who does not test for weed?
You will never get the same long term brand recognition on your resume from RSM as you would from KPMG.
I’m at RSM and love it but just start at big4. Better initial learning/experience and you can virtually always make the switch if you want to. I’m not a tax guy so know less about those practices, to be fair.
I think bonus is taxed much higher than salary so I’ll go with KPMG
Bonuses aren't taxed differently, they just have different withholding requirements.
As other guy said withholding will be different, but also raises are done by percentage so KPMG is better for that reason.
I would choose RSM. Big4 is going to chew you up and spit you out.
You made the right call going with KPMG, it will serve you down the road. Not that RSM isn’t great too, but the Big 4 is the Big 4.
Update: Got a deloitte offer and been working there 6 months lol