All the bureaucracy of Big 4 without the brand recognition or training - Anonymous employee Andersen Employee Review

2.0
14 Nov 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

They'll hire pretty much anyone who shows interest They are growing rapidly If you can tolerate it, and stick around you're pretty much guaranteed to get promoted every couple years. Life as a director/MD seems okay. During non-busy season, people hardly have to work. 20 PTO days per year is generous

Cons

-It is extremely hierarchical Associates are seldom invited in for calls and there is zero client contact at junior levels regardless of advanced degrees. -While they pay lip service to wanting to grow the commercial side, in practice, the focus is almost completely on the HNW segment. There is very little consulting work on the commercial side and even less training. -The only training you get at junior levels is how to fill out forms. -LA office is dominated (at junior levels by an Asian mafia. -at junior levels, there's no opportunity to focus on things that interest you (unless filling out forms interest's you) -Bonuses are minimal (i.e.<5% unless you kill yourself during busy season) -same for raises half the partners force associates to print every work paper out and put in binders which takes hours. There's zero effort at going paperless or at standardization. -one of the "pros" is that if you stick around long enough you'll make director, but the downside is that people end up getting promoted beyond their level of competency.

Explore other reviews about Andersen

5.0
3 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Quality work and exposure to different types of clients; quick upward trajectory; solid pay; commendable L&D department.

Cons

Super long hours during busier times of the year

4.0
23 Feb 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I spent under 4 years at the firm as a intern to senior associate. It was an amazing experience but I attribute my experience to having an extroverted personality which most people do NOT have going into public accounting. My team in particular was filled with amazing people that invested in you personally and professionally IF you worked hard to cultivate the relationships and grow your professional skillset. I was able to create meaningful relationships outside of the office and have fun at the firm.

Cons

I also attribute my positive experience to having great staff around me. That being said, the people you work with can really make or break you at the firm. There are some people that will demand absolute excellence and you will never be able to satisfy them because there will also be the next busy season filled with the same mannerisms and management styles. I also was not happy with the compensation especially when compared to similar roles at other accounting and tax firms.

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