A recipe for success in the big 4 - and internal roles?

About 18 months ago I dashed a quick note off to someone who was heading into the big 4 for the first time. I rediscovered it today and thought it was too good not to share.

I was often early in my field to do things that are foundational on my CV. The elements below were a big part of the recipe.

If you're leading rising stars or people with potential, or if you identify as one of those it's worth a few minutes to reflect on. I hope you find it useful,

Congrats on the move. Firm x is a good outfit.

My quick tips for Big 4 success:

There is shortage of good people around.?

Get yourself on the toughest and most complex jobs you can and deliberately seek out leaders who you admire and can learn a lot from and some you don’t.?

Put learning and personal growth at the centre of everything you do and only put in regular long hours on jobs where you are on a big learning curve.?

Avoid drone work where you can.?

Be outcomes focused. Fall in love with the problems that you are solving for your clients.?

Come up with novel ideas when you need to and use tested methods when you don’t.?

A profound outcome is better than a long report.?

If you do these things everything you want in life professionally will come to you.

TD

Todd Davies coaches and advises the current and next generation of audit and risk leaders. For more information go to www.todddavies.com.au or follow Todd on LinkedIn.