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layoffs,firings

"Could you tell if someone quit or was fired? Are there many layoffs at the big 4?"

Similar to other companies, the gossip wheels churns with the best amongst the auditors. If we work 10-12 hour days, people are bound to talk, and provide some semblance of entertainment at the expense of others. It takes a lot to get fired though. Outside of arson, sexual acts, blatant lack of productivity, and fraudulent work, there aren't too many reasons I can think of.
Layoffs, yeah, it happens,but rarely. Due to a lack of commercial growth in certain regions in this country, or the inability to bring in new clients, people who are not staffed regularly and are not assigned on most workdays, tend to get laid off, or "counseled out."
"Counseled out"..this is the new lingo being thrown around these days. From what I understand, it basically means that HR conveys to your counselor that your services aren't needed much, and your counselor (everyone gets one, the title could be different) relays that message to you and eases you/ convinces you to take up another job. This is another HR trick, to douse the negativities associated with layoffs and firings.
In terms of the number of layoffs and firings, they are definitely rare. Especially these days, when the firms are in dire dire need of people. We've reached the desperation point, I kid you not. My firm is offering huge relocation bonuses to others to move. The geniuses that make up upper management go after huge clients, and then worry about resources later. Now it is coming back to bite them.
To the comment that the HR manager wanted to fire people, jeez, I want to fire certain upper-level personnel in my team right now. I just can't do anything about it, and I suspect he/she is in a similar position.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Wow that was quick! Thanks auditor!
Anonymous said…
Do Juniors ever get fired or is it mostly Seniors and Managers?

I would imagine the incredible responsibility heaped on Seniors and Managers makes them an easy target for Partners.
Anonymous said…
I recently received an offer from a Big 4 firm. I have always been told to negotiate salary but some of my peers say that negotiation doesn't work with Big 4. Should I try anyway? How much higher can I go? I'd like about $1000-1500 higher.

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