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Service groups

I'm wondering if you could describe the work they do at Japanese/Chinese/French/etc Services Groups. (For example, the "Chinese Services Group" at Deloitte U.S.). Do they interact with other lines of services? What is the perception toward these groups within the firms?

These groups are always intriguing. Most people wonder WTF these groups do, and whether they are part of the audit practice. Then you get to understand that they do the same job, except it's on Companies based out of the respective foreign countries with operations in the US. Differences could include translation to IFRS from US GAAP,etc. Due to the number of people in these groups, they often pick up people in the regular audit practice to work with them on these audits. So for example, you can get to work with the French business group on a french sub-order if they need resources. From a perception perspective, it's not really that different. You are identified as a French Business Group member, you will be expected to travel between France and the US often. You will primarily be auditing french companies with operations in the US. But that's really all I know about these groups. If you are interested in these groups and are fluent in languages like French and Chinese, definitely worth a question to recruiting.
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Anonymous said…
I have heard a few rumors that I was hoping you could clarify for me.

1) Big 4 firms do not hire on outside senior associates because they only recruit from their pool of staff associates.

2) Staff associates are only hired on straight of out college. So if you cant get an intern/job with a big 4 while you are in school, its too late to apply.

I am soon to have my CPA and CFE and also have 2+ years of audit experience with a small CPA firm. I have not applied to the Big 4 because of these rumors I've heard. Please clarify

Also I really like this blog... gets me through some tough days. Keep it up!
September 26, 2010 at 5:29 PM
Anonymous said…
Thanks so much for the great info & sorry for the late reply. Yes, I do speak one of those languages fluently and will definitely leverage it for a shot at one of these groups.
October 1, 2010 at 8:16 PM
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