big 4 politics

Just joined one of the big 4 as a first year senior. Any tips on how to succeed and navigate the political side of things?

The audit firms are not immune to politics unfortunately, not sure if any companies are. It's part and parcel of the game unfortunately. There are three ways to play -

1) Stay above the fray - Don't play the game. If you're good at what you do, word will spread. Let your work speak for itself. People will clamor to put you on their jobs. As a senior, it's harder, since managers and partners don't spread the word as much as seniors do about staff. Why? The amount of communication decreases at higher levels, and the managers want to make sure the other managers don't steal the good ones. The only bad part about this is that you might not have control over the type of clients you get. Ideally, this is what everyone should do, but unfortunately, it's not.

2) Be a pawn in the game - Be a participant in the game. You add to the politics, you win some, you lose some. You become the average joe, not adding to much value to your rep.

3) Play the game - Okay, what do you need to do to get ahead? Work hard. Always respond to your higher ups whenever they email you. This is very important, otherwise they will get mad and let others know. Make sure they are happy with your work. Now that you have the wheels churning, always be one step ahead of the schedulers. If you've met partners in the past, and if their door is open, swing by to say hello or ask a pertinent question. This way, they are aware of your presence. Do the same w/ the senior managers and the managers. Always be cordial to the schedulers, swing by at times to say hello or send emails thanking them for their help whenever they come through.

Also, remember, you are in client service. This means you need to keep your client happy. This doesn't meet that you shouldn't ask questions. It means you should ask intelligent questions, and make small talk when necessary, and build a relationship so they're more open to your questions. If they're happy, they may let your higher ups know.

Don't complain too much, if you have to work a late night or two if it's not busy season, if it really helps hit a deadline, just do it. Go to a couple social events here and there, just so people know who you are. Be aware of your peers and their schedules. When someone is leaving, look at their schedules, and see if there's a client you'd like to have. If so, jump on it by emailing the scheduler/ manager. How do you know if someone is leaving? Don't wait until the end. Be a participant in the social circle, or at least get to know that one gossip who will tell you if anyone leaves.

Do I play the game? Sadly, I have to. It's human nature, and I like to have some semblance of control over my clientele. When I see other really good auditors get stuck on some horrendous clients that push them to the edge, it reinforces in me the importance of playing the game to make sure I'm on the right path and that I'm avoiding wrong ones.