Big 4 Graduate Scheme Interview: How to Prepare for Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG
Big 4 Graduate Schemes: What You Are Applying For
The Big 4 — Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG — are among the most competitive graduate employers in the UK and Ireland. Their graduate schemes typically include ACA training (ICAEW), structured rotations across service lines, and the opportunity to qualify as a chartered accountant within three years. Competition is intense: each firm receives tens of thousands of applications for a few hundred places.
The Selection Process
The typical Big 4 application process includes: online application and CV screening, online assessments (numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, situational judgement), a video interview, and an Assessment Centre day including group exercises, case study presentations, and final-round partner interviews. Each firm varies slightly — check their careers pages for current process details.
Online Assessments
Numerical reasoning tests are the most common filter at the first stage. Practise with SHL, Korn Ferry, or Cubiks-style tests — these are the providers the Big 4 typically use. Speed and accuracy both matter. Do not leave any question unanswered (no negative marking). Target a pass rate above 70% in practice to be comfortable in the real test.
Video Interview Preparation
Video interviews use pre-recorded questions with a set time to answer. Prepare STAR examples (Situation, Task, Action, Result) covering: teamwork, leadership, commercial awareness, problem solving, and why you want to work at that specific firm. Research each firm's values and strategic priorities — generic answers that don't reference the firm's specific culture or clients rarely score well.
Assessment Centre
The Assessment Centre typically includes a case study (presented individually or in groups), a competency interview, and sometimes a group exercise. For the case study: structure your answer clearly, acknowledge limitations in the data, make a definitive recommendation, and quantify where possible. Assessors value clear thinking and communication over exhaustive analysis.
Commercial Awareness for Big 4 Interviews
Read the Financial Times daily from application to Assessment Centre. Know the firm's recent deals, notable audit clients, and any controversies. Understand the current macroeconomic environment and how it affects audit risk or advisory demand. Have an informed opinion on one or two relevant topics.
Further Reading
Study with Learnsignal
If you are not joining a Big 4 graduate scheme, Learnsignal offers ACCA and CIMA study that leads to equivalent qualification and career progression. Start your qualification journey.
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Learnsignal Education Team
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