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Accenture vs Big 4

Accenture BCG Big4 mbb big4 McKinsey
New answer on Sep 30, 2023
5 Answers
54.5 k Views
Jimmy asked on Jul 10, 2019

Hi all,

What is better Accenture (Business analyst) vs Big 4 (advisory)

in terms of brand name, pay + exit opps?

My goal is to break into MBB, so which of the following companies provide me with a better chance?

Thank you in advance!

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Anonymous replied on Dec 24, 2022

Accenture may be more helpful if you are looking to focus on IT and Digital, as this is a growing area you can use as a specialism to enter into MBB with some experience. 

However, you will still need a strong referal to break into MBB, and probably 3+ years of excellent performance at Accenture.

 

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Jul 10, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

I worked at Accenture and McKinsey and here are my observations:

  • Accenture is very international and lot's of the projects will come from abroad since Accenture is leading the global accounts
  • Salaries are a bit higher than in Big4, but much lower than at MBBs
  • Accenture has very deep expertise in digital and IT. Lots of Acn people make it to MBB digital branches now even without a downgrade
  • Accenture a has much better culture than any other company in the industry

Best!

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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Jul 18, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Alex,

if your goal is to end in MBB, neither would be ideal and joining a second tier strategy consulting (Strategy&, RB, OW, ATK) or doing an MBA before applying would be better.

If you really have to choose between the two, Accenture, assuming you are referring to the strategy division, would be better (it would be more likely for you to do strategy projects). However you will likely need a very strong referral to be invited at MBB.

Best,

Francesco

(edited)

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Udayan
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Jul 11, 2019
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

Both Big 4 and Accenture are independenlty nice places to be where you will learn a lot and be challenged at work. However using them to get into MBB may not be the ideal career path. I presume you don't want to go down the tradition MBA hiring route, in which case a better bet is to think about areas where you can build true expertise (either an industry vertical, functional knowledge or technical expertise) and leverage that in a few years to recruit as an experienced hire at MBB

(edited)

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Frederic
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 30, 2023
ex Jr. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience

Both Accenture (Business analyst) and Big 4 (advisory) offer strong brand names and good exit opportunities. However, for your goal of breaking into MBB, Big 4 advisory roles tend to align more closely with the consulting industry and may provide a slightly better chance.

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