Reviewing Work Experiences at Ernst Young and PwC: A Contrast Between Two Leading Accounting Firms

Briefly discussing one's experience working at different organizations can offer valuable insights for job seekers and current employees. In this article, we will delve into the stark contrast of working at Ernst Young (EY) and PwC, two prominent names in the field of accounting and consulting.

Experiences At Ernst Young

For someone who has worked at EY, the experience can be rather challenging and may not align with traditional work-life balance expectations. One individual, for instance, shares that from the moment they joined, their personal life ended as they experienced a lack of work-life balance. They described the environment as highly stressful, with managers who do not provide support even in dire situations, such as personal emergencies.

The writer mentions an incident where a family member (the sister) was ill, but the employee had to work because of a toxic company culture. Despite this, the employee's performance did not meet expectations, and the manager escalated the situation without giving the employee a chance to explain the circumstances. The employee further states that there is no escape from this environment, where they are treated like slaves, expected to work beyond their scheduled hours, and not compensated for overtime.

In addition, the company culture at EY includes intense office politics, where getting along with the wrong individuals can significantly hinder career progression. The lack of leniency towards personal time is also a major issue, as employees are often expected to work on weekends and under impossible deadlines.

Horrible Work Environment at EY

The anonymous employee from EY summarizes, 'Trust me, I am not even exaggerating. One should be prepared to work past 12 and be available the next day from 10. Office politics is another level too. If someone doesn’t like you, they can fuck up your promotion. There is no escape from this hell where they make you work like a dog and don’t pay overtime. They treat you like slaves.'

Given the difficult experiences, the employee ultimately left after working for about 2 years and pursued opportunities at other firms, ultimately landing a role at PwC as a CFO.

A Positive Experience at PwC

Another individual, after working at Ernst Young for 2 years, left due to a difficult partner who often expected unrealistic answers at unsociable hours. This prompted them to resign and find alternative opportunities. After working as a CFO for two hospitals in Western PA, they finally joined PwC as an experienced manager and rapidly ascended the ranks, becoming a partner in just 5 years. At PwC, the employee found a more positive work environment and even retired as a partner with fond memories of their work, clients, and colleagues.

For the writer, PwC was the 7th company in their career and, without a doubt, the best firm for them. They emphasize the work-life balance, supportive culture, and positive office relationships that contrast starkly with their experiences at EY.

Both EY and PwC offer unique experiences for workers, highlighting the importance of finding an environment that aligns with personal and professional goals. It is essential for job seekers and current employees to carefully consider the work culture and support systems before committing to a firm.