Re your first point, I disagree, the overtime is ridiculous, they are always understaffed and the situation is getting worse (especially in FS Audit), the busy season is now practically all year round, however you're presumably young and sure you can prob hack it for a few years.
I'll disagree with you based on personal experience of Financial Services audit in a Big 4 firm-I had nowhere near enough overtime worked to get the required time off for my FAEs (I didn't sit any other exams in practice).
My view was the many people 'felt' they had to be in work until it was dark etc. I rarely stayed any later than 7, even during the winter months. But there were certainly many who worked mad enough hours, but not all year round.
I would say that it is more likely that the longer you stay, the longer the hours you will work, as staff rentention is a big problem for Big 4. Very few of those I trained alongside have remained in practice.
I think that if you are seriously considering the Big 4, don't let the overtime issue put you off-it may not be an issue, or you are young enough to handle it for a while, or consider that you will be paid, or have time off in lieu.
The experience gained in a Big 4 environment is very different to what you need to do well in a smaller practice (especially tax and preparation of accounts).
strong1 said:
Also I was thinking of applying to the banks to do my training there
I wouldn't if I had the option to take the Big 4 route. You will get much more generous study leave from a Big 4 firm, your salary prospects will be enhanced by going the Big 4 route, and you will get much more general experience training in a Big 4 environment, that may be anadvantage if you decide you want to work anywhere other than a bank. Banks are currently crying out for qualified accountants-I don't imagine you would have much problem getting a job in a bank post qualification if that is what you want.