How long does it take to become a partner at Big 4?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

It takes 15 to 20 years to become a partner at Big Four. When starting your career, it may take several years of work experience before landing an entry-level position at a Big Four. After that, it takes at least ten to 15 additional years of Big Four managerial experience before being eligible for a partnership at a Big Four.

The reason why it can take this long are many:

Big Four partners need to normally build up a $2m+ client portfolio before they are considered ready for partnership. This size of client portfolio takes time to build.
Most of the Big Four type of work is often won by very senior decision-makers in large corporations. Therefore it takes a certain amount of technical competence, gravitas, and authority before you can get to the point where you're able to cultivate these types of relationships.
Big Four partners require many years of work experience in order to gain the skills needed to move, from being technically competent to being able to lead a team in one of the Big Four companies.