If you plan on attending a job interview for one of the 'big 4' accounting companies it’s absolutely essential to come prepared for the various online aptitude tests these companies use as part of their recruitment process.

What are the Big 4 accounting firms?

The name 'big 4' refers to the four largest accounting and audit companies. Since these four top companies handle the vast majority of professional accounting and auditing services they are usually grouped together to represent the top names in their field.

What are the aptitude tests used during the these company’s interviews?

Aptitude tests are types of psychometric assessment tests used by employers as a means of choosing from a pool of job candidates. These tests can come in a variety of forms including Numerical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Situational Judgment Tests as well as others such as Logical, Abstract and Diagrammatic reasoning tests to name but a few. The big 4 interviews can include these aptitude tests though you may also be sent an email in order to take the tests online.

Below we’ll go over the aptitude tests you’ll encounter based on each of the Big 4 accounting companies. For each company we will detail the particular types of tests you will face as well as the specific assessment company that provides these psychometric tests to your potential employer.

You can find more information on the top assessment companies used by the Big 4 here:

• CEB’s SHL
• Kenexa
• Saville
• Talent Q
• Cubiks

Numerical Tests

The Big 4 Numerical Reasoning tests will present you with a number of mathematical questions usually in the form of a chart or table with a choice of possible answers. The questions often require you to make calculations based on percentages and ratios. These tests are designed to assess your numerical abilities as well as observational and comprehension skills. In the tests, there are usually upwards of 20 questions with approximately one minute given per question. There are variable difficulty levels and time frames given for each test according to the position being applied to. Almost all Big 4 tests have some form of Numerical Reasoning test as part of their recruitment process.

You can find more information about Numerical Reasoning Tests from JobTestPrep.

Verbal Tests

The Big 4 Verbal Reasoning tests present you with a number of texts and paragraphs as sources of information. Each question will usually give you a statement that you will need to compare to the original source. According to the information provided you will have to decide if those statements are either, 'True', 'False' or 'Cannot Say'. In order to answer correctly you will need to apply logic and comprehension skills. It’s important to carefully read the text, paying particular attention for subtle differences between the implications of the text and what is presented to you in each question. As with Numerical tests, the time frame and level of difficulty for Big 4 Verbal tests varies according to the position being applied to. Almost all Big 4 tests have some form of Verbal Reasoning test as part of their recruitment process.

You can find more information about Verbal Reasoning Tests from JobTestPrep.

Situational Judgment Tests

The Big 4 Situational Judgment Tests (or SJTs) are another common type of online test usually sent together with the other aptitude tests once you’ve passed the first application stage. Not all of the companies use the term SJT, for example, Ernst and Young refer to this test as the Strengths Assessment.

These tests are designed to examine how well you handle certain work related scenarios as well as assess whether your priorities and values are in line with the company’s. You will be presented with a number of different situations involving conflicts or problems that require solving. The situations often deal with the relationships between superiors and subordinates, clients and company representatives or fellow colleagues.

The questions usually come in two forms. One type presents you with a number of different possible actions requiring you to pick the best one. The second type also presents you with a number of possible solutions but requires you to sort the answers by order of best to worst possible action.

You can find more information about Situational Judgment Tests from JobTestPrep.

Logical Tests

The Logical Reasoning tests used by the Big 4 companies usually test your spatial understanding and logical skills. As they are neither based on text comprehension nor mathematics they are sometimes referred to as Non-Verbal tests. While different variations of Logical tests are used, they all usually present you with a number of images and shapes. Often the shapes are given as part of a sequence requiring you to pick the image that completes the sequence. Other times you will be asked to separate a number of shapes into relevant groups.

You can find more information about Logical Reasoning Tests from JobTestPrep.

Big 4 Aptitude Tests by Company:

 

Deloitte Aptitude Tests:

The Aptitude tests you will encounter during the assessment process for Deloitte are supplied by Kenexa. You will most likely be sent these tests in an online format after sending in your job application.

They include:

• The Deloitte Numerical Reasoning Test
• The Deloitte Verbal Reasoning Test

You can get hold of practice tests for the Deloitte Numerical Test here.

You can get hold of practice tests for the Deloitte Verbal Test here.

You can find more information about the assessment process at Deloitte, here.

PwC Aptitude Tests:

The Aptitude tests you will encounter during the assessment process for PwC are from CEB’s SHL. You will most likely be sent these tests in an online format after sending in your job application.

They will include:

• The PwC Numerical Reasoning Test
• The PwC Verbal Reasoning Test
• The PwC Logical Reasoning Test
• The PwC Situational Judgement Test

You can get hold of practice tests for the PwC Numerical Test here.

You can get hold of practice tests for the PwC Verbal Test here.

You can get hold of practice tests for the PwC Logical Test here.

You can get hold of practice tests for the PwC Situational Judgement Test here.

You can find more information about the assessment process at PwC, here.

 

Ernst & Young Aptitude Tests:

The Ernst and Young online tests are made up of a battery of tests supplied by Saville as well as a Situational Judgement Test known as the Ernst & Young Strengths Assessment.

The Saville aptitude tests are referred to as the Ernst and Young Abilities Tests.

They will include:

• The Ernst & Young Numerical Reasoning Test
• The Ernst & Young Verbal Reasoning Test
• The Ernst & Young Diagrammatic Reasoning Test

Each of the three sections will be made up of 8 questions to be answered in 6 minutes. Each section is immediately followed by the next one.

You can get hold of practice tests for the Ernst & Young Abilities Test here.

You can get hold of practice tests for the Ernst & Young Diagrammatic Reasoning Test here.

You can get hold of practice tests for the Ernst & Young Strengths Assessment Test here.

You can find more information about the assessment process at Ernst & Young, here.

 

KPMG Aptitude Tests:

The Aptitude tests you encounter during the assessment process for KPMG are from Cubiks. You will most likely be sent these tests in an online format after sending in your job application.

They include:

• The KPMG Numerical Reasoning Test
• The KPMG Verbal Reasoning Test
• The KPMG Situational Judgement Test

The KPMG Numerical Reasoning test will be made up of 24 questions to be completed in 20 minutes.

The KPMG Verbal Reasoning test will be made up of 40 questions to also be completed in 20 minutes.

You can get hold of practice tests for the KPMG Numerical Test and KPMG Verbal Test here.

You can get hold of practice tests for the KPMG Situational Judgement Test here.

You can find more information about the assessment process at KPMG, here.