Hi, thanks for doing this AMA :)
Here are some questions that I've been seeking answers to for a long time. I really appreciate you taking out time to guide juniors in the profession.
Do Big 4s in Japan hire ACCAs for audit roles? Is it considered to be at par with the local professional accounting qualification?
I'm an ACA from India with 2 years of work experience at a Big 4 firm here (in the avenue of audit). I'm currently pursuing ACCA and plan to look for international opportunities thereafter. Do you think I'd have a good chance of being recruited at a Big 4 firm in Japan?
What would be my chances of securing a good industry position?Does ACCA also enjoy good recognition when it comes to Industry roles in the avenue of financial reporting? I know this isn't Big 4 related but I'd appreciate it if you could share what you've found the case to be at Fortune 500s in Japan.
My experience of working at a Big 4 firm here has been great, except for the fact that I'm working 80 hour weeks throughout the year. That's the case for everyone up to Senior Manager. How are things in Japan? Does one really have to grind it out till one becomes a partner? It is my aspiration to become a partner at a Big 4 firm and Assurance is definitely my calling.... but I find the decision of sacrificing so much to achieve that very daunting. I'd appreciate any advice/insight you can give me, based on your experiences.