Incoming Essay:
Yes they do! I'm actually attending BDO and McGladrey's local SLPs this summer, as well as PwC's. I just finished my internship interviews for PwC as well.
Definitely join Accounting Society. I've been involved since last semester, and it really helps. They can help you polish your interview skills, refine your resume, and of course, you have access to a lot of networking events and opportunities.
Example: AS had mock interviews this semester where professionals from accounting firms came to interview students and give inputs on how the students could improve. I had a mock interview with BDO, and the person who interviewed me was the actual interviewer for the SLP.
Apart from Big 4, they also have a lot of local and mid-tier firms that recruit. Also, even if you have a lower GPA, if you are at least pass the threshold and you have a lot of work experience, you definitely still have a chance with B4 :).
I applied online for on-campus interviews for McGladrey, Grant Thornton, BDO, and PwC SLPs. The on-campus interviews were simple, and they asked questions about my resume, or behavioral questions like "tell me about a time when you demonstrated leadership skills" . Some interviewers I really connected to, like to the point where my interviewer actually hugged me and said she had a great time :). Some didn't go so hot, but yeah, it's a learning process!
Your interviewers will typically be senior managers, managers, or partners. If you're looking into audit, the main thing they focus on are communication skills. That's why small talk can be kind of important in interviews too.
Getting selected for an interview depends upon your GPA and networking. Even if you have a lower GPA, if you network really well and make a good impression on people at Meet the Firms, they'll most likely call you in for an interview - but that depends.
AS and BAP are going to be even more active this semester, and we'll have everything from resume workshops, interview workshops, public speaking program, mentorship program, speaker meetings, mock interviews, Accounting Fest... etc. So the best way to prepare is investing in AS, that will give you access to real accounting professionals or other CSUF students who have gotten offers, and you can learn from their experiences.
I'm also mentorship chair this semester for AS, so I'm definitely here if you want any more advice or help :). Or if anyone reads this and wants any help or to meet up for advice, feel free to PM me! If I get any internships, I 100% want to pay it forward.
A lot of people helped me when I was recruiting, so I would be more than happy to meet you on campus to review your resume, or show you mine and my cover letter or give you tips.
My PwC slp interview was my favorite, because the interviewer was really awesome. We connected really well, and I got accepted for the program the next week. My internship interviews (I had mine super early, before the SLP) were 45 minute each with a partner and then a manager. Both were conversational, but it was only because I made an effort to ask them about their hobbies or their experiences as well. Otherwise, we would have only talked about my resume or behavioral questions.
Also, don't mainly prepare by googling Big 4 Interview Questions. Instead, look up behavioral questions, and also know your resume inside and out. When you interview, try to make it a conversation, not a robotic "yess'm" awkward type of convo. Show them you are personable, and be like "Hey, it's great to meet you :)! How's your day going?" If they mention something they're passionate about, snatch on it and ask them about it.
TLDR: Please join Accounting Society, it's a great investment and can help you improve your resume and interview skills, along with giving you access to networking events. Also, am free to meet or chat online if you want resume review or networking tips. Big 4, mid-tier and local firms DEFINITELY recruit at CSUF... we've got a great accounting program!