I am a qualified CIMA accountant, working for a smaller consultancy firm for almost 10 years, and want to move to work with one of the bigger firms. I’ve tried the Big 4 accountancy firms, and have been turned down as they said my skills were not specialist enough.I now want to try the tier below. Who are the top 3 or 4 second tier firms that I should look at? Parson ? PA ? Someone else?

We don't want Big 4 rejects!

Why not - too many of you there already?

I personally view being rejected by a Big 4 as a seal of quality. People ought to put it on their CV: "Rejected by all big 4's". It's like official confirmation that you're not an a55hole.

Latest list pf the top 60 accountancy firms. I suggest you start at number 5 and work your way down. http://www.accountancymagazine.com/Accy_Mag/Top_60_Surveys/Top60Survey2008.pdf

Do you feel 'not specialist enough' versus the role(s) you applied for?I see specialism mainly in terms of industry sector, so if you have experience in a small niche consultancy you may be more specialist than they were aware of (not always e.g. medium sized consultancies). Specialism might also refer to a functional area (e.g. SAP specialist), so they might be looking for a specialist skill.Not aware of the full story, but 'not specialist enough' without further qualifying the comment would seem to be rather inadequate reasoning.It happens, but I'd reflect on it in case you are not representing your skills in a way that ticks boxes with a potential future employer.

Rejected by Big 4 = has a personality and is capable of independent thought

Beats me why can't people keep their personal tidings at bay and focus on providing relevant opinions. The original poster seems to want fresh ideas to put his career back on track, not read firm-directed rants!

"We don't want Big 4 rejects!"You should be so lucky

Yes a lto of immature posters on this forum.I would suggest go and work in industry for a year and a half, then re-apply. Consultancies love industry experience, especially if you were well connected in the company.