Breaking into the Big Four
A Lander College for Men Alum Finds Success in the Most Prestigious Accounting Firms
Mordechai Rada jokes that he didn’t just major in accounting at Touro University’s Lander College for Men—he majored in Chayim Herskowitz, the accounting department chair.
"Professor Herskowitz taught in a way that matched the students' pace,” said Rada, now a tax manager at Ernst & Young. “He was always open to questions, explained things repeatedly when needed, and brought unmatched enthusiasm to every class. It didn’t feel like a lecture—it was enjoyable and tailored for us. That enthusiasm is what made him so effective and likable.”
As a student at Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, Rada sought a college degree without compromising his Torah learning. The LCM evening division offered the perfect balance, allowing him to continue learning during the day while attending classes at night. “Touro caters to our population,” he explained.
“All the professors were amazing,” Rada continued. “The classes were serious and rigorous, and they definitely instilled a strong work ethic that helped me succeed. Plus, the camaraderie with classmates who studied together after class made the experience even better.”
Rada credits Professor Herskowitz not only for his teaching but also for helping him break into the competitive Big Four accounting firms.
“I graduated in 2014 and took some time to focus on learning,” Rada explained. “When I was ready, Professor Hershkowitz used his connections to help me land a seasonal internship. The key to getting into the Big Four isn’t applying through a website—it’s knowing someone. Professor Hershkowitz set me up, and once I got my foot in the door, it was up to me to prove myself.”
After excelling in his first internship, Rada secured a second one the following year.
“Attitude is key,” said Rada. “You need a great attitude to succeed.”
In 2018, he was hired full-time as an associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where he prepared tax returns, work papers, and K-1 forms. He quickly rose through the ranks, with increasing responsibilities.
“When you start, that’s the golden time to learn,” he advised. “Ask questions, read as much as you can, and soak in the knowledge. As you move up, the responsibilities grow. At the senior and manager levels, you’re reviewing others’ work, and there’s a lot less room for error.”
In 2019, Rada joined Ernst & Young as a tax manager. He highly recommends accounting as a career for its stability, growth opportunities, and work-life balance.
“People don’t realize how flexible this field can be,” Rada said. “While there are busy seasons with long hours, the rest of the year is much lighter. It’s a great profession with high demand for managers, room for growth, and steadily increasing compensation. It’s a worker’s market right now.”
His advice to aspiring accountants? “Be enthusiastic about taking on work and being proactive. That’s 50% of the job, alongside being thorough and detail-oriented.”
And, of course, take Professor Herskowitz’s classes.
