Success Happy - How many hours a week do people work in public accounting?

How many hours a week do people work in public accounting?

Do any well-known firms have a good work-life balance?

They tell you that they do but they are lying. At E&Y, during non-busy season I worked about 50hrs/week which is slightly less than the norm. During busy season (January - end of March/April), I averaged around 60-70 hrs/week.
40?
Not during tax time. I worked for an accounting firm in college. For most of the year they had regular hours and a good life otherwise. From February through April they worked 12 hour days, 7 days a week. It is a good career if you can handle a few rough months.
ITS 60 HOURS CUZ I READ IT IN MY BOOK
For the most part. But don't expect that during tax season. In most public firms, everyone does taxes during tax season (around february through April 15th) and are required to work overtime. In my firm, we're required to put in at least 55 hours during the season, and have to work at least 6 days per week as well. But that's 2.5 months... it's not that bad once you get used to it. The rest of the year, depending on your department, you may have a few other busier times, but for the most part I have plenty of time off and my firm is very family-friendly. People are always going to school-plays and parent-teacher conferences, for example, with the firm's full support. It all depends on your threshold for long hours. If you can handle a couple of months, then you'd be fine. Good luck! :0)