Transfer Pricing Consultant vs. Auditor at a Big 4

Hello,

I received an offer from a Big 4 firm in the TP department as a consultant at an office overseas.

I just want your guys' opinions on which is better, this or Audit.

Pros of Transfer Pricing - much more enjoyable work (a lot of consultants love their work) - better pay (partners in a specialized advisory department such as TP make way more than partners in audit) - better shot at top business schools (consulting always places better than audit, all else equal) - much more exclusive (harder to get into)

Cons of TP - very niche so exit opps are rather limited - people don't know what it is usually (although it sounds better than saying your an auditor ;))

Pros of audit - decent exit opps after attaining the CPA license and having some experience under your belt - you would be a master at analyzing financial statements - possibility of becoming a CFO in the future

Cons of audit - work is boring as hell - no respect as an auditor - long hours, a lot of travel - low pay in comparison to TP - exit opps are usually back office

So what do you guys think?

8 Comments
 

TP sounds like a more interesting and unique opportunity. Many more chances to do audit in the future, but I feel like there may not be many chances to do TP, especially because it is much more of a niche position than audit.

 

Hi Lionheart, I'm facing the same dilemma as you were a few years back. What did you end up choosing? any regrets? What's your opinion now on TP? exit opps? Are salaries better in tp? I'd really appreciate it if you could help me out ;-) Thanks

 

@Florentfp

What did you decide? I'm in a similar position now. Thanks!

"No one ever wishes they had slept more in college."
 

Don't do audit.

"You are neither right nor wrong because the crowd disagrees with you. You are right because your data and reasoning are right." -Warren Buffett
 

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"No one ever wishes they had slept more in college."

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