When to make the move from B4 Advisory?

Hi all,

Looking for some advice and perspective from those who may have been in a similar situation.

I’m finishing up my first year at a Big 4 firm, working in accounting advisory, where I focus on debt/equity instruments and debt restructurings. Honestly, I enjoy the technical aspects of the work and the exposure to interesting deals. It’s fully remote, and I average 45-50 hours a week, so the work-life balance is solid.

When I started, my plan was to:

1. Stay until senior 2. Get my CPA (on the firm’s dime) 3. Build up a solid savings 4. Then try to lateral into turnaround & rx consulting or potentially ECM/DCM at a bank

But over the past year, I’ve realized I really don’t want to be an accountant much longer. My interest in getting the CPA has pretty much widdled — I know it’s useful if I stay in accounting, but I don’t think it’s really valued in the roles I ultimately want. I’ve lost motivation to study for it since I don’t see it aligning with my long-term goals.

Now I’m at a bit of a crossroads:

• Do I start looking at opportunities now (maybe MM restructuring advisory, boutiques, or banking analyst roles)? • Do I stick it out until senior so I have more experience and maybe a better shot? • Or do I just stay put in my current role, enjoy the decent hours and flexibility, and figure it out later?

I wouldn’t mind working a bit longer hours for more pay and career progression, but really enjoying the free time I have right now. I’m just worried I’m getting too comfortable and missing my window to pivot.

My background:

• Undergrad in accounting • 1 year Big 4 advisory (debt/equity issues, debt restructuring focus) • No CPA • No prior internships in banking or consulting

Would it even be feasible to break into RX or banking without the stronger finance background? Anyone made a similar transition and could share some wisdom?