[UK] - Big 4 Audit to ER questions

I'm in the UK, for reference. My questions are:

  1. How realistic is it? Will I need to try and get into TS first? Or can I go straight from Audit to ER?

  2. What is the process for this? Where do I even start on what I need to learn to prepare myself. I'm in my second year of audit, and am 12/15 ways through and have only the final 3 exams left. I want to get a head start on what I need to know so I don't waste time. I really don't like audit, and am looking at a wider level corporate finance but ER is something that has really caught my eye.

  3. Will I need a CFA Level 1 to do this? Or will an ACA be enough?

  4. Are there particular industry coverage groups that are "easier" to get into? And does it matter long term which industry I cover? I have an Economics background so there's no particular industry that would favour my knowledge so far. 

Any help would be appreciated.

 
  1. Totally doable. Don't think I care whether you came from audit or TS. 
  2. Read this article: Network (In)to The Sell-side
  3. Designations could help, so no need to overdo it with CFA level 1 if you already have an accountant credential. 
  4. ER is a low turnover industry, so ease of entry doesn't apply unless you have a particular sector interest. Which industry you cover DOES impact your employability if you are interested in going to the buy-side (like many.) 
 

Thank you, your answers and that link is very helpful! What industries would you say are in particular the "best" for the transition into buy-side? I imagine tech is very employable in buy-side but also one of the most difficult to get into. 

 

I feel like online people have said it's possible but at least for the UK I can't see many opportunities/job postings across linkedin/other job boards that accept auditors. Is it something that I can only gain access for through recruiters? Or am I missing something?

 
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