2 Offers to choose from: Need Help!

I would take the deal experience over the brand name. You can convey the knowledge and experience gained on a resume and in an interview, which is much more important than the brand name of the firm you did audits for. Moving from Big 4 to anything in high finance seems to be one of the most difficult paths because you're really not learning anything by doing audits over and over.

Yup. Auditing is auditing ... and not the direction you want to go it seems. Two things matter: people and dealflow. As long as you have those two, you'll be better off no matter the brand name.

Although I do agree with the above sentiments, I will caveat it by saying that the Big 4 in the UK are actually well respected (much more so than in the States). Beginning your career in auditing is no death sentence either and I am confident you will be able to transition into a role more suited to your interests later on.

Furthermore, there is no guarantee that a corporate finance/M&A role at a top 8 accountancy will be a great experience. From what I have heard, you may just end up doing a lot of accounting work if the deal flow is not there.

Takeaway: make sure you do your due diligence by speaking with people at these firms who will be able to give you a candid view of your options. Choosing a FT offer is never so clear-cut, so definitely take your time and think deeply about what you want to do.

Big 4 in the UK with the ACA is very well respected. I spent a year at a Big 4 from a UK non-target and it opened up a lot of doors for me and helped me moved into the investment side. Also, don't underestimate the network of the Big 4. My current boss also started at a Big 4 in audit and when he saw my CV he brought it up right away. Fellow Big 4's will know and appreciate that you've been forced to work hard for below average money.

Also, FS audit in London is an excellent place to start. You will get exposure to all the banks and make good contacts if you have any personality.

Audit is not sexy.

I think you should avoid the advice from the non-UK based posters. With no disrespect to them, the situation over here regards big-4 audit is completely different from in the US. People do make the move from big-4 audit to the sell side, I can't tell you how common it is, but I know of at least one person personally who has done so and is now FO at a HF and another that is working MM at a top IB. Also I think there is a huge jump between big 4 and the other accountancy firms, think the dip in prestige and opportunities shouldn't be underestimated. That said I think it is a difficult decision, best of luck making it.

Thanks a lot for your insight guys a couple of things to add, I have seen from linkedin people move from big 4 audit to BX/GS M&A in London after an MBA and know a family member who went through Big 4 Audit to Megafund PE although it was 25 years ago.

For deal exposure, the team I met said they had quite a lot of deals on the go and in the pipeline, but I don't really have a way to verify that. For tomorrow I think I'll call both the places and get some more information and potentially another angle some of you might know about is internal mobility in the Big 4 from audit to corporate finance? I know its possible after the 3 years but during would be the best option for me, so if any of you know someone whose done it before that'd be great.

I think this is an interesting one because a few years back it would have been an easier choice to take the Big 4 but now maybe having M&A experience might be better. Keep the opinions coming, its an interesting one! Thanks a lot.

I'm not from the UK, but live in a country that is relatively British in its perception of many things, among them the Big Four firms. They're seen as not necessarily the absolute best place to be, but certainly a worthwhile option; if you're in a Big Four firm, people assume that you have a very stable career ahead of you and are going to do well in life.