Big 4 audit to IB

Hello all,

Currently a 1st year big 4 audit associate in New York within a banking/broker dealer group, I understand shitpost this all you want, I would too. I don’t intend to stay in an accounting role for more than 2 years. Currently taking CPA exams and exploring to move internally to M&A deals. Overall want to do something transactional because the slow paced audit life is not something I’m enjoying.

However, my first choice is to make a pivot to IB, something I’ve always wanted to do. I want the challenge, learning curve, and opportunities it brings.

What is my legitimate marketability to banking? Does a cpa give me any help other than just having it for the long term. Are there any groups within IBD that I should be seeking? I come from an upper liberal arts school in New England with a surprisingly good amount of alums in BB and middle market IB. Overall trying to gage how I can make this happen, any insight is greatly appreciated.

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

The best positon to put yourself in to make the switch is to be on a Big Four TAS team doing QoE.

Unless you get a big break, your likely path will be 2 years accounting -> 1 -> TAS -> IB. Insane uphill battle and you will be going against college grads for analyst spots. Most likely scenario, again unless you get a big break, is IB 4 years from now.

Best of luck

 

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