Has anyone made this transition? I know this is such a rare case given that a lot of accountants want to break into IBs. But I was curious to know if any bankers have decided to take accounting route for job security and work life balance reasons.
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Based on previous WSO threads, transitioning from Investment Banking (IB) to accounting is indeed rare. Most discussions focus on the opposite transition, where accountants aim to break into IB for higher pay and prestige. However, there are some points to consider:
If you are considering this transition, it might be helpful to connect with professionals who have experience in both fields to get a better understanding of the potential benefits and challenges.
Sources: Accounting major, can't seem to break into IB, Why isn’t accounting to banking more common?, Accounting vs Finance: Part 1 – Career Paths, A Guide for Switching From Commercial Banking to Investment Banking, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/not-sure-if-investment-banking-is-for-me-anymore?customgpt=1
As someone who moved from accounting to IB, I strongly suggest you consider other related pathways before moving back to accounting. Other related paths could include FP&A, financial or credit risk, treasury in banking or some form of strategy consulting. Pure accounting is a bit boring I think, and you may get sick of it after about a year, or just feel unfulfilled. Ultimately, it comes down to what you’re really looking to achieve
Thanks for your help. My question to you is this. Don't you think working as a CPA offers a very stable career, given that you have a license and are basically guaranteed a middle-class life, as opposed to investment banking or other finance jobs where there are no ceilings, but you might get laid off during a recession and struggle to find a job?
Also, I have seen people in accounting still able to find jobs well into retirement age, as long as they want to keep working, unlike finance professionals who may have a harder time finding work after retirement age. Just wanted to get your perspective.
I'm a CPA who worked in audit, then transaction advisory and now am in IB.
Do not go be an accountant. Go to FP&A or something.
Not to mention, no offense, but most bankers do not possess the knowledge or skillset to be an accountant.
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