One Person Boutique vs. Corporate Finance arm of Accountancy Firm

Hi all,

I have a career advice question.

Background:
Current MSc in Finance student looking to break into IB in the near future.
In the coming weeks, I will likely receive two offers from two firms in my mid-sized European city.

Firm A is a basically unknown one person boutique looking to expand, founded 1-2 years ago, headed by a person with +10 years experience in an EB. We get along very well, the recent deals seem to be interesting and I know it will be incredibly hands on. I really like the idea of working here. 15min commute.

Firm B is a little known accountancy firm, founded ~6-7 years ago, with +100 offices, backed by PE and I would be working in the corporate finance division. Probably a ~20-person team. No information on previous deals, is that a red flag? All the partners are accountants, I'd also sit the accountancy exams, whereas in the other firm I would not. 1.5hr commute twice a day.

What's my goal?
My goal is to work in one of these firms for 6-12 months and successfully lateral into a bigger MM investment bank. Which of these firms do you guys think will be better suited for that transition and which do you think will be a better learning experience?

My gut has been telling me the one person boutique is a better option but I'm not sure if it being so small & lesser known will be a problem.

I would greatly appreciate your feedback and advice.

Thank you!
 

Which firm should I go for?

Firm A (One person boutique)
78% (7 votes)
Firm B (Corporate finance arm in accountancy firm)
22% (2 votes)
Total votes: 9
2 Comments
 

Is the ib looking to hire more employees in addition to you? Do both offers pay the same? Do you have any connections to MM investment banks now through your msc or will you need to start those from scratch?

 

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