UK/Sydney Big4 Audit > IB/PE

Hi All

I've been offered a position in Big 4 audit (dealing with Financial Services Sector) in Sydney which would commence this December.

From what I've heard the standard although very difficult route into IB from big4 audit is to work from audit > Big4 TAS/Deals > and then maybe a boutique or MM IB if you're lucky. However I'm approx. 2-3 years older than the average grad as my first degree was in history before I studied accounting/finance.

I'm hoping to get my CA in audit then go straight to IB/PE. I've heard this is next to impossible but I was wondering if it was perhaps more feasible in the UK as the chartered accounting accreditation carries more weight in London (Maybe it carries more weight in Sydney as well but I don't know many people in IB at the moment so I'm unsure). Potentially a history degree would also be seen as a nice bonus in London although this is conjecture. Obviously I would attempt to move as far into the CFA qualifications as possible before I attempt the leap. I will likely sit the CFA level 1 exam end of this year.

I was wondering if anyone had some input, I assume most users are from the US so I understand this is an ask..

Regards, M

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

I'm an Australian undergrad going into Big 4 audit but want to do IB just like you. I don't know much about the UK but if things go bad you should go to a Top 15 Business School in the US to get an MBA and become an Investment banker in the US. That is my plan if I can't break into IB. In terms of the UK, an MBA at the London Business School is good for IB.

 

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