Worth leaving big 4 audit for a boutique advisory firm?

Finishing up my first year in audit at a big 4. Recently expressed interest in a small (~50 person) advisory / due diligence firm. Spoke to a director and it seems like there’s a lot of opportunity for growth there but I’m a little worried about losing the big 4 name, especially if it turns out I could end up doing an internal transfer from audit to FDD within big 4. This boutique firm could also end up with a potential relocation to a very desirable area for me, just want some sober thoughts from WSO.

And yes I already know audit sucks yada yada just let me know what you would do

6 Comments
 

Have you spoken to anyone at your firm about transferring to FDD? When I was at B4 FDD audit transfers were super competitive and usually very delayed for political reasons (audit doesn’t want to lose their best performers). Do you have an end goal in mind career wise such as IB?

 

Yeah, I’ve spoken to a counselor about it but I have heard from my current senior that it’s quite difficult to make the move, as it still requires an interview process, rotation before a permanent transfer, etc. which just sounds like a nuisance to deal with whereas i could just move firms with a bit more leverage. Eventually making it to IB is a dream of mine but I have to be honest when I say I don’t know if I want it as bad as some of the people I know who broke in. Honestly I’ve actually thought about getting into advisory and climbing up to a high level there since it’s not as insane hour wise as IB but still much more technical than audit

 

I think (and don’t quote me on this) it would be easier to go to a reputable advisory firm, get FDD experience, and then go back to Big 4 FDD if you really wanted to. It’s all the same work anyways. PM me if it’s easier to chat there

 
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