Accounting (Big4) vs. Investment Banking (Canadian Top 5)

I have a question for the wise chimps of WSO. I am currently finishing my second year at a Canadian University (think UofT, McGill) and I have worked 2 internships at PwC in the Audit Practice (both internships lasting 4 months). As I enter my third year, I am debating whether I should transfer in to Banking at a Canadian Top 5 (think TD, CIBC, RBC, etc.) or whether I should get my CPA/CA at PwC then transfer to IB later. I want to do banking but I hear that the stability of the job is horrible. Also, a CPA/CA might provide more career options later on down the line. On the other hand, doing the CPA/CA will cost me 2/3 years, and I may be too old to pursue banking (not sure if this is a legitmate concern). Anyway, love to get input.

2 Comments
 

My gf is an accountant at one of the big 4 and wants to join finance, she's waiting to get her CPA before doing so because a) you're more likely to know what you want to do after working for a couple of years and b) you'll also be open to financial analyst roles - finance director/CFO track at public/private corporations which offer better pay/lifestyle ratio. Don't worry about the age thing, as plenty of people have done 2-4 years of accounting before joining banking in Canada.

 

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