Any tips for moving out of B4?

My Background

  • Graduated with a finance and accounting degree from a respected business school in May ‘21 w/ a 3.8 GPA. Have passed the CPA and will be licensed in Sep 2022.

  • Started as an auditor in Sep 2021 at B4, having worked through a Fortune 500 audit on an extremely large and complex entity. 


Before I go any further, I understand that moving to IB or some other well respected finance role is a difficult reach from B4 auditing. I understand that the required skill sets are different, the cultures are completely different, and it's much more challenging. If I could go back through college, I would’ve completely modified my attitude and recruiting approach (however, I cannot go back). For some insight, I would say the 3 main things that make me want to jump ship are 1) feeling like I’m not reaching my potential, 2) disinterested in my work, since it’s non-value add and 3) compensation. 

While I’m not in an ideal situation, I think that since I’m realizing this now (23 yo, <1 yr exp) it’d certainly be possible for me to re-align my career trajectory the way I want (I just have to identify that trajectory). In all objectivity, I would say I’ve been identified as a quick learner, hard worker, and am overall respected by peers and managers I’ve worked with. I've also realized through my short experience that I am capable of working in pressured settings and can handle long hours. 

That said, I’m beginning to search for what I would like to do next. I’m starting by trying to get out of audit and move into TAS or FDD based roles. I’m absolutely willing to obtain certifications, strengthen my skills w/ applicable software, and move into areas that will all bolster my resume to assist in my next step.


The two things I am mostly seeking advice on are:

1) What are some resources to help me identify an area of interest for my next career step? While IB is a start (and vast area), are there resources that I can leverage to help identify other roles in finance that I may want to explore? (Other than my network of course)

2) What are some areas that will help bolster my resume and make me a stronger overall candidate? While I kind of laid out the basics of my resume, are there certifications, classes, softwares, or anything else I can look to do in my free time to help strengthen my candidacy? 


Appreciate any and all advice, especially related to the above 2 questions. I know this was long winded, but felt like some background was necessary for this one. Thank you all!


  • Whoiser12
 
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