Big 4 financial services auditor getting cold feet about exit opps

Hi Guys,

I recently started at a Big 4 accounting firm doing financial services audit. I originally thought it would be the perfect way to move into a "real" finance job coming from a non-target school with just "okay" grades. However, the more I think about it I feel like I may have set myself up for a career in a back office position that I'm really not interested in.

I double majored in finance and accounting, and at the time of my job search the economy was spiraling downwards and out of fear I took the first offer that came to me, with a B4 firm. I have always leaned more towards the finance side of things and I ultimately want to work in an area such as Asset Management or business valuation. However, due to understaffing at my firm I've found myself doing a lot of SOX work that I have ZERO interest in doing. I'm worried that by B4 experience is going to veer towards the SOX/internal audit side of things and I won't be qualified for the more finance oriented, "front office-ey" things I am exponentially more passionate about.

I've taken and passed two of four sections of the CPA exam, I plan on taking the remaining two by spring, and I expect to take CFA Level 1 next June. I am still confident because my Big 4 position gives me an all-access pass to a very large and well-respected financial firm in NYC, and I am learning things as an auditor that I would never learn as a peon on the inside. I can't help but think, though, that even with my soon-to-be credentials under my belt I an going to be pidgeonholed into some miserable position I would never have even dreamed of during college.

Has anybody else been in this position? I know the push at Big 4 is all about exit opportunities, but I've just been feeling pretty pessimistic lately about what those opportunities actually will be.