Big 4 Audit: Atlanta or NYC, post five year Master of Accounting program

If I were you, I would post this in either the "Other Careers" section, or the "Big 4 accounting" group. Or Both. You'll get more answers.

If your end goal is finance, NYC hands down. You need to think long term here. Where can you build a network? NYC. Where are most major financial firms located? NYC.

I know tons of people in Big 4 accounting who are doing just fine living there right out of school. Get a roommate or 2 and your total monthly expenses drop dramatically. Build up a few months worth of living expenses as a cushion before you start making any big purchases, don't blow your paycheck at clubs on the weekends, and you'll be fine. Yes NYC is expensive, but it's also manageable.

NYC is expensive but as some as noted it's not to an oasis where a select few live. You could save considerable amount of money living in the boroughs and then commuting to the city.

But again it's rolling the dice, your client could be anywhere.

NYC hands down. Better firms from F500 to audit. Also depends which Big 4.

NYC.

For FS, NYC for sure. For general F500 exit opps or something, Atlanta is still a huge market. Right up there with NYC and Chicago in just general size. If you weren't set on FS, you could pick just based on the city you want and be fine, but for FS its NYC.

I already have an idea in mind, but what would many of you say are the actual exit opportunities in FS for Big 4 audit in NYC?

Atlanta. SIGNIFICANTLY lower cost of living ($2,000 for a studio in NYC vs. $1000 for a very large 1 or 2 bedroom apt in Atlanta), likely better work hours (less face time for the sake of face time - Southern culture respects your life outside of work), and while not as robust a finance environment in Atlanta, there's certainly less competition for spots in the banks in the city (not difficult to get a job at somewhere like SunTrust with solid Big 4 experience). If you want to hate your life, sell your soul, and live in a shoebox, move to NYC.