Big 4 Audit to Big 4 M&A FDD to...

Hey everyone, first post on the site. I have been reading A LOT of the content on WSO so thank you all for your contributions.

I am currently working at a Big 4 in audit (have CPA). I have been working for 2 years and a couple months and was promoted to Senior. Like many WSOers before me I've realized audit is not my long term career choice. I have recently interviewed for my firm's M&A financial due diligence group, with timing of the transfer being Spring 2018.

Questions: 1. Thoughts on FDD? I have spoken with multiple people in the group and have some insight on the the day-to-day. Curious to hear if you think it is interesting work, you brought value to clients, or flat out if you enjoyed it. 2. Did you see a salary bump from audit to FDD? I don't need actuals, ranges and/or percentages would be great. Would like to know what to expect.

Now, as M&A FDD is likely my next move, I am curious about the beloved exit opportunities it presents.

  1. What are the most common exit opportunities? I understand this varies, but is IB possible? I realize PE is not without an MBA. Is it common to get your MBA after M&A FDD?
  2. How much do recruiters from PE/IB/HF value M&A FDD experience? From what I've gathered the deal experience helps, just not sure how much.

ANY thoughts on my situation and questions would be extremely helpful.

Thanks, and Trust the Process.

3 Comments
 

Hey, I am also interested in eventually transferring into FDD from Audit. Do you mind if I ask which industry you pursued? Did you work in fs? Also, do you work think working in NY metro area would help me more to internally transfer into FDD one day?

 

Pariatur non quo non facilis nisi hic. Dolorem sit nemo quia quos quis velit autem. Sed quos provident voluptatem. Quos odit aspernatur omnis eligendi quae. Dolores earum quis in minima.

Dicta velit qui sapiente deserunt reiciendis fugit. Repellendus voluptatum vitae expedita neque.

Nostrum hic et hic doloremque et reiciendis ducimus. Vel blanditiis dolor vel et enim voluptate.

Maxime ipsa aut quos magnam. Repudiandae quod qui sed modi occaecati in a. Vel debitis odio blanditiis optio blanditiis.

You know my steez

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”