Big 4: Audit to TS

I recently started as a Graduate in B4 Audit on a 3-year scheme in London. I aim to move to IB/PE/HF when I am ACA qualified.

The common route for B4 Audit starters seems to be to go through TS/CF. When would you aim to move to TS? How would you go about it? Is it necessary to be the best performer?

Will appreciate any advice.

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I can share from a US perspective since I just made the audit to TS transition.

At my Big 4 firm, people most often make the transition after year 3 or 4. Are you locked into audit for 3 years? I think the 3 year mark is perfect because by then you’ll have a very strong understanding of accounting and be pretty well polished professionally.

Do a great job and work hard in audit, prove yourself, and the transition should work out. You definitely want to be rated in the highest bucket, or second highest bucket each year. I was never in the highest bucket, but was always in that second bucket. Networking is key. Meet as many people as you can in the TS or CF group you want to join. I recommend start reaching out to lower level people and have a networking call or coffee chat. Always say something along the lines of you’re interested to learn more about the work, group, etc, and ask if there is anyone else they can introduce you to. If you start doing this during audit year 1, you’ll have tons of contacts who can help pull for you. Getting to know TS/ CF partners in whatever group you want is the most important thing, since they make the hiring decision and will pull you. Also develop a good relationship with any audit partners you work for, as it’s good to have their blessing when you want to transition.

If IB or PE is your goal, corporate finance will give you 100% relevant work experience since CF is investment banking. Big 4 just calls it CF not IB. TS (due diligence for example) is also a great stepping stone to IB. You’ll be working along IB and PE.

Happy to answer anything else.

 

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