Entry level corporate finance

So, I've posted here previously and got the impression that while a finance job is a possibility for somebody with my background (Big 4 tax, MA in Financial Accounting, BS Accounting, good grades, high gmat score). I now also have my CPA exams done, and have met the experience requirement here, though my license is still pending. I probably need to look around for f500 corporate finance jobs or stick it out in Big 4 for a bit and go do an MBA. I'm mulling over my options right now, interviewing, and trying to make some kind of move in the next month or so.

If I don't find anything appealing externally, I'm considering asking for a transfer into Transaction Support (this is like our IB-type group) or Valuations. M&A looks cool but I'm not really so keen on travelling most of the time. We are hiring in these groups, so I think I could get hired there without too much fuss.

I've figured out that I just really love researching the crap out of things, even if it is the best brand of fabric softener. I also most like the areas where accounting and finance overlap a bit. So I think ER would be interesting work for me, but it seems impossible to get into without a connection or relevant experience. Instead I am now looking at an FP&A analyst position so I can build my modeling skills and get to do something more researchy-strategy-analysis-fun. But again, while I have had some interviews I'm having a hard time finding something that doesn't require at least a couple years of analysis experience. So, last but not least, I'm looking into rotation programs. Hoping this could get my foot in the door and it wouldn't hurt to get to try a few things out to see if I feel I am taking the right path.

Anyone have recommendations for good rotation programs, or what terms I can search for to find job postings for rotations? Similarly, does anyone know if small-medium financial services (PE, hedge funds, whatever) have back/middle office "generalists" that really do get to work in a number of areas? Are there any analyst type entry level job descriptions I am not aware of and should consider? Finally, and perhaps most importantly, does anyone have specific suggestions for how to network in NYC?