Audit to REPE/REIB?

Hi guys, first post -

I am currently an auditor in my third year at one of the Big 4 public accounting firms in NY. Have my CPA and MBA in accounting. I have some experience auditing REPE funds, REIT's and CRE clients. Internally, I should be able to switch into the Transaction Support group to get out of audit but I’m not convinced that will make me any happier long term. I have taken a look at some outside opportunities but everyone wants to throw back office accounting/financial analyst interviews at me, supporting the deal teams. Like every other accountant I've come across I'd love to make the switch and be part of the deal team instead of booking entries to support their work. Part of me thinks I'd rather stay longer at Big 4 and give TS a shot than to leave and settle to be a glorified accountant in REPE without at least trying to get in on deal side. I would appreciate any advice anyone has to offer on the topic.

I have been networking and talking to as many people as possible. I've read through the forums for a while now and it seems Big 4 to REIB to REPE can and does happen but everyone has a different path they've taken. I applied for a real estate analyst job at GS in merchant bank department which I think would be a great opportunity, along with other analyst jobs at BX, Carlyle, Citi, etc. I am willing to start from the ground up as an analyst and put in my dues and work long hours etc. but so far no interviews. Any suggestions to be taken more seriously for these roles or ones like it? I’m worried my window is getting smaller by the day.

Right now a few things I know for sure:
-I hate auditing
-I could switch into Transaction Support but I’m not convinced that will make me any happier long term
-I want to be in REPE but not in a back office accounting/analyst role

Thanks in advance for any help

5 Comments
 

Hi everyone looking for thoughts on going from Big 4 Audit to a Consulting firm Would be joining the real estate group.

Thoughts? Could join TAS/TS group within Big 4 but would not be within real estate - which is deal breaker. Any info would be appreciated (pay, exit opps, culture, work life balance, similarities/differences to big 4 audit work/culture etc.)

Thanks in advance

 
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