Will my plan work?
Hello,
Long story short, I'm 28 and have no qualifications and not much of a resume. I have "studied" several times before, and the reason I put that in quotes is because I never applied myself/got distracted within a few weeks. My first enrollment was in an Accounting & Finance program in 2008. In subsequent enrollments I wasn't able to study at the Business Schools due to past failings, and thus changed my focus.
A few things happened this year, which really caused me to reflect upon my past and what I'm doing with my life. After a lot of soul-searching, and many hours of research I've more or less made a decision on the path I wish to take and I'm looking for validation that it's doable.
I'm looking to land a role with a Big 4 firm, preferably PwC or Deloitte, working in both TS(DD) and M&A in order to gain as much experience and knowledge in the area of Deals, whilst earning both CA & CFA designations. This is something that has always interested me, but if the opportunities are present here & abroad I see no reason to emigrate from the firm that takes me in any hurry.
In order to do this, I'll need to do the following:
2015 - Tertiary Foundation Certificate (to gain entrance to the University of Auckland's Business School)
2016-2019 BCom in Accounting & Finance + BA in Economics + Immerse myself in Extra-curricular activities/internships.
Come 2020 I'll be 33, turning 34 midway through.
So my questions are:
Will a Big 4 firm hire me, provided I have a solid GPA and have done plenty to build my resume?
Is interning at multiple firms frowned upon? Given the length of time I'll be studying to meet CA & CFA requirements I can do at least 2, possibly 3, and maybe even all 4 of the Big firms. Seems like a good idea to gain experience/get a proper feel for the firms.
Does it make sense to start off in TS(DD) to exploit/develop my accounting knowledge and gain my CA designation before moving into M&A to exploit/develop my Finance knowledge and gain my CFA designation?
Also, Sweden holds a special interest for me. How do the Big 4 firms rank there for the line of work I'm looking to do? I'd very much like to do a secondment/transfer there.
Lastly, is it realistic to look at making partner by the age of 50, or if I'm looking to grow my financial position would I be better off looking to move into PE/what are my chances being 10~ years behind most?
If it's any help I still get ID'd for cigarettes (R18).
I really appreciate the time you've taken to read this, and am looking forward to your responses.
PS I'm in Auckland, New Zealand.
Anyone who is considering you for an entry level position will see on your resume the date you finished school with no qualifications thereafter, and wonder wtf you have been doing for the last 10 years. Frankly you have no chance with Big 4. Why would a firm take a risk on you, when there are hundreds of other fresh college grads who have a) completed a degree, and b) didn't take 10 years to decide it? You say you're going to complete CA and CFA at the same time.. sounds like you're smoking more than cigarettes.
I left school at 15, after my mother died, and so did not complete the final 2 years of secondary education. I have had various jobs, but nothing remotely relevant apart from a couple of years as Property Manager/Executive Assistant to my father who is a commercial property developer.
Your response is what I initially thought too, but after speaking briefly to a friend (albeit at Grant Thornton) he seemed to think that provided I got the degrees with good grades (and extras) that that would demonstrate my desire to work in the industry and I'd be given the opportunity. I have been meaning to question another friend at Deloitte too, but then I came across this site.
As for getting both CA & CFA designations, I was thinking to get one after the other, ie. 3 years in TS = CA then 3 years in CF/M&A = CFA. I thought this would give me a lot more options, but also prove to a Big 4 firm that I'm worth taking that initial risk on by demonstrating lofty ambitions.
New Zealand also has Accountants on the national skills shortage list, meaning we're not generating enough graduates to meet our demand and so are looking to import them.
Couple more questions:
For the kind of work I'm interested in, would a smaller firm like Grant Thornton, or BDO, be any good? Would they give me a look in?
Is there anyone in the banking/finance/investment area that would give me a chance at 33/34?
Are you absolutely certain that despite the shortage of accountants in NZ, I stand no chance of at least getting an internship - where I can demonstrate my worth - with a Big 4 firm no matter fantastic my grades and extra-curricular achievements may be?
Would a phone call/letter of recommendation from a recently retired Big 4 senior partner make a difference?
Is there anything you can suggest I do to get into what I want to do?
I know it's all a bit fanciful, but if there's a sliver of hope I'll take it. I know it'll be difficult as fuck to get through the studies etc.., and it won't be any easier if I do land a role, but I also know I'm capable of excelling in both. I just can't waste any more time, obviously.
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