Big 4 Audit → Deals or Tech Finance? Feeling completely lost on what to do after qualification.
Hi everyone,
I'm looking for some career advice because I feel like I'm at a point where I need to decide what direction to start moving in.
For context:
- LSE Accounting & Finance graduate.
- Currently a staff 1 in Big 4 audit (Financial Services) in London.
- Studying towards ICAS (CPA equivalent in UK).
- My plan is to qualify first before making a move.
I've spent the last few weeks researching exit opportunities and now I feel even more confused because there seem to be so many different paths. After reading a lot, I think I've narrowed it down to two broad directions:
- Transactions / Deals
This appeals to me because it seems intellectually interesting, has good pay progression, teaches financial modelling and valuation, and seems to open doors into Corporate Development, IB, PE and other commercial roles.
- Commercial Finance in Tech
This also really appeals to me because I've always been interested in technology and AI. Strategic Finance or FP&A at a tech company sounds much more commercial than audit.
One concern I have is wasting time.
For example, if my long-term destination ends up being Strategic Finance or Corporate Development at a tech company, is spending a few years in Transaction Services actually valuable, or is it just another detour like I now feel audit has been?
Similarly, if I move straight into FP&A or Strategic Finance after qualifying, am I closing doors that Deals experience would have opened?
Also:
- Who should I actually be networking with over the next year? Transaction Services professionals? Strategic Finance Managers? Corporate Development teams? Recruiters? Someone else?
- What skills should I be building now that are valuable regardless of which path I choose?
- If you've made a similar move yourself, what do you wish you knew when you were in audit?
I appreciate that this is a long post. But, if you could spare some time to help me out, I will forever be grateful! Thanks :)