Big 4 - London Vs Regional - Career Prospects?
I have received two offers for Big4 audit grad roles, one in London and the other in a London regional (such as Reading/Milton Keynes), however, I am unsure on which to accept.
Ultimately, my goal would be to transfer to TAS/FDD/deals after the grad scheme.
My main concerns are that, although London will no doubt provide greater exit opportunities, with the increased competition it will be harder to get recognised and make the move. I have been told that in regional offices you are a lot more likely to be known by the higher ups, partners, directors, etc. Would this therefore be helpful in making the switch of service lines, even if I have to transfer to another office for the role?
I am indifferent between the two firms. The salary is fractionally higher in London, however, the commute would also be an extra hour minimum each day.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks 😊
Ah, the classic dilemma of choosing between the bustling streets of London and the quieter, perhaps more personal atmosphere of a regional office. Let's peel this banana layer by layer, shall we?
London: The Big Stage
Pros:
Cons:
Regional Offices: The Close-Knit Community
Pros:
Cons:
Making the Switch to TAS/FDD/Deals
Conclusion
Both options have their merits. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and are drawn to the vast networking and learning opportunities, London might be your stage. However, if you value visibility, community, and perhaps a better initial work-life balance, a regional office could offer a nurturing ground for growth and recognition.
Remember, the path to TAS/FDD/deals is about building a solid foundation in audit, networking, and making your career aspirations known. Whether in London or a regional office, your dedication, performance, and ability to seize opportunities will chart your course.
Good luck, and may your career journey be as fruitful as a banana plantation! 🍌
Sources: Working In Big 4 Audit in London, 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions - London Edition, What's it like to work in The City of London?, 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions - London Edition, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/trouble-deciding-which-offer-to-pursue-cb-bb-vs-ma-local-big-four?customgpt=1
I would say go for London as most of the deals team are in London where you will inevitably meet them at events etc. so you can quickly expand your network for a post ACA move (or maybe even after exam qualification i.e. usually you do your exams within 2/2.5 years depending on the firm/pathway, sometimes even faster. However you cannot officially qualify until you have done 3 years of work experience). Would also recommend joining firm internal committees to help host events and help out in sector groups so you can get exposure to that specific industry. E.g. TMT group events would have people in that industry but from different service lines (e.g. audit, tax, consulting, deals...). Externally start talking to recruiters after a year there to build that relationship and also for you to find out about the job market (can give you some HH contacts if interested).
Won't be easy but quite a lot of people do it. The usually route is:
Audit (3 years with ACA) -> Transactions/FDD/CorpFin/Vals -> LMM/MM banks & M&A boutiques (e.g. DC Advisory, Lincoln, HSBC, Natwest, Lloyds, Macquarie..) -> LMM/MM PE
Obviously this route is a rough idea. Have seen people going to BB (BofA & Barclays) after a couple of years in big 4 CorpFin. Also have seen JPM & RBC postings for newly qualified ACA candidates.
London regional offices on the other hand would not have a lot of deals team (probably only reading will have some deals people) which means your exposure to deals people will be non-existent. And I would think that your partner wouldn't automatically help you to move to another team, they'll wanna keep you after training you for 3 years hahaha. Remember that if you something you have to push for it especially in the accountancy firms, have those catchups, email those partners/directors (ask to help out in pitch decks or identifying clients).
Corrupti minima non tenetur itaque aut ad. Dolorem repellendus optio nihil magnam. Nihil quo laborum animi eos.
Fuga aut illum consequatur enim eaque eos est. Aut perferendis incidunt et aspernatur. Quos excepturi minus officiis sint adipisci quis aut. Laudantium ut asperiores officiis repudiandae quidem. Fuga officia veniam ea. Illo nostrum vero dicta consequatur eos.
Amet sed sed dolorum quisquam qui. Ab illo rerum dolorem incidunt placeat. Reiciendis fugiat amet suscipit quidem quaerat rerum. Dolor sint ut aliquam eum eligendi.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...