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I am currently working in the big 4 undertaking the ACA exams, want to make move to IB, any advice?

I have spent 2 years in corporate finance/recovery and now undertaking some time in Internal Audit, will this hamper my progress? Any advice on CFA would this help or any suggestions on ways to improve my CV in the interim?

Asked by Irish23

Posted in Switching Sectors and Accounting

03 Jul 2008

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Answers (6)

  • You'll need first time passes in your exams, and to boost your chances, you'll ideally need to demonstrate some experience in transaction services. Recovery area is about to become pretty hot, as the economy deteriorates, so that's a plus in your cv, but internal audit is not so hot. No need for CFA if you have ACA, as CFA is only really useful if you want to become an analyst or portfolio manager (i.e. not necessary in IB world).

    PJ 03 Jul 2008

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  • Depending on the particular investment bank and role you're interested in, you'll be pleased to know that first time passes aren't a must. They'll definitely help you if you have them - but they won't necessarily hinder you if you don't. The same is true of internal audit. Since most accountants in practice do this, it won't hold you back unless your client base is very different to the investment banking world you wish to enter - for example you're auditing public sector firms. In this market that might make a difference.

    Belinda Walmsley 03 Jul 2008

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  • Hi I am an ACA currently working in one of the Big fours specialising in International tax and transfer pricing services. I would like to move into corporate finance / Equity research area. In this regard, i would request your advice about how to go ahead.

    Karthik 03 Jul 2008

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  • If you are an accountant, forget it. May be you should try cleaning instead. there is a lack of skilled cleaners in the UK at the moment

    anaareias 03 Jul 2008

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  • Don't do it. Go work as an accountant in industry and work your way up to CFO and become a MBO buy out whore. much better all round

    Jack 07 Jul 2008

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  • Karthik, try a boutique economic consultancy that could leverage your tp skills while you may be allowed to work on cf projects. I am also in transfer pricing and that's what I did. Alternatively, you can walk the Philip Yea way, he was CFO at Diageo and is now senior partner at 3i.

    Marek 07 Jul 2008

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