[von2015]

Hello everyone! I’m about to job-hunt this fall and would appreciate some honest advice on my career prospects.

A little background: I graduated 3 years ago and am only missing the one-year sign off before I get my CPA license. Since graduation, I have been working at a mid-size bank in LA. I started out in the loan department but have switched over to Internal Audit about a year ago and doing SOX compliance since last September. I will have my supervisor sign off on my one-year experience later this month (when I officially hit the one year mark).

I’m thinking of applying to the Big 4 as well as to the mid-tier firms like McGladrey and BDO this fall. Here is my “dilemma”: I realize that I don’t actually enjoy audit work as much as I expected after being exposed to SOX and am considering switching to tax as my next career move. At the same time, I am not exactly sure how closely SOX resembles actual assurance/audit work. Right now, I am set on moving into tax if possible but I am worried about my chances in getting into a Big 4 or mid-tier firm. I feel that even though I don’t have any tax experience, I did past all 4 exams, so maybe I’ll qualify as a passable candidate?

Would I have a bigger chance getting into the Big 4/mid-term firms if I apply for audit jobs versus tax jobs? Would these firms even consider me as they mostly hire new graduates? Would I start off as a Staff I person in either audit or tax positions (not that I mind it)? Do I even have a chance?

Any advice/guidance would be greatly appreciated! I don’t want to have any high or unrealistic expectations going into recruiting so any honest opinion is welcomed! Thanks guys!!