[pankitp]

I have about 5 Years of Experience on Wall Street…

basically with investment and wealth planning firms…(Morgan Stanley / UBS / Merrill Lynch)

I passed all 4 but am lacking the “1or 2 years of Experience under a registered CPA”

Bummer, cause on my job, i’m studying company financials day in and day out.

my question is

1) Was anyone able to successfully substitute such experience

2) what’s the best way to get into a big 4

thanks for your help in advace

[potatogun]

Do you work under someone who is a CPA? Doesn't have to be directly but they need to review your work and sign off on your experience.

As far as Big4, I am sure you could find your way in as an experienced hire in some sort of special group, maybe asset valuation type services?

I am sure you have a network of professionals in various industries so just reach out to people you know in the Big4 and ask for an intro/resume push to the correct people.

FAR 92 - AUD 91 - REG 94 - BEC 86

[Anonymous]

How can you migrate the other way, from Big 4 to Wall Street? Just curious, why do you want to leave the street? I am interested in wealth management, any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

To address your question on the best way to get into a Big 4, as an experienced hire, I would suggest to network and have someone internally refer you. Based on my experience the Big 4 like to hire referrals first rather then take on interviews from just anyone.

[pankitp]

Thank you for your potatogun and trouble.

good to know that i can still qualify as an “Experienced Hire”

I know quite a few ppl who have come from accounting to wealth management. Infact, i know a CPA who did just that.

You will NOT be able to use your CPA designation on your business cards, neither solicit yourself as a CPA to your clients and prospects. It's a “Conflict of Interest” thing when it comes to providing investment + Tax advise. You will learn more when you take the Series 7,66 exams. (Piece of cake compared to the CPA). The best designation you can get as a wealth manager is CFP (Certified Financial Planner – Also not nearly as hard as the CPA)

you've got to be a salesperson if you decide to get into Wealth Management. You need the gift of gab…which i don't. Hence the move,

But yeah, get in touch with me if you have any more questions,

[potatogun]

pankitp,

I take it you have some friends to reach out to in Big4? Big4 firms are starting to ramp up hiring since they all lowered their recruiting numbers in 2008-2010. Everyone is hiring a bunch of experienced hires too now. Also PwC is really trying to expand its advisory practice so anything specialized will surely go noticed.

FAR 92 - AUD 91 - REG 94 - BEC 86

[Anonymous]

Hey pankitp I really appreciate your input. I have some more questions I was trying to contact you privately thru this site but I'm unsure how to. Do you have an e-mail address or something I can reach you at on & inquiry further about your Wall St experience? Thanks, I really appreciate it!

[pankitp]

@trouble, email me at pankitp@yahoo.com , will be glad to help

[Author]

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