Just completed my credits to take the CPA and have started studying.. working in auditing rn.. not sure either is right for me. Any advice? I really am generally more interested in finance over accounting, if that makes sense. But I have an offer at big 4 for audit and feel like I shouldn’t turn that down.. Is Big 4 a good thing to do for a year, get on my resume and such, or is it a waste of time? And should I take this CPA if it may not involve my long-term career goals/path?

My bf spent a year in big4 audit and sat for a few section of the exams, but decided it wasn’t for him. He switched to investment banking and after a few years doing that ended up in a finance related job. Doesn’t have his cpa and is really happy with where he is now. I think taking the job to get some experience doesn’t hurt, and while you’re there explore different things that you might like more. I know audit can be crazy busy which would make it hard to study while working, so in my opinion you shouldn’t stress about studying yet if you are hesitant about staying in accounting

It does help to have big 4 on resume and I think earlier in career at least, it seems to be easier to go from big 4 to smaller firm or industry than opposite. Also, I didn’t get my CPA and I am so happy with that decision. I took 2 exams (without really studying, so didn’t pass cause I preferred to enjoy my last free summer) because I felt like it was what I was supposed to do but am so glad I didn’t try to deal with that stress. Got my CISA and am so much happier with that.

You shoukd take the big 4 offer. Do it for a couple of years and get out. You will be able to work anywhere after that. Most finance positions like people with an accountant background.

Just go through university recruitment process for companies that offer finance positions that you’re into. You’ll get stuck in audit saying oh I’ll just stay til I make it to senior and then you’ll have to go through the experienced hire process which is way more effort than getting a job right out college