Hi everyone! I just graduated with my BSA degree and I’m looking for some advice about my career options. I got job offers from two major accounting firms but neither position is in their regular audit department. One firm wants me for their IT audit team while the other is offering a spot in their consulting division.
I’m wondering if these roles would still be valuable for my career even though they’re not traditional audit positions. Since both companies are well-known Big 4 firms, would working in these alternative departments still give me good experience and career prospects? I want to make sure I’m making the right choice as a new graduate.
Any thoughts or experiences from people who have worked in similar roles at large accounting firms would be really helpful. Thanks!
lol “traditional audit”… you mean spreadsheet hell that makes you question your life choices? Both offers beat sitting in a cubicle checking invoices 60 hours a week. Big 4 looks good on LinkedIn, but they’ll work you to death regardless. Consulting sounds fancy until you’re living in airports. IT audit… at least cybersecurity isn’t going anywhere. Pick whichever lets you sleep more than 4 hours a night.
both crush regular audit. i spent 3 years in audit at pwc - the exit opportunities are incredible. tech companies will throw money at you. consulting’s more stressful but you build solid relationships with executives. don’t stress about the ‘traditional’ path - specialized roles are where you actually grow.
Both options surpass traditional audit roles in their own ways. IT audit positions are currently in high demand, as they blend technology with compliance, providing you with unique skills that typical auditors might lack. The financial rewards in this field tend to be higher, coupled with a strong growth trajectory. On the other hand, consulting exposes you to a wider array of industries, which can enhance your analytical abilities and strategic thinking. Typically, those in consulting advance more quickly and have diverse career paths available, including roles in strategy or business development. The critical point to consider is that both pathways come with the prestigious Big 4 name on your resume, making them more engaging than standard audit roles. Ultimately, if your interests lie in tech risk management, IT audit is the way to go; if you’re drawn to strategy and entrepreneurship, consulting may serve you better. Regardless of your choice, either role will significantly expand your network and equip you with transferable skills beyond what traditional audit provides.
You’ve got two solid offers - nice problem to have! IT audit is huge right now since every company’s going digital. They’re desperate for people who get both tech risks and compliance. Consulting gives you more variety across different businesses and industries, plus the pay’s usually better. Both keep you under the Big 4 umbrella, which opens doors forever. Really comes down to what you like - IT audit if you’re into tech and structured work, consulting if you want variety and working directly with clients. Either way, you’re set up well for senior roles down the road, whether you stay in public or jump to industry.