IB @ Big Four Accounting

Water Cooler Careers
#1

I’m just wondering if anyone has any insight about working in corporate finance @ one of the big four accounting firms relative to the more traditional IB firms. Specifically, what are the hours and compensation levels like?

I work for a small mid-market debt fund. The hours are pretty absurd relative to pay and was wondering if a move in the mid-market CF @ Big Four direction would be more rewarding. There is tons of info about hours and pay about bulge bracket funds but not much on CF @ the Big Four. I wouldn’t consider myself young anymore so I can’t really do the crazy BB hours I’ve heard about but was wondering if the accounting firms were different.

Any insight would be much appreciated. Feel free to PM too.

#2

Deloitte is pretty active in the middle market after acquiring McColl a while ago, but the pay is significantly less than BBs but hours are also better. I wouldn’t move to big four IB if you are already at a debt fund.

#3

Why are you opposed to targeting firms on top tables? http://markets.ft.com/investmentBanking/tablesAndTrends.asp

#4

It’s an easier lateral from debt fund (typically mid market) to mid market bank I assume?

#5

I feel pretty undervalued where I am right now in terms of compensation vs. time investment. I’ve heard the top table firms pay well but also demand insane hours (i.e., 4-5 hrs sleep a night) - not sure if I can sustain that with a young family. I was just wondering if the mid-market CF shops were better with respect to hours.

#6