Audit Partner in 2 Years vs. Mgmt Consultant MBB
Jun 2, 2021
69 Comments
Hi all - I am currently a Senior Manager in Audit at EY, and undergoing discussions to make Partner in two years (by June 2023) - otherwise three years. After having invested 11 years here, I now find myself at a crossroads and have an offer to join MBB at the post-MBA consultant level (without MBA). Any input on how to go about this decision? Thanks in advance. #consulting #mbb
Refer to this post for background: "Audit at Big 4 - to venture out or not. (Management Consulting)"
https://us.teamblind.com/s/Cj4MOOkX
Audit at Big 4 - to venture out or not.
comments
Then open a new firm by yourself so that u can earn double.
EY charge must be high, you will take those clients who cant afford EY.
If you have offer as EM or Associate Partner in MBB, you might think otherwise no need to Rethink.
Given your audit background I'm surprised MBB even batted their eyes at you. This sort of opportunity most likely won't come again, so I would switch to MBB.
Yes you'll have to start over and build credibility etc etc, but the exit opps are incredible, not to mention you'll be working on more interesting things than soul sucking audit.
OP, you clearly have great networking skills to have been successful in your current career and now getting this offer. What about the details of what it will be like beyond money, wlb, and prestige as others have mentioned. I would recommend being honest with yourself about the following to know if it's really a challenge you want and are prepared for the daily reality
Does a steep learning curve sound like an exciting challenge/a positive? Will your network help you with this/will you have to make new connections? Do you care about your career progression and know the requirements so you can pick the right engagements? Do you know what you want to 'specialize' in or have be your brand? Are you ready for competition from your peers and those directly above you as an experienced hire?
Big 4, especially audit was just not interesting work for me after a few years so I switched to advisory side. But then the comp is just shit compared to industry. Starting partner makes ~300k, you can easily get that as TC now if you join tech or banking, MC will bring you to this level pretty soon too. As you make MD or partner in MC , industry will bring you in at $700-800k range easily.
Stay at EY only if you love auditing. It's a great field if you have interest in it and as partner you can better control WLB. Everything else like comp, challenging and interesting work, even WLB is better outside of big 4.