Big 4 ACA Manager

Anonymous wrote:

I am a Manager in the Internal Audit/Risk Management department for a Big 4 firm (with FS focus). I do have prior experience in financial audit while I was studying for the ACA qualification.

Currently planning on a career change into Equity Research and with greater focus in financial analysis and away from the risk and controls work.

What are the current prospects in the market and what level should I aim to enter.

Appreciate any advice.


A member of the private equity team at WH Marks Sattin replied:

Unfortunately, with these current bear market conditions the vast majority of banks and stockbrokers have limited the bulk of their recruitment to candidates that are currently within equity research, which somewhat restricts the opportunities for candidates looking to make the move from the accounting firms.

To increase your chances of securing an equity research role when the markets pick up, there are two areas that you can look to develop: firstly, you should perhaps think about an internal transfer to a role that will improve your financial modeling and company valuation skills, such as within your firm’s Transaction Services or Corporate Finance teams. Secondly, a genuine interest in the stock market that goes beyond, say, the major stories in the FT will stand you in good stead as you will need to demonstrate an understanding of the markets during the interview process.

Best of luck.

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