Are you a risk manager?!?!?! Haha.
Back to the topic. I work in an accounting firm in London (not
as an auditor though), but still, I may be able to provide
some advice.
I believe most of you by saying "accountant" are in fact
referring to an auditor. In a nutshell, an auditor seeks to provide
assurance over the truth and fairness of financial statements.
Therefore, you will spend heck alot of time ticking boxes and doing
various tests to gain confidence over the accuracy of company
accounts.
My friends in Asia say hours are crazy. Frequently past
midnight. But the hours will improve as you move up the ranks.
That's just the nature of the beast so you have to endure it to
reap the rewards in the future.
Speaking of rewards, there are significant benefits to training
as an auditor, especially if you are able to leverage your time in
an accounting firm into a professional qualification such as the
ACCA, CIMA and what not. The pay jump is significant if you qualify
and it increases your marketability (the training increases your
business knowledge alot!).
Also, if you were to make partner, the remuneration is
ridiculous though not even close to top bankers.
For those of you seriously considering a career in an accounting
firm, don't just limit yourself to being an auditor. There are many
functions in an accounting firm (go to their websites and take a
look) which will appeal to different people. But all in all, join
an accounting firm to get a professional qualification, not because
of immediate remuneration. The benefits will only accrue in the
long-term.
Any other questions, please let me know.
Take his word for it - if money's what you're after, I'd suggest
picking IBs over accountancy firms any day too.
PS : psychoticbutton, where in Canary Wharf do you
work?
