[knicks92]

I was wondering if anyone who has made this transition at a Big 4 can explain their experience. My ideal situation would be to transfer after a year in audit, but I heard this is difficult and it usually takes at least 2 years (3 if pwc which I am not). I also heard it is not impossible if I network with the advisory group I would like to join and turn out to be some sort of “audit all-star” during my time in audit.

Tough times don't last. Tough people do.

B: 88
A: 77
R: 89
F:

[fuzyfro89]

This is as boring of an answer as you'll get… network.

In order to make the switch, someone on the audit side and/or the advisory side will have to push to let you move. Hopefully you have a good relationship and the engagement can handle letting you go, otherwise they will be hesitant to allow it.

On top of that, get good reviews because nobody wants to take a risk on a new hire who didn't make things work in one practice.

So:

– start meeting/networking with advisory folks in the practice areas you are interested in during firm events

– reach out to people while you're in the office

– make friends with some new staff who can maybe help make an introduction to a mgr/sr mgr/director/partner

– mold your “story” that you want to “join advisory” as opposed to “leave audit”… very subtle difference

– accept that you may have to switch firms to get that opportunity, because internally most firms don't do a great job of moving people to where they want to go

[Author]

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