Key disadvantage of 'outside the Big4' beancounters? Some follow-on proffessions pretty much state it as a prerequisit!
common ways into CF - go to an IB straight off the at.
- get in via law.
- get in as an accountant.
Big-4 ACAs do end up in banks doing CF - and doing CF within the big4 CF branches too.
However, if you want to do CF, you need to go to a Big4 (maybe with the next 2 or 3 down as well). The GT/TB/HY/BDOs also do CF, but not really at the same level, in either size, presteige or quantity. To do CF, i would really not recommend going below the Big4. Though I'm sure plenty have and done well...i wouldn't choose to.
Personally, if I was starting again (hell, i only started 2 months ago!!!), I'd join on a Transactions Services ACA prog with the Big4. That way you get an ACA (a lot to be said for that), get into TS (really growing and fat bonuses)...which is just a short and convenient hop into CF.
You don't need an internship for the Big4. Don't waste one of your very last long summers.