Big 4 Tax v Audit

Hey Everyone!

At the big 4, which is better in terms of pay (both short term and long term), experience, exit opportunities - Tax or audit?

Also, is tax really much more interesting than audit?

Thanks!

I started in tax in big four and am now going back into it after a stint in industry. I am not UK based but can share some general observations. Exit opportunities vary certainly, but you will want to develop some understanding of the other side if you in a main service line. Lines like international or TAS require deeper technical knowledge in the field be it tax or another aspect. TAS tax is a lot of fun. Demanding hours but interesting to me. As the world globalizes, TAS-International combinations are more common. That said you should appreciate the audit side for learning about controls and financial statement information that is not in the tax footnote. It is rare for a tax person to become a controller or CFO so keep that in mind. However, the skills and network you develop can lead to non-traditional opportunities. Very seriously keep in mind that the partner and managers with whom you work can make a job incredibly rewarding or boring and grueling. There are a plethora of great possible experiences. Be honest with yourself regarding what you think you want, how hard you are willing to work, and your "tester period". I.e. how long will you not quit to make a fair assessment? Good luck.

hi,

why are you going back to the big 4 after industry?

What are the hours in tax actually like? lots of people say it's more 9-5 but it doesn't seem like it? do the hours get better when you're older and have more commitments?

Is there any material i can read before starting the job at tax big 4? I'm from a science background i feel like i'm getting myself into something that I don't know much about but i'm suppose to be passionate about