Start ACA now or wait 9 months and start at B4??

It's December, I've got offers to start as an audit trainee...yay!

Bit of a dilemma though, I graduated a year ago and spent that time working in tech. Decided it wasn't for me and to pursue audit instead. I've got an offer from PwC to start Sept 2025 which is the one I really want to go for. However I was also offered to start at a Top 25 firm in January.

I really want to start the ACA asap and don't really have a plan to fill the gap if starting in September. But I feel that in the long run having PwC is more valuable on the CV. Other firm seems like a lovely place and no doubt the work life balance will be better, but is it worth it for fewer exit opps?

As an aside, do B4 expect you to have zero accounting exams when you start? In that case it won't be worth starting at the smaller firm as I wouldn't want to be registered with ICAEW if I plan to jump ship in Autumn.

Reply 1

intelligentwing

Original post

by TheManKay

It's December, I've got offers to start as an audit trainee...yay!
Bit of a dilemma though, I graduated a year ago and spent that time working in tech. Decided it wasn't for me and to pursue audit instead. I've got an offer from PwC to start Sept 2025 which is the one I really want to go for. However I was also offered to start at a Top 25 firm in January.
I really want to start the ACA asap and don't really have a plan to fill the gap if starting in September. But I feel that in the long run having PwC is more valuable on the CV. Other firm seems like a lovely place and no doubt the work life balance will be better, but is it worth it for fewer exit opps?
As an aside, do B4 expect you to have zero accounting exams when you start? In that case it won't be worth starting at the smaller firm as I wouldn't want to be registered with ICAEW if I plan to jump ship in Autumn.

B4 don’t have any expectations. You could have an accounting degree or no exams done, doesn’t matter. So don’t stress about needing prior experience. I’d say maybe do certificate exams on your own from now till September if you’re not in a rush? They’re not very difficult to get started on and you can sit them whenever. That’s only if you’re really keen to start. If not then just wait till September

Reply 2

Freyafayny

Hi, I’m somewhat in a similar situation- around 1 month into a graduate scheme at a top15 mid size accounting and business advisory services firm however just received an offer for the same business line at one of the big 4 firms for a graduate scheme starting next year. I’m undecided as I’m in my late 20s after a career pivot and ideally don’t want to take anymore time away however of course I know the advantages and benefits in the long term of joining a big 4 firm. Also, is it possible to with my current employer ( completing the same ACA-qualification as big 4) this year and transfer next year to the big 4 grad scheme (ACA year 2) or is this not possible and you have to not have completed/ started the ACA? The two firms also have different training providers. Any advice appreciated!