Comments on: How to Break into Valuation at a NON-Big-4 Accounting Firm

By: M&I - Brian

M&I - Brian — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 14:01:56 +0000

In reply to Sammy. I really don't know, sorry. I don't have any research on it or interviews with people in the group, so would need one of those first to comment.

By: Sammy

Sammy — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 13:48:05 +0000

In reply to M&I – Brian.

Thanks! What would be your thoughts on the value creations/ value consulting teams? Do you think it’s more “fluffy” work or do you think the skills/ experience overall are just as good?
What are the common exits out of that team?

By: M&I - Brian

M&I - Brian — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 16:22:48 +0000

In reply to Sammy. I don't think the exit opportunities differ significantly, but valuation and modeling is probably better because the perception is that valuation is "more difficult" than accounting, or at least requires more experience. So you would be better off there for corporate development. Infrastructure PE directly from that type of role would be difficult unless the group focuses on infrastructure specifically. The core valuable skills are... valuing companies, assets such as intangibles, and modeling transactions.

By: Sammy

Sammy — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 11:01:22 +0000

At a big 4, how would the exit options differ between FDD and Valuations and Modelling? I am indifferent between the two, which group should i choose? My thinking is that FDD will give you “Deal” experience, whereas Valuations and Modelling will expose you to “Modelling”, and i think both are very technical groups. perhaps FDD slightly more accounting focused? Would your recommendation differ if I eventually want to end up in at a F100 doing Corporate Development?
What about Infrastructure Private Equity? Would this be possible?

Also what would be the core skills that are valued out of FDD and Valuations and Modelling?

Thanks in advance!

By: M&I - Brian

M&I - Brian — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 13:48:50 +0000

In reply to Val Exit?. Independent valuation firm, potentially IB, corporate finance/development. Moving into PE directly is difficult if you're in the U.S.

By: Val Exit?

Val Exit? — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 16:03:03 +0000

I’m considering pivoting into big 4 val but having trouble narrowing down realistic exit ops. Corporate development seems interesting to me but I’ve heard mixed opinions about actual corp dev ops from valuations. What are some more common exits for valuation professionals?

By: M&I - Brian

M&I - Brian — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 16:58:40 +0000

In reply to Johnny. It's a close call, but the independent firm is still probably better because you'll gain better/more relevant experience there.

By: Johnny

Johnny — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 00:51:14 +0000

I got an offer from an independent firm (think Stout and A&M level) and a big 4 valuation group. The big 4 is primarily audit support while the independent firm focuses mostly on PPAs, goodwill impairments, and financial opinions. Which offer will give me the better chance to break into IB or ER? The independent firm is better experience, but I am worried about the lower brand name.

By: M&I - Brian

M&I - Brian — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 01:13:33 +0000

In reply to David. Potentially, yes, but it depends on how you spin it. I'm not sure what your current job title is. But a better alternative would be to do something valuation/deal-related, such as working at an independent valuation firm to work on purchase price allocation, patent or IP valuation, etc.

By: David

David — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 13:28:22 +0000

In reply to M&I – Brian.

Hey Brian,
I am in similar situation. I did accounting and then joined MSc Finance program followed by off-cycle internship at PE FoF. So far I didn’t have much luck with getting interviews for IB/PE roles. I was wondering now doing accounting related to PE as I am graduated and need a job, could hurt my chances in trying to get role in IB/PE? What alternatives you would advise?
Thanks.