Big 4 Forensics Vs. Macquarie Financial Risk Management

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  Bonbi on 01/04/2021 - 16:43

  +1

  Macquarie over big 4 any day of the week.

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  Unorthodox on 01/04/2021 - 16:58

  +1

  Depends on your longer term plan and also whether you want to work internationally etc.

  Risk is a very hot area at the moment but given you're entering at a graduate level you'll be going vertically and once you move towards senior or manager you'll be competing heavily against those already in risk and the big 4 cons, senior cons and managers looking to move into industry.

  Big 4 forensics is very dependent on what area you find yourself in. It'll definitely be more hours and less pay but your work will be more diverse and you'll not just be doing checklists, reading policies and ticking boxes as a risk analyst.

  Forensics can lead to really good money especially if you're good at analysis and build up your data skills. Move to the UK or the US and you'll be open to plenty of opportunities (although you'll have to be careful which area of forensics as often you'll be dealing with unethical and potentially dangerous accounts).

  I'd go the big 4 route if you're keen on a longer term play as you could easily transfer laterally into risk with that background

  • 

    beatrice on 01/04/2021 - 19:29

    Thanks for your reply! It's good to hear that there are those opportunities with forensics. How about within Australia though? I don't currently have any plans or desire to move overseas.

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  Shuey on 01/04/2021 - 16:58

  +1

  Are you a fresh graduate or have a few years experience under your belt? Work/life balance is very subjective, but when I started out fresh, pulling out late nights didn't impact me as much as it does now.. Have a couple of good mates who started, sorta (Audit to Forensics with the same firm) with Forensics and have gone on to much better roles in banks a few years later.

  And forensics isn't limited to Big4. There are many boutique forensic firms out there that we've engaged in the past for their expertise (different skill sets and sector knowledge)

  • 

    beatrice on 01/04/2021 - 19:37

    Hi, thanks for your reply! I'm a fresh graduate, with work experience both past and present but not very relevant to either area.

    I agree, although I'm hoping the overtime isn't too bad as I'm not a good sleeper and won't be able to catch up on sleep by napping whenever.

    Can I ask what kind of roles your mates secured? Are they will working within forensics, just in banks?

    • 

      mskeggs on 01/04/2021 - 19:55

      +1

      If you are concerned about overtime, you will not be able to be a successful graduate in any of these options.
      If you can put the firm first for 5 or 10 years, the rewards come, but don't kid yourself there is a track for anything except punishing hours.

      And if you aren't after the top tier, there are options where you don't have to squander your youth.

      My view of all five options is they are cutthroat grad factories that sweat everyone then burn out the bottom three quarters.

    • 

      Shuey on 02/04/2021 - 02:07

      Well, it all depends on the engagement. I’m pretty sure they would not throw you into the deep end without equipping you with the tools. If you thrive in analytics, and like to challenge status quo.. it would be good. But like audit, you’d need to be prepared to make some sacrifices when deadline’s involved. There will always be peaks and troughs. Better suffer now than when you’re older. You’ll thank yourself later in life.

      Mainly banks or insurance companies. Anti-money laundering (AML), risk and compliance, global regulatory function.

• 

  deme on 01/04/2021 - 20:33

  recently received an offer from a Big 4 accounting firm for their Forensics team

  Forensic accounting or Digital Forensics

  Actually scratch that they all sick.

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  GourmetFoodie on 01/04/2021 - 20:53

  +1

  I’d never choose to work for a big 4 personally. They underpay.
  I’d go Mac Bank any day of the week.