What are the pros and cons of choosing Chartered Accountant or Investment banking route as a career??
I disagree with a lot of what jack man says. Accounting rules are extremely complex, particularly transnationally, and given the economic climate, and focus on transparency, they are likely to become more so. But there is more of a rhythm to an accounting position – at the very least quarterly. Depending upon where an accountant works, the job can be very routine (never leaving office) or more mobile (e.g., doing audits, working for government agencies, larger accounting firms). Investment banking is more like complex salesmanship. Most bankers have an industry sector they focus on, and they have their client base. They spend much time devising deals which they can pitch to the client, ostensibly, deals which are in the client’s best interest in terms of their long or short term goals. Likely a lot of travel, and when a deal is reaching a crescendo, a lot of long hours, and a sense of euphoria (and exhaustion) when the closing is over. Naturally, both are numbers-centric. Financial mod
