I'm new to this forum, thank you to any who take the time to reply.[b]Backgroud[/b]: I currently work in one of the Big 4's Risk Advisory Practices. Although they call us consultants, my work primarily deals with internal controls and operational efficiency over financial institutions (transfer agents, mutual fund accounting groups, etc).[b]Goal[/b]: My goal is to become a strategy and operations consultant. I found a job description on the Deloitte site that matches the type of work I feel I would like to do.[url]http://mycareer.deloitte.com/us/en/students/programsinternships/graduates/strategyandoperationsfinance[/url][b]Questions[/b]:1: Will my work experience be relevant to this type of career path? I am not a financial statement auditor, is that primarily what they are looking for as previous experience? 2: I plan on getting my MBA after I reach senior and have 3 years of work experience. Are these types of programs interested only in the top 10 schools, or would something a little lower have recruitment avenues? (Think Ohio State, CMU)3: What can I do now to make this goal of mine achievable? Thanks again for anyone who takes the time to read and answer.

Can't see any reason why not, just so long as you don't come across to much as an auditor....Apply and go for it!

Hi IrelandFirstly, as I understand it, the Strategy & Operations practice is different from the Finance practice (which deals with improving the finance function across various industries). The careers ad appears to combine the two in the title (perhaps to make it more attractive), but the description is more finance transformation. In response to your questions 1. They are not looking for an auditor, in fact quite the opposite. They are looking for someone with a good understanding of the finance function with experience of doing project work, designing solutions across process, technology and implementing change. 2. Being in the UK, I'm not that familiar with the requirement for MBAs. I can say- the big 4 are unlikely to require a top ten school- they have an intake route at senior consultant level for MBAs (with no prior consulting experience)- new graduates are expected to do an MBA after a couple of years before returning. 3. Network - I'd suggest speaking with someone from your current firm, preferably someone who works mainly in financial services (regardless of whether they do strategy, ops or finance transformation) as I think this could be your best route in. FSI clients are always doing some form of transformation, find out where they feel your skills could best support. Good luck

[quote]1. They are not looking for an auditor, in fact quite the opposite. They are looking for someone with a good understanding of the finance function with experience of doing project work, designing solutions across process, technology and implementing change. [/quote]Good understanding of the finance function and experience of doing project work? Doesn't sound like the opposite of audit to me - sounds exactly like it.

Why are you applying for a graduate role?