I've been offered graduate positions at both EY and Accenture and was wondering which one you all would take?Accenture Offer:London, potential to do FS, Base + Welcome bonus (+36k Y1 & Y2), limited 'structured' training, base remuneration is good (Holidays, Pension, etc). EY Offer:Regional Office, Non-FS, Base (~27K Y1 & Y2), seems like more structured training (you are required to do the foundation CIMA), comparative base remuneration is less than Accenture (+ no/ little annual bonus).Is reputation something you would consider? Is future career growth better at one than the other, etc? Would love to know your opinions!

My view is that as a grad joiner, unless you have a specific interest that one of the firms is demonstrably known to be better in, then either is an excellent start and both will offer structured progression as long as you do your job well. Is the location important? Based on the spec below I'd take Accenture - better location, better money, better place to network. You say 'potential to do FS' which implies that is important to you too, if it is that should help

No actual difference in the base - the higher Accenture offer will be off-set by much higher cost of living in London so discount that as equal. Outside specific service lines Accenture is a tech firm at heart and run that way too - for my money I would go with EY. CIMA training, 'softer culture'. Reputations you are comparing apples and pears.

[quote]No actual difference in the base - the higher Accenture offer will be off-set by much higher cost of living in London so discount that as equal. Outside specific service lines Accenture is a tech firm at heart and run that way too - for my money I would go with EY. CIMA training, 'softer culture'. Reputations you are comparing apples and pears. [/quote]By that logic, isn't EY an audit firm at heart? :) I'd say being part of a firm with a strong tech offering is a good thing - digital is booming, lots of interesting work in that space and it's where companies are spending their money these days. Everyone is trying to get involved. That said, I've neither worked for Accenture or EY, so ignore me!

Thanks for the advice everyone! Accenture was my first offer and the points reccer made were accurate for my current position (FS + being in London I feel are big +ves). I also appreciate what marsday also - I've lived and studied in London, but I know that my living costs /yr can be lower than the +9k difference in pay if I try.