I am looking for some honest opinions, I'm a qualified chartered accountant working in tax at EY right now but I've become very disillusioned with it all! The work isn't motivating - the work we do has no impact on our clients - and I've been looking at a few exit opportunities. I want to work in a position where what I am doing has a measurable impact. My options are either:1) consulting2) move into industry into a management roleI think my problem will be after 6 years in tax will I be labelled at a tax specialist and what can I do about it?Would my ACA be enough to get me into the kind of roles I am looking for? And what would be the best route to get into these positions?Would an MBA help my chances bearing in mind I'm not aiming for McKinsey level consulting?

Does anybody have any advice?Thanks

Reminds me of the lion tamer monty python sketch...Actually sound advice....I think you could apply for industry roles in tax easily; in other finance roles probably but less easily. If you want to move away from your background say into consulting then this will be harder. However an MBA will definitely help by demonstrating commitment to change career.

You could potentially use your tax skills in a consulting environment. Accenture's Finance and Performance Management service line has a group within focussed on tax process improvement.You are likely to get ample opportunites to work outside of tax too as all Accenture care about is staffing you so could also work on non tax projects if there is nothing specific going on in tax.

Thanks for the responses. So despite having a CA the consensus is that a position outside of tax roles is not impossible to obtain?

Would it not be possible to transfer internally into consulting, or at least explore the possibility of doing so?

S543 - as a qualified CA and tax specialist you can expect to be hired into similar roles for clients very similar to EY's, unless you are willing to start at the bottom with the entry level analysts / consultants. The problem is both compensation (you're probably better paid than an entry level analyst) and seniority / age. The best lateral move would be to take an MBA or masters in finance etc. then apply to as many management roles as you can. Otherwise, try and get an internal move to advisory / consulting through your EY network. Just make sure it's not grass is greener syndrome - plenty of roles have far less impact to a business than tax operations (ask the PMOs...)

Have you considered re-training to be a plumber or an electrician?

Thanks for the useful comments someguy.I know I may have to take a hit on pay/seniority but I'm only 26 and I'm happy to take a 10k salary cut if it means I'm doing something I would enjoy.I've looked into moving internally and its something I am working on, but I think I may also just take a stab at the likes of AT Kearney as their website seems to suggest they would consider "career changers" who want to learn MC.