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Tax vs. Advisory – There’s No Definitive Answer

MAcc graduate from a top tier program with a solid JD on the side. Hit the legal market at a bad time and took a job with a Big 4 specialty tax group. I received a very strong rating this fiscal year and have been told an early promotion is coming my way. Unfortunately, it is time for me to move on and I have internal offers from our Tax M&A group as well as the Advisory FDD group.

I never pictured myself working in tax and my time in this specialty credits group has been less than thrilling. I recognize that there are other, more intellectually stimulating areas of tax, but my current role has left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. The upside to joining the M&A practice is that the JD is highly valued and I would be given a green light to the large mass between my ears. 

During my MAcc days I spent some time with a PE firm and have maintained interest in finance/transaction services. I fear that FDD work may be slightly monotonous and more focused on accounting as opposed to finance. I also worry that my JD will not be valued (other than as a contract reader) and in turn, I may be leaving money on the table. 

Any thoughts? Hours? Experiences? Travel? Upside? Downside? Exit ops? I'm interested in hearing it all. Thanks.