I’m working in a Big 4 audit firm since 2 years but want to shift into core finance roles. Will an MFin in USA help or is it too late?

Question

P Sinha · Accepted Answer

Yes, an MFin in the USA can absolutely help you shift from audit to core finance roles ,  especially if you already have 2 years of Big 4 experience.
Top MFin programs like Vanderbilt, WUSTL Olin, and UT Austin actively accept early professionals from audit or consulting backgrounds who want to pivot into investment analysis, corporate finance, or even fintech. Your audit experience is still relevant,  it shows exposure to financial reporting, valuation, and controls, which are useful in credit, risk, and M&A roles.
To strengthen your shift, tailor your SOP around this transition and target electives in modeling, asset management, or corporate finance strategy. Programs like UT Austin and Vanderbilt report average salaries around $90K&ndash;$105K, and grads land roles at firms like Citi, Jefferies, and Duff & Phelps. Add a CFA Level 1 or a financial modeling course if you haven&rsquo;t already &mdash; it sharpens your profile further.

Ranjan J · Answer

A lot of audit folks want out ,  and a US MFin is one of the most structured ways to make that shift stick.
&bull; Audit gives you a great base in financials, but if you're aiming for roles like investment banking, FP&A, or asset management, an MFin adds the technical depth and employer access you're missing. &bull; Schools like SMU Cox, USC Marshall, and Boston College accept candidates with 2&ndash;3 years of work, especially from Big 4. &bull; Highlight audit projects where you worked on valuation, internal controls, or industry-specific insights &mdash; those can translate to finance-ready skills. &bull; Take advantage of STEM OPT (up to 3 years) &mdash; schools with strong CPT/OPT setups give you time to find roles that fit your new direction. &bull; One edge you can build now: do a short-term internship in a finance-focused role, even remotely. It&rsquo;ll help recruiters see you as more than &ldquo;just audit.&rdquo;
The switch is common ,  but it&rsquo;s the add-ons that make your story stand out.