| CPA to IB
There are two themes to this post:
1. How do the initial 3-4 years spent as a CPA at a Big 4 accounting firm compare with those same years as an analyst at an investment bank? Specifically, how do the pay, quality of life, work week, and top MBA school chances differ?
2. My ultimate goal is to work in investment banking; however, I don't know whether to work as an analyst or CPA after a combined masters/bachelors degree in either finance or accounting, respectively. After 3-4 years working as either a CPA or analyst I intend to go back to school for my MBA, preferably at a top b-school, and work as an associate at an investment bank. I am concerned about how everyone says IB will burn you out; I am prepared to work 80 or 100+ hour weeks as an associate because the pay warrants it, whereas I feel those same work weeks as an analyst are not worth it. Could someone please weigh in on my thoughts? | 
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