Big 4: as far as I know based on 2005, I think only PwC sponsored working visa. Working in Big 4 is a good experience in terms it will help you to move on to a management position quicker. Corporations put more weight on your resume if you have Big 4 experience. You should check the current market with those who are in Big 4. Big Corporations: not as much stressful as Big 4, sponsor working visa. I worked in IBM at one time, other companies really appreciate IBM experience. It seems to me the harder the company you can get in, the more companies think you are a big intangible asset. It helps you to move around among companies quicker. However, it also depends on what type of position you are holding in a company - a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond. CPA: it is definitely valuable. I talked to a recruiter from CT, based on him, CPA should give you 10% higher salary than others in the same position. He even put more weight on CPA than on MBA.