Dilema - Big 4 or small consultancy firm?

Hi I'm hoping some of you can share your experience and advice with me.

After 10 years in industry (FS) I have decided to move into consultancy. I work in business improvement and my skill set is in high demand at the moment.

I have applied for an been offered 3 jobs - one with a big 4 firm, one with a small boutique consultancy (less than 50 people), and the other on an associate basis (self employed).

The renumeration for each is similar, although you don't get the add on's (car etc) with the small firm, and salary can be lots higher with the associate role but utilisation is not guaranteed.

What do you guys think are the pro's and cons of each firm? Should I take the time now to apply for other firms given that I've been made 3 offers from 3 applications?

Also what sort of salary could be expected given my industry experience and type of consultancy offered? Thanks all.

My opinions is that since you have worked 10 years, I would go for the best paid job. You have the qualifications for getting a new job, ie you are not in need of Big4-exposure. But of course, working for McKinsey should be like driving a "BMW" whilst working for that other company like driving a "VW"...Notice that you might do the same job, but the exposure and glory would vary....good luck!

sorry for the spelling (i noticed it now) :P

difficult to say without knowing which firms you've had offers from, as even the small firms can really vary in salary/bens/culture etc. having worked in a big4 and now in a small consulting firm, i couldnt be happier in the smaller one - salary was competitive, culture is so much nicer, and i get a hell of a lot more responsibility/ownership than i did in the big4. and i do get a car allowance and good bonuses! the associate model seems to work quite well in consulting, but there is no gaurantee of continuous work, and sometimes it can get a bit lonely if you are more of a team-orientated person