Cadet Accountant and Uni Brand

Does the uni you go to really affect your career progression? E.g. UNSW grad compared to UTS or Mac Uni. I'm in Year 12 for context. I have an unconditional offer to Mac Uni for a Bachelor of Prof Accounting/Applied Finance and was leaning towards it for various reasons. I was looking at transfer as a possibility for the prestigious alumni sake which I'm not even sure if it's worth it in the long run.

Secondly, I've secured myself a cadet accountant role at a boutique firm for 48k incl. super. Not too familiar with the market for a cadet role as an undergrad straight out of high school. It seems like a good number to me, plus regular salary and performance review.

I thought of going into taxation after uni but still browsing around the different areas for a career progression that I would like. My hiring manager did mention avoiding auditing. I'm curious about why that was the case.

Another thing is Big 4. Can you still make a decent salary without big 4 on paper? I keep hearing people saying it but how much of a difference does it really make? The company I will be working offer does offer CA support but that would mean I'd have to stay here for a very long time. Would this be a good move?

Would like to hear some input on this and personal experience if you'd like to share :)
No one in the family is an accountant so this seems like a great place to go to. Thanks in advance!