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Hi all,
Coming back to the forum after having been away from reading since I completed my exams last winter. I am in search of some advice from those of you who have been at this profession for many years or even just a few.
I am currently a staff accountant for a regional firm in the Midwest. In our office almost all staff/managers work on both tax and audit. I am entering my 4th tax season (1 as an intern at another firm) and feel that I have gained a ton of experience in my few short years in this business. My office atmosphere is laid back for the most part, and I genuinely get along with almost all of my coworkers. My supervisors and partners believe in me and have explicitly mentioned career growth and a partner track in my (not very distant) future.
With all that said, I am seeking advice on whether or not to leave the firm to start my own practice. I have it nice at my current place, but I wonder if there is more out there for me. Also, I am starting to get burnt out/bored with my non-busy season work. I have a passion for tax, planning, and consulting. Unfortunately for 8 months of the year, I am stuck auditing less than interesting clients with the rest of our staff. The thought of running my own business and building my own client base is exciting to me. I recently completed my MBA and would love to start using more than just my analytical skills as an accountant to truly run a business.
Do any of you have any insight or advice on the leap to start my own CPA practice? Should I switch to an industry job in order to build a client base before going head first into it (I don’t feel comfortable moonlighting while working at a public firm). Am I crazy to walk away from partnership by early to mid 30’s and a safe and steady income? Basically, is the grass greener? Thanks everyone and sorry for the long rant.
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