[Tcohle]

Job 1) Small accounting firm, health benefits, 401K, bonus and pay bump for passing CPA tests. Was offered job Wednesday over the phone, paperwork in the mail. Close knit group, normal room for growth (senior->management->partner depending on performance of course)

Job 2) Fortune 500 Maintenance, electrical, etc company. Top 150. $2500 signing bonus. EXCELLENT benefits. Some of the best I’ve seen around. Was offered the job today, they want a verbal commitment before sending paperwork.

*Job 3) Mid sized CPA firm. Top 15 places to work in Philadelphia area 4 years in a row. Was told I would be called Monday for a second interview after I told them I had an offer elsewhere. Better benefits than job #2. Room for growth. Really set you up to succeed.

My preference order:

1) Job 3

2) Job 1

3) Job 2

-No details on salary for #3, but the rest are about the same salary.

Jobs 2 and 3 require me to move to this particular area which was a goal. I’m worried #2 will set me back on the path because of being an industry job.

-I’m pretty early in my career so I like the thought of public accounting, but I have no idea if it’s what I want to do the rest of my life.

-I don’t know how to stall this! I want to do this second interview early next week, but don’t want to be a jerk and hold off on my decision until late next week. Need advice!

AUD - 84
BEC - 75
FAR - 76
REG - 87

Ninja Notes/MCQ/Book/Audio for all

FAR- 5/11/15 76!!
AUD-10/31/15 63, 84!
REG-7/12/16 72
BEC-8/31/15 75!! Perfect Score!

Wiley CPAExcel Platinum
Ninja 10 pt combo for FAR/AUD/BEC

[Key522]

If you are early in your career go with public accounting…..just my two cents

AUD - 85
BEC - 84
FAR - 77
REG - 80

BEC - Feb 2015 68 April 2015 84

FAR - July 2015 77

AUD - Oct 2015 74 Feb 2016 71 April 2016 85

REG - Jan 2016 67 July 2016 74 Oct 2016 80

 

BEC Feb 2015 68 - rematch Apr 2015 - 84
FAR July 2015 77
AUD Oct 2015 74 Feb 2016 71 April 2016 85
REG Jan 2016 67 July 2016

[MaLoTu]

I would wait to see if #3 will make an offer. My only hesitance about industry for someone building experience is being pigeonholed into a specific area. I guess that goes for public, as well. I have gotten stuck too many times (i.e., no growth potential and no gained abilities that translate to other positions) and it is a big concern of mine. However, if it was me making the decision, I think that #3 will be the most beneficial in the long run. I am a little biased towards public accounting.

Almost always from my phone... please excuse my typos!

All 4 passed - 2016

CA CPA

[lynseyklly]

Well first, congrats on having 3 to consider! It sounds like you don't want #2, and it also sounds like you might be able to delay getting the paperwork back on #1 while you try and do the follow up on 3. If you want to keep #2 in the mix you can just tell them you need some time to consider your options – as long as you're good losing that option if they move on.

Obviously I don't know where you will be happier, I never had to desire to work in public. But I do think it could be a smart move, and if you are young and ready to work a ton, the experience will be great! Good luck!

AUD 85 (2/22/12)
FAR 81 (5/10/12)
BEC 7/13/12
REG 10/1/12

using Becker

[Tcohle]

#2 has great people and it's a big company, but I really like #3 for my career. Also I thought #2 would really jump at me with a big salary and it didn't…I just don't know if the second interview for # means anything? Does it mean they're really considering me or do they do that for everyone?

AUD - 84
BEC - 75
FAR - 76
REG - 87

Ninja Notes/MCQ/Book/Audio for all

FAR- 5/11/15 76!!
AUD-10/31/15 63, 84!
REG-7/12/16 72
BEC-8/31/15 75!! Perfect Score!

Wiley CPAExcel Platinum
Ninja 10 pt combo for FAR/AUD/BEC

[ruggercpa2b]

Did you at least try to counter with #2? Just dont take what they offer you first.

Sometimes if you tell a company you have another offer and they would like to meet you they will expedite the process but it does not mean you have the job.

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - NINJA in Training
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - NINJA in Training

AUD - 1/6/18
FAR - TBD
REG - TBD
BEC - TBD

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[Tcohle]

I didn't counter yet for #2…I wanted to absorb everything and I said I'd get back to him next week. I really think public accounting is the best for my career. I like #1 but it's in the same city I live now…I wanted to move out and move to around where #3 is.

AUD - 84
BEC - 75
FAR - 76
REG - 87

Ninja Notes/MCQ/Book/Audio for all

FAR- 5/11/15 76!!
AUD-10/31/15 63, 84!
REG-7/12/16 72
BEC-8/31/15 75!! Perfect Score!

Wiley CPAExcel Platinum
Ninja 10 pt combo for FAR/AUD/BEC

[Anonymous]

Mid size CPA firm.

Better for your future.

[Tcohle]

CPA agree, that's my number one choice. But I don't want to lose other offers and have the chance the mid size doesn't offer…that's why I'm curious what 2nd interview will do

AUD - 84
BEC - 75
FAR - 76
REG - 87

Ninja Notes/MCQ/Book/Audio for all

FAR- 5/11/15 76!!
AUD-10/31/15 63, 84!
REG-7/12/16 72
BEC-8/31/15 75!! Perfect Score!

Wiley CPAExcel Platinum
Ninja 10 pt combo for FAR/AUD/BEC

[Anonymous]

I think the 3rd option is the best for your career as well. Promotion in big corporation is pretty limited unless you are a superstar and tasks are also very limited, but the hours are much better. You would learn more stuffs at a mid size cpa firm.

[fuzyfro89]

“I want to do this second interview early next week, but don't want to be a jerk and hold off on my decision until late next week. Need advice!”

I started in public, so I may be biased, but I think it's best for the following people:

– keeping your resume “broad”

– building basic skills that are applicable almost anywhere for the future in public or industry

– you don't know exactly what you want out of your career, and want public experience to grow personally/professionally

Industry can be good, but the perception is just totally different. Not bad, just different. You will learn that company in detail, and at a much slower pace… unless you are in a VERY strong mgmt development program that has a VERY good reputation (e.g. GE). If possible, I'd suggest #3 if you land an offer, or possibly #1 with the intent of moving to a mid/large public firm within 1-2 years in the city of your choice.

You'll have to judge for personal factors. Don't quibble over a few thousand in either direction. Go for the best experience and room for growth and resume building. Looking back, I remember in undergrad, and even as a staff in public, everyone fretted about the small differences among firms and even raises. At the end of the day, it was all a difference of a very small amount, so just make sure you keep an eye on the 5 yr goal… which may change over time.

Good luck

[Double A]

Absolutely wait for the second interview, at least you don't have to stall on the small firm because they are using snail mail. Like the poster above, I'm biased because I started in public. However, I do have an interesting view being in a mid-size firm. Again with my bias, but I think the growth through expanded exposure to different industries and smaller jobs is incredible over something you may see at a larger or smaller firm. I can't speak for all mid-size firms, but I assume if it's mid-size there are a wide variety of industries to choose from, unless it's one of those weird firms that audits towns and cities and have 3/4 of the state. I interviewed at one of those, not for me!

To echo one of fuzyfro89's points – At this point in your career you have no idea what you want to do. I know this because I'm living it right now. I don't know where I want to specialize and what I want to do. Which brings me back to the firm size, that's the greatest quality about my firm. In about a year I am going to decide where to specialize and that could take me down a whole different path than I think I am headed right now.

Good luck, update us with what you decide. I'm rooting for job 3, hope they give you an offer.

[Tcohle]

To Update everyone!

I turned down job #2…they were pushing for an answer so I told them I went another way.

I haven't gotten the papers in the mail yet for #1 which is odd, really snail mail.

I had my 2nd interview at #3 and it was GREAT. Got really good vibes from the staff. One of the principals even said “Hope to see you again real soon” and kept confirming that I would fit in great. I had to do an accounting test which was pretty easy. Also an excel test…not sure how I did on that.

So as of now, I'm waiting on my papers for #1, and waiting for #3 to get back to me. They have to interview somebody Friday and I might not know what they decide until late next week or the following week. So if I get the papers from #1 soon I'm going to have to stall big time.

AUD - 84
BEC - 75
FAR - 76
REG - 87

Ninja Notes/MCQ/Book/Audio for all

FAR- 5/11/15 76!!
AUD-10/31/15 63, 84!
REG-7/12/16 72
BEC-8/31/15 75!! Perfect Score!

Wiley CPAExcel Platinum
Ninja 10 pt combo for FAR/AUD/BEC

[MaLoTu]

I am glad #3 went well. The timing is really unfortunate. It is almost like chancing letting a for-sure thing go on the possibility (albeit more than remote possibility) of another offer.

From my experience, the decision can come down to more than just a personality fit. I have lost out on two job offers that I went in there and it felt like family. One was a large regional firm. I still chat with and have met-up with the partner since. It wasn't a personal decision, they liked me, they maybe just like someone better for the job.

That would be my only caution for you going forward. You have a great shot at landing opportunity 3, but you have opportunity 1 in the bag. I don't envy you having to make this decision! (ok, a little because I am still on the hunt, lol).

Good luck and let us know!

Almost always from my phone... please excuse my typos!

All 4 passed - 2016

CA CPA

[Tcohle]

I know! I was planning on waiting until I got the papers, then applying a bit of pressure on #3 for next week. I don't want to risk losing both.

AUD - 84
BEC - 75
FAR - 76
REG - 87

Ninja Notes/MCQ/Book/Audio for all

FAR- 5/11/15 76!!
AUD-10/31/15 63, 84!
REG-7/12/16 72
BEC-8/31/15 75!! Perfect Score!

Wiley CPAExcel Platinum
Ninja 10 pt combo for FAR/AUD/BEC

[Tcohle]

I know! I was planning on waiting until I got the papers, then applying a bit of pressure on #3 for next week. I don't want to risk losing both.

AUD - 84
BEC - 75
FAR - 76
REG - 87

Ninja Notes/MCQ/Book/Audio for all

FAR- 5/11/15 76!!
AUD-10/31/15 63, 84!
REG-7/12/16 72
BEC-8/31/15 75!! Perfect Score!

Wiley CPAExcel Platinum
Ninja 10 pt combo for FAR/AUD/BEC

[Author]

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