[jrs91]

I’ve been working at a local public accounting firm in San Francisco for the past 4 months (been in the Bay Area for 2 years) and considering moving early next year. This firm serves one industry and I know I don’t want to stay here and I know I dont want to be in public accounting past senior. I’d like to eventually move into private and am considering an MBA as well.

Anyone working in New York, preferably at the big 4, have any perspective in terms of the hours, industries, quality of life, career projections?

I know the weather is terrible. I have friends there so I’m not worried about the social aspect.

Thanks

[howmany74s]

Which industry are you hoping to move into?

[Determined CPA]

jrs91 – im not currently working at any of the big 4 in NYC but i did a few years ago (pwc). Which industry are you looking to get into? Tax, audit, advisory? The hours will vary based on that. I was in tax for 4 years and didnt have much of a life. I attributed that to “paying my dues” and “allowing big 4 to open doors in the future”. If you want to eventually end up in private, why dont you just do that now?

Also, the weather isnt terrible. We have all 4 seasons and although this was a VERY cold, snowy winter, it makes for a great Christmas!! And snow days during busy season =)

I suggest reaching out to a recruiter who will help you. A lot of places do phone interviews and even Skype so you dont have to travel to find a job. I know a great person if you want.

A - 75
B - 78 God is good.
F - 77 Answered prayers.
R - 84! Done!!

Paperwork sent - waiting for license!!
Still on a cloud and in shock. Through God, all things will happen.

[jrs91]

@howmany74s @DeterminedCPA I'm want to stay in audit and I'm pretty open to industries. I want to stay in public for the variety for now. I'm also open to going back to school down the road if accounting isnt for me all together. Private was just an assumption I've had after talking to so many people who've been through public accounting.

I have a lot to figure out but I realize I have a fair amount of time ahead and New York would largely be a personal move. Just thought I'd get some perspective.

[Ssbknyc]

@jrs91 go to Grant Thornton, new office, one of the best public environments, I suggest Financial Services practice

Done 08/2014-08/2015

[fuzyfro89]

Not sure why you'd leave the bay for NY, but I'm sure there are some personal reasons for that. Heavy competition probably also makes it difficult to navigate the job market around northern CA, but you'll find NY is just as large (outside of public, anyway).

Most firms, Big 4 especially, will have some concentration of clients broadly in financial services, although this will vary among different sectors (private equity, venture capital, banks, broker/dealer, investment mgmt, etc). “Back office” careers (the straightforward transition from public accounting to industry) are solid and the opportunities are always needed, but the whole industry is cyclical and your pay depends in some significant part on how the firms are doing overall. In financial services, the whole industry is generally doing well or kind of flat, whereas in commercial (basically any other company outside financials) can be up/down.

Which you prefer greatly depends on what you find interesting in terms of the client's actual business as well as what you are good at and later where you might want to go. Without trying things, it's difficult to really know, unless you're drawn in a certain direction beforehand. I will only add that it gets increasingly difficult to change industries the longer you work and the more experienced you become, since some of these areas can be very different with less overlap. For example, banks broadly have deposits and loans, while investment mgmt is more on the fund accounting side and an insurance company is a whole different beast. Just something to think about as you go forward, since most firms will ask you to choose given the size of each practice.

Hope that helps a little. I'm not very knowledgeable about the NY market, so this is mostly secondhand.

[Author]

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