[Anonymous]

I’ve been evaluating my career as of late and have been thinking about making the jump from public to private in the near future. Right now, I’m on course to getting promoted to senior accountant and a top 30 national firm. I enjoy my work but like many, don’t enjoy some of the other things that come with it (long tax season hours, sometimes spilling into non-tax season, the demanding nature of public, being assigned to five different engagements at once, receiving 3 – 4 % raises where you are bumped up so slowly over the years).

I have recently been thinking about going into private within the next year or so. I’ve seen a lot of Assistant Controller jobs in my area (I’m I’m New York) that pay significantly well (over $100k) which is much much more than I’m making now. I just feel like not only would the pay be nearly double than what I’m making now, but there would be no tax season (although I’m sure it would be busy at month end) and I would be learning the industry I would work in and not only do their accounting an supervise a staff, but also help the company ave money and work hand in hand with the controller and CFO, plus I’m sure if its a good company, the benefits are much better than in public. From reading the job descriptions of some of the Assistant Controller positions, it looks like I’m more than qualitied, based on assumed duties/responsibilities and qualifications asked for. What do you all think? Are there any of you that have made this jump and are you happy and why?

[greg422]

I made the jump a little over a year ago and do not regret it one bit for many of the reasons you listed. I was also at the same level as you. I would definitely find an industry that intrigues you and which you can grow in. It's a really strange feeling when you have 15 straight Saturdays OFF during tax season!

REG - 82
AUD - 97
BEC - 81
FAR - 84
DONE!

[RachelP]

I went from private to public, not even close to the same level you guys are at. The thing I didn't like about private is that you constantly have your “dirty laundry” that you have to do each month. Because of the nature of the cycle, you never feel as if you have your tasks complete until the end of the year, only to begin again. It is neat to watch a P&L grow throughout the year, and it is satisfying to get those things done, but I would definitely agree with greg, make sure to pick an industry that you can grow in or you may regret the switch due to boredom.

"Don't worry, beeeeee happy!"

Unhappy with job, long distance boyfriend, not much studying:
FAR- 66 [08/28/12] AUD- 61 [10/04/12] REG- 59 [11/28/12] BEC- 63 [01/11/13]
Year off (from exams): Got new job, got married, moved, etc
✓ AUD- 79!!! 01/10/14 FIRST PASS!! WOOOO!!!
✓ REG- 73 02/27/14, 81 10/27/14
✓ FAR- 83 5/16/14
✓ BEC- 80 7/24/14
✓ Education ✓ Experience
Ethics Exam

[Anonymous]

Thanks greg422. Good to hear that I my assumptions are somewhat true. Anyone else out there with some input?

[Author]

Replies