[kgirl]

I know without a doubt that my current job is very wrong for me. How do you know when public accounting is wrong for you? I think it’d be preferable to go to the same office daily, focus on the same company’s set of books, and not have to deal with as many politics. While I realize there’s politics everywhere, it seems especially bad in public accounting or at least this firm.

I’m currently on the job search but am trying to determine where to steer my search. Almost my entire career has been in public accounting so I’m unsure how going into industry would work out. Thoughts?

[musicamor]

I knew public accounting was wrong for me when I got fed up with workpapers and billable hours; I also wanted to see more of my impact to the bottom line of a company rather than just auditing results afterwards.

Like you mentioned, politics are everywhere, so do not let that be a deciding factor for you. There are other things that will bleed over into industry that you saw in public that you cannot avoid, like schedules (if you're in Corporate Accounting). Make sure you fully understand what working in industry is like before making the move.

Texas CPA - licensed in 2012!!!

[kgirl]

I'm trying to not let my job turn me completely away from an entire industry. It's really a struggle though. Part of the problem is that my job is a very, very bad fit and there's been high turnover in my position. The previous 6 people that held this job stayed between 3 months and 2 years.

I'm trying to find others in real life that have accounting-related jobs that sound interesting and determine if their paths are something I'd like to pursue. However, FAR is fast approaching on Nov 29th so that's put the brakes on networking efforts for now. FAR is my final section, thankfully.

[Anonymous]

I work for a private firm preparing financial statements for about 50 entities (it's complicated, but very interesting). The staff accountants work the journal entries and prepare quarterly/annual financial statements while the managers review those, work on valuations of our investments, work with our auditors, etc. We are audited by the government, a regional auditing firm and a Big 4 as we have different regulations to follow depending on our investments (in portfolio companies). I love my job and company. When I started here 4 yrs ago I didn't even know what accountants did, and now I've gone back to school, gotten the credits I needed to sit for the exam and am now *hopefully* half done. The wrong fit in a job (or working for a terrible company/boss) can completely turn you off from a profession. There are definitely great positions out there, though.

[MRSJLeon917]

I knew public accounting wasn't for me when I wanted to avoid my clients phone calls and wanted to stab my manager's / partner's in the eyes with my pencil.

But seriously, I always knew that I wouldn't last in public that long – I did make it almost 5 years. I didn't really care for the client service aspect and all the shmoozing that was required on an almost constant basis.

AUD (5/25/2012): 91
FAR (10/22/2012): 89
REG (11/28/2012): 89
BEC (01/05/2013): 82
Ethics Exam: 90

IL Licensed CPA - 7/15/2013

A long journey, officially DONE!

[HustlinHustlin]

In the same boat. I am only into my first year and I know it isn't for me. However, I am stuck until I pass this exam, get signed off on my hours, and get enough experience to transfer to private.

However, I always wonder…we have a few people at our firm who have made the switch the private and gotten so bored with it they come back to public.

I know it isn't for me because there is nothing I genuinely enjoy doing in public accounting. I wear a suit all day for multiple days, travel for hours, and tell people who make way more than I do how to do their job. Everyone says you need to say when you are too busy to put more on your plate, but in actuality, it is looked down upon. There are 24 hours in a day is always the motto. I used to think the travel was appealing, but honestly, I'm over being in a stiff suit at the airport at 5 am, staying at mediocre hotels, buying take out every night on per Diem.

I always weigh it out, but then again, I am young and know I have to do the grunt work. However, I already know I don't think I will ever *love* public accounting.

B 71 - 79 EXPIRED
A 69 - 75 EXPIRED
R 65 - 48 - 45
F 56 - 61 - 65 - 64

Becker, Wiley Test Bank, Wiley Text and Ninja Notes

"The fish who keeps on swimming is the first to chill upstream" -311

Experience - Done, like WAAAY done.
Still need 30 more credits, in basket weaving (gotta love new CA requirements)

[Anonymous]

I started in industry and then went to public accounting so I could be licensed. I first went in saying I would stay until I got my hours, then I thought I kind of like this I might stay and then I realized no effing way was I going to stay and got out of there! I did stay 4 years though. My recommendation would be stay and get 2 busy seasons under your belt as a senior.

I remember a Manager in the firm saying being a senior is the worst part of your public accounting career because you are basically ressponsible for getting every single document in the audit file completed. I agree!

Anyhow, I like going to the same office everyday, having my own personal space to put my things, not having to schlep each and everything I need for the day around with me (office snacks!) and not being a guest in someone's office everday. Your corworkers actually smile at you in the morning instead of the client glowering at you when you show up. But it's not for everyone.

I've had peopel in public accounting say they can't imagine working in the same office and doing the same thing all the time. Which can happen. Accounting can be repetitive, especially if you are responsible for parts of the month end close or in A/P, you are going to be doing the same thing all the time. I started my industry career in billing and G/L so I do have experience in that.

But now I do a lot of project management and get to work on global finance, so I'm not doing the same thing all the time and it's great. I don't know if I could go back to straight G/L work and month end close etc. However, pretty much everyone has to start in G/L in industry and then you can work your way up/around. I think having that foundation in public accounting is what allows us to accelerate and move up in our careers versus those who major in accounting and go straight into industry.

I know that's a lot, but I encourage you to follow your gut!

[Anonymous]

@ HustlinHustlin – yeah…I'm too old for that sh*t.

[Author]

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