Industry job or small CPA firm?

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  • #194130
    Teddybear91
    Participant

    I’ve been working at a big 4 in tax for a total of 10 months now but as the time has gone by I’ve come to realize the culture and the micromanaging is a bit much for me. The work I’m doing currently in partnerships and corporate aren’t terrible and I don’t mind working hard it’s more unpredictable deadlines and lack of work life balance that are really getting to me. I’ve started to look at opportunities elsewhere and I need some perspective. I interviewed at a company that specializes in commercial real estate ownership and management, it’s an entry level tax position where the work would be similar to what I am doing now but with fewer hours and I did like the people I met. I am also interviewing at a small CPA firm near where I live that seems promising (easier commute, set busy season so I know when I’ll be expected to work extra, overtime pay,). I’m also particularly interested in them because they work on trusts and estate planning which is something I’m really interested in but haven’t had the opportunity to work on yet and I doubt I ever will while staying at the big 4 because they push associates to work where the money is with big clients, mostly partnerships and corps. The one thing I am concerned about though is that every person at this firm has their CPA and I’m still working on mine. At this point I’m not sure what to think, the private company is a bit more prestigious but I think I will learn a lot working at the small CPA firm even if it isn’t a name brand. I’m not entirely sure about salary progressions at these places either. Help?

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  • #666365
    AScott89
    Participant

    Well you've got a few ways of looking at this. When I have a decision to make and the answer isn't clear cut I make a list under each decision of pros and cons. Look at each position and think about what's the most important to you. Is liking the people you work with more important? What about a shorter commute? Maybe you want the chance to try new things and widen your skill set and knowledge base.

    They all have their cpa license and you don't? Who cares. I don't see how that would be a big deal unless they have a hard and fast deadline for you to get yours. I work at a small firm (me, the accounting supervisor, the owner, the payroll lady, and the part-time front desk guy) and I really enjoy it. Its nice to work in a smaller firm as its a more relaxed environment and the work-life balance is good too. We're on summer schedule now which means we have Fridays off unless we're scheduled to be in the office and even then you're only there until noon.

    Personally, I would go with the small firm. The chance to learn new things and have a set busy season with a better work-life balance sounds good to me. But again, it all depends on what is most important to YOU. Do you want to work at a company you think is more prestigious and do something similar to what you're already doing or do you want to work at a small firm that's maybe not well-known but you'll get the chance to learn new things and have a better work-life balance?

    Anyways, that's my two cents. Hope it helps and good luck with your decision.

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