[jaredo155]

I have worked in corporate for several years, and was recently presented with an opportunity to go to a public accounting firm (one of the big 4) in their tax area. Until I get to know people I am very introverted and shy, which hasn’t been an issue at all in corporate, but is giving me great concern when considering the move.

If I went to public my plan would be to stay until a year after I make Senior, and then make the jump back to corporate. Is the fact that I am very shy and socially uncomfortable, going to be a big issue working in public accounting at the big 4 in tax, if I only stay to the senior level?

AUD - 2/2013 - Passed!
BEC - 5/2013 - Passed!
FAR - 8/2013 - Passed!
REG - 11/2013 - Passed!
"Do or do not, there is no try." - Yoda

[Anonymous]

A shy accountant? Say what? I think you will be okay. I'm an auditor in public accounting and I do okay. Just be polite and you should be alright. I don't think anyone expects accountants to be particularly social. Just try not to come across as rude. Smiling usually takes care of that for you.

[Kimboroni]

lol, Brandenburg

The stereotype is that the more extroverted accountants go into audit and consulting, and the more introverted ones go into tax. While not true across the board, it's the stereotype for a reason. So you should be fine.

AUD 84 (1/9/14-Wiley books/TB + free materials)
FAR 83 (5/21/14-the above + NINJA 10 Pt Combo Lite)
REG 84 (7/9/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC/Notes)
BEC 76 (10/5/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC)

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[GSU-CPA]

You should be fine…

I am very extroverted but i am considering going into tax lol. Boy will they be surprised.

REG-77
BEC -Waiting on score May 5th
AUD - May 30
FAR - Q3 depending on if i pass above two in Q2

[jaredo155]

Thanks for the feedback! I know the stereotype, but my only experience with big 4 has been their auditors or managers and above on the tax side, and they are all very outgoing. All my friends that work in public work at local and regional firms and they told me the tax folks there are known to be pretty anti social, but I wasn't sure if big 4 had different expectations.

AUD - 2/2013 - Passed!
BEC - 5/2013 - Passed!
FAR - 8/2013 - Passed!
REG - 11/2013 - Passed!
"Do or do not, there is no try." - Yoda

[Anonymous]

At a recent Big 4 interview, one of the audit managers I interviewed with was “surprised” that all my experience was in tax. He said “I'm shocked you're coming from tax, you seem so personable.” hahaha It was a rude awakening because I had assumed the accountant stereotype was one that was only subscribed to by those OUTSIDE of accounting…not by other accountants. Little did I know it was actually a TAX stereotype. Not gonna lie, I felt kinda betrayed being that it was coming from another accountant. “Really bro? I thought you were above that?”

It was kinda funny though…just thought I'd share.

[itsjustatest]

Accountants are odd people in general. You will fit right in.

AUD - 83
REG - 78
FAR - 69,73,79
BEC - 85

[fuzyfro89]

The quirkier the better. Big 4 is the ultimate nerdvana.

Auditors hate on Tax people. Tax people hate on advisory. Advisory hates on audit and tax. Consulting laughs at “advisory”. It's just a silly circle of people pointing and giggling at each other.

In any environment, you need the technical skills to understand what you're doing, and the interpersonal skills in order to advance into management. Gone are the days of being a head in the books person and rising to the top.

[mystical guy]

This is so “SAD” (Social Anxiety Disorder). I dealt with this all my life but it's manageable.

I concur with everyone else. In Audit I have to travel and interview people though I'm probably a bigger introvert than you – no kidding. As one said, the trick is to be professional but start every conversation with small talk to put yourself and the other person at ease. What you may not realize is that over 40% of people are introverts, and they are just as uncomfortable as you, so that should make you feel a lot better :).

Good luck with everything!

CPA - Since 2015
CISA - Smashed 2012
CIA - Passed 2015

[fuzyfro89]

Being an introvert doesn't mean you won't succeed in big 4, it just means you'll have to be more self aware so you aren't off putting in your interactions with clients and colleagues.

I will readily admit I didn't present myself very well in a professional setting through my junior year in college, but putting yourself out there is the first step. I CLEARLY recall walking to a company's networking event one time (I think it was Protiviti?, or maybe a big 4, I really don't recall), and walking straight to the bathroom. Didn't throw up or anything but just didn't want to feel awkward talking to people. Then had a quick chat with one of the recruiters and snuck out and drove back to my apt. I'll remember that day forever, because it was the first time I acknowledged I had a shyness problem, and needed to practice networking. Today, I'm no Smooth Criminal, but can hold my own in professional settings at work and outside the office.

Like you said, your intention is to stick around for a few years and then look for something else. Greet plan! Just remember that there is an end in sight, and a purpose to what you will be spending your time doing for a fee years and hoe it (can) pay dividends for years to come.

[Sir Study Alot]

I found that I was to extraverted when I worked as an auditor, so I am considering tax so I can learn to keep my mouth shut and hide among the intraverts. My impression of tax accounting is that you put your head down and get your work done. I have came across a lot of aweful personalities in auditing, so a job where I can socialize less sounds good to me..

Passed all 4 exams in 2014!

[Skynet]

What! The more introverted you are, the more you'll be in tax stereotype? That makes no sense. In tax you will be talking to clients both professionally and socially. I worked during he tax season and find myself and my associates engaging tax clients this way. You don't just bury your head at your desk all day.

AUD - 90
BEC - 78
FAR - 84
REG - 87

World Domination Plan

Phase I : Pass CPA Exams - Complete
Phase II : Megan Fox - In Progress
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Phase V : TBD

BEC : 78
REG : 87
FAR : 84
AUD : 90

World Domination Plan

Phase I : Pass CPA Exams - Complete
Phase II : Megan Fox - Initiated
Phase III : Bring back 8-Tracks
Phase IV : Megan Fox & Scarlett Johansson Lingerie Pillow Fight
Phase V : TBA

[Author]

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