[manny23]

Hi all,

I am in an interesting situation. I worked at a company during college and landed a job as an assistant controller right after graduation. I worked there for about 7 months and left because I was offered a position as an associate at a big 4. The pay at big4 was considerably lower especially considered the 60 hrs vs 40 hrs job in the private industry. Now, I am being offered a controller position at my old job that pays nearly 1.5 times what I am getting paid at big4. My long term plan is to go to graduate school (in 2 years) and end up in academia as a professor or a researcher (my dream).

I am not a big fan of public accounting either, any suggestions on how I should go about? Thanks!

[tuanxn]

Hmmm I think the controller route will be better for your long-term goals. You'll be able to save more money and the controller position will look great on graduate apps. My view is that people stay with the Big 4 for exit opportunities in industry, but since you're aiming for academia I think the controller position will better serve your needs.

[Dog pounder1977]

Controller position all the way. Either one looks good on the resume. However, look at the big picture and not just in monetary terms. One position involves more duties and responsibilities, greater respect within the organization, answering to less people making you nearly your own boss, and compensates you with additional income. The other is well known across the nation, earned its reputation as being a reputable firm, provides a plethora of knowledge and experience, but requires you to work twice as hard hourly, answer to a number of people as you are just an associate (in other words, employee), compensates you very little in terms of salary, and you will be stressed endlessly. At the end of the day, you will make the best choice for your situation. Good luck.

Controller > Associate

One day I will face that exam.

[JohnWayneIsGod]

I see what you are doing. You want a pat on the back for putting in a year with the Big 4, and landing a controller position with a healthy raise. 😉

(pat-pat) Congrats.

What to do? Write a nice resignation letter with two-weeks notice and remember not to burn any bridges.

FAR - 80

Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.

-John Wayne

[fuzyfro89]

Don't burn a bridge so you can get a big 4 sponsored tenure position in your future professor job. If you decide to leave, do so on good terms.

[Author]

Replies