[luyiqing]

Here’s the situation, I got an offer from a mid-tier CPA firm in NYC and just started my first week. Then I got called by the big four firm that they would like to give me an offer. Another big four firm also wants to give me an offer. I feel a little anxious because my current firm has good environment and people are nice. If I need to resign, what good reasons should I say in order not to burn the bridge? But I think big four is a good opportunity I cannot miss out. What do you guys think the future of Hedge Fund Tax(partnership) vs. Indirect Tax (VAT) ? Thank you

[Anonymous]

Sorry bro :). The bridge will be burned no matter how you do it in this situation. Just tell the truth, don't lie, they may get mad but so what, you'll move on.

[mla1169]

Think it through carefully, if you're happy where you are I can't see why having big 4 on your resume is worth sacrifices you may or may not have to make. Look before you leap.

That said do tell the truth. I've got no doubt they will understand even if they're not applauding you for it.

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[luyiqing]

Thank you for the inputs. The thing is that because big four process is slow, I already started my new job and then they came to call me. Things happen all together…another big four firm also would like to bring me on board.

The job at the midsize firm I am in now are mainly preparing different kinds of tax returns and the clients are mostly from real estate industry and maybe some other industries.

At big four firm, the pay is higher and I am going to deal with very specialized area (VAT) or the other firm (Hedge Fund Tax). My ultimate career goal is working at big four or major companies. So I would think that I need to go for it once I get the opportunity even if the situation is a little awkward right now. Should I say anything to big fours that I just started my new job or keep it to myself? I already told the HR at big four that I am going to accept the VAT offer and I don't think I want to or can back out. Right now it is very time sensitive and I need to make a decision asap once I get things all settled. If you were me, what would you do? Thank you for the valuable inputs.

[Anonymous]

First off, how exciting that you got offers for 3 decent jobs – 2 Big 4 and 1 mid-tier! 🙂

As to what to do, don't give up a good thing for something that might or might not be good. Consider seriously what positives you have at your current job and if the positives at the B4 are worth the change. If they are, then ASAP tell your current employer that you regret having to do this after such a short time, but you've been given an offer you can't refuse.

One thing to think about – are these all 3 supposed to be year-round positions? Just want to be sure. Wouldn't want to leave a year-round position for something that's eliminated after busy season.

[luyiqing]

Thank you for the inputs! I really appreciate it! Yes the three are all permanent positions with full benefits. That's why I feel like I am in a delimma.

Mid-tier firm I just started the work is tax return (various kinds) pay is great and benefits are great too. environment and people are cool

Big four (VAT international tax) I like the personality of the partner a lot. The team is nice. pay is higher

Another Big four (hedge fund tax) people there are super nice to me maybe bacause I told them I already got an offer and they want me to choose them.

My preference would be the VAT and I know it's very specialized/niche area. What do you guys think about the three options and different impacts they might have in my future career success?

[fuzyfro89]

I don't know anything about those tax specialties, so I'll defer to someone else to help you understand the value and future opportunities from those areas.

If you leave soon, your firm won't be happy about it. Plain and simple. I'd keep the truth to yourself unless you have a close relationship with someone. You want to avoid the situation that your current firm calls up someone they know at the big four firms the situation and they take back an offer because they think what you're doing is unethical. Right or wrong, it could happen. If you accept the offer, pass the background check, and get a start date from the big four firm, then you can out in 2 week notice and be on your way. It will be awkward, but if you think it's the right decision, that's probably the best way to do it. you will likely not get s job there while the same hiring team still works at the smaller firm.

[luyiqing]

I understand that it's tough. Will the midsize firm ever do that? I am willing to help them through the corporate busy season. Because the hiring process is different among firms that's the reason why I got a better offer while already starting new job. I didn't look for job after I just started. It's a nice firm but things just conflict together and if I don't go for big four, I will regret badly. I sincerely hope they can understand and respect my decision though. Thank you 🙂

[AGI]

Hm.. You know…

I will say if you are satisfy with your salary in your current place, and that you really like your current environment, I will recommend you stay.

I mean.. ask yourself, what will you gain in a Big4 other than the company title? Are you going to be starting from the bottom? Will they value your ability and will you get a promotion?

Also coming from a big firm (Not Big 4), things in Big 4 often go through ranking, seniority and connections. You will often face competition from old and new generations, hash work load and non-sense challenge. So often, if you don't have good connections, you will not get promoted and get the worst projects. Even if you want to get a promotion, it might take you 2 years. (1 year to get a new line and 5 months for HR to process it.)

Rather, if you in a mid size firm, you might get promoted much faster, enjoy a lovely environment and people do value your ability. You don't often have to stay late at work and actually get to go home to see your family. (Hm.. at least that's very important to me, as an immigrant my biggest dream is to have a happy family and to enjoy family live?)

At last, you should also consider how much more you are willing to put into your career. If you are already in mid-30s and you want to go into Big 4 to start working from the bottom, you probably won't get much opportunity to go up (thinking you will need at least 3 -5 years of experience before they will consider promote you to a manager or team leader). However, if you are in mid-20s, you probably have some extra time to go and might worth a try.

I do believe if you turn down your current job you will probably lost a lot of connections. Rumor might be going around in your current specialize area and you might be turn down by future firm if you wish to return to this current specialize field later in the future. (It's weird in NYC, but it does happens.) Also, if you sign a contract or run into conflict of interest, it will be a problem.

Sorry, I got to guess you are older than me and at least fulfill the minimum requirement to get into Big 4 =(

I am not saying you are old, but it's just that I am pretty young =)

NY - CPA

New York - NYC
Passed CPA Exam (11/2014)
In search for a position in NYC that will fulfills the license requirement.

[luyiqing]

Hi thank you for your opinion. I am in mid 20s. I don't think the promotion structure in the midsize firm is better. The structure is more like reverse triangle. More partners than staffs. My coworker has 4 years experiences but still is a tax staff title. My job is mainly preparing tax returns including corporate, individual, partnership, state and local.

The new opportunity at big four is totally a different niche which is indirect tax and the partner is super nice to me. The salary is about 30% higher than the midsize firm. I have waited for a long time to get the decision from them. It is a very valuable opportunity to me because my ultimate career goal is working at big four or major companies. I know that my current firm might be angry if I do that but that's business. I need to pursue the right way to go otherwise I will regret and not be happy. Thank you for all the valuable inputs.

[luyiqing]

Another reason is that I have a good relationship with the partner at big four so I cannot reject the offer otherwise I would burn the bridge with that big four firm.

[luyiqing]

The second big four firm (hedge fund tax) since they already knew before interview that I got another offer but they still encouraged me to go to the interview. So I hope they could understand whether or not I choose them at this moment.

[Anonymous]

Hi. I've noticed you for quit a while. I know your past shitty employment situation (sorry for the language) and I am happy for you because you work your way out.

Now what I am suggesting is that you should pick the one benefiting you the most.

If the promotion structure in the mid tier is shitty, you should pass it regardless of the bridge.

For the 2 big 4 offers, I suggest you to take the hedge fund tax (Investment Management Group I think) because it offers more opportunities in future (both the demands of big 4 and private industry are high).

But before you resign, work through the offer agreement to make sure you have no restrictions.

[Anonymous]

Ok. First thing's first-

You need to look out for No. 1 (yourself).

The Big 4 is giving you 30% and you have a relationship with the partner? That's not bad. Transfer Pricing and Hedge Fund Tax are both very lucrative Tax work right now, especially for hedge fund tax.

You're going to burn bridges with the mid-tier, but honestly, who cares. They'll understand. Nobody is going to hold a grudge.

It's business. Besides, they'd lay you off and not give you the decency of two weeks notice if they thought it would save them money.

[tomq04]

30% pay difference is certainly significant…

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[luyiqing]

Thank you for all the above. I appreciate it.

[Author]

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