[Anonymous]

This is my first time posting, but used the site, and the forums to push me through the CPA exam. However, I have an offer on the table with one of the big four firms, and need some advice on whether making that move, career wise, is the best decision at 28 years old.

I am currently working at a smaller firm (80-100 people), and do not mind the job. I have been here 2.5 years, and like most smaller firms, have my hands in both audit and tax. Now that I am a few years into my career, I do feel a little more specialization could be beneficial. I am still not sure if, long term, public accounting is the right fit, which based on statistics it probably won’t be, thus I decided to see what was “out there,” for lack of a better term, and was offered a position with a solid signing bonus and 12% raise. I am currently a senior at my current firm, and would have to take a step back to staff 2 at the big four in question.

The experience factor would hold me back in pursuing an industry job if I do decide to stay where I am at. I guess the only thing that is making me even consider turning down the offer is the amount of time and money my current firm has invested in me, but again, 2.5 years is a solid investment on my part too.

Just wanted to pick the forums brain, so to speak, and see what you guys would say about my situation.

[Anonymous]

If, as you say, the only thing making you consider turning down the offer is the time and money your current firm has invested in you then it's time to look out for yourself and jump ship. If you want to go the extra mile maybe give your current firm extra advanced notice that you'll be leaving (i.e. more than two weeks if needed to wrap up/transition your current work).

Unless you love the culture of your current firm and have aspirations to be a partner there you have to look out for your own interests.

[GotCPA]

Why are you concerned with the time the firm invested in you?

I'm not sure why you're even considering turning down the offer, with better pay, better benefits, better name recognition, and better exit plan.

Who cares about the title when you're making more money as a staff 2 than a senior at your current firm? Also, you'll be back to “Senior” in a year, with even a bigger pay with promotion bonus as well as base increase.

[Anonymous]

I really appreciate the responses, however, I guess what I am looking for is someone that has been in my situation and why they chose what they did. I probably already know what I am going to do, but just wanted others opinions on why they chose their path. More of a reassurance kind of thing I guess.

Plus I was far past due on starting my first post.

[Peterman25]

Take it. Get the big4 experience on your resume. Work there for 2 years and the world will be your oyster afterwards. You will be considered over other candidates for other job opportunities just because you have the experience on your resume. There are hiring managers in private that only ask for those with big4 experience. You have the opportunity and you are young. I wouldn't pass this up if this were me.

BEC 7/14 - PASS
FAR 10/14 - PASS
AUD 1/15 - PASS
REG 4/15 - PASS

AZ license - Official 8/20/2015

[fuzyfro89]

Unless there are lifestyle factors holding you back (family, preferences, etc), I would take it. Make sure you leave on good terms with your current firm (give standard notice, wrap up your work and hand off neatly and orderly, etc), and you can very likely come back after 1-2 years if you decide that Big 4 isn't what you expected. You have very little to lose and a lot to gain by getting experience with a large public firm.

At worst, you'll find that it's not a good fit for you, but the experience will be valuable, and you'll know for certain that it's not what you want for your career.

” I guess the only thing that is making me even consider turning down the offer is the amount of time and money my current firm has invested in me, but again, 2.5 years is a solid investment on my part too.”

I understand where you are coming from, but if you keep this mindset then you will hold back your career. Believe it or not, the firm (and all companies) will use you as long as you allow it, and discard you if necessary. It's called self-preservation. It's a professional relationship. Don't make it personal.

” I guess what I am looking for is someone that has been in my situation and why they chose what they did”

What situation? Leaving your first job? I struggled with that a lot as well. I started in big 4, and it was very tough for me to make the leap. I went through many iterations in my head about “it's going to get better… I'll get the clients I want next year… maybe this year's raises will be good… maybe the firm will continue to improve the lifestyle balance… maybe the regulators will stop going crazy and we won't have to write novels in our work papers…”. At last, I realized I was justifying in my own head reasons to stay. It's hard to leave all that you have known in your professional career. It's even harder to give out on the first firm to give you a shot to start things. In hindsight, I had a solid experience and having those 2 yrs at the firm got me a lot of call backs and interviews on its own, and the name really does add value to your resume since it immediately expands your network in the future.

My opinion: Even if you KNOW you do not want to stay in the Big 4 for more than 2 years, I'd suggest trying it out. You have little to lose, and a lot to potentially gain. Where exactly you fall depends on your own career goals and how hard you work to take advantage of the opportunities, but it's highly unlikely that you will end up worse off.

Good luck

[Anonymous]

@fuzy I really appreciate your opinion, and the depth from which you responded. I am still undecided by leaning towards taking the position. Will let you guys know when I make a final decision, which I am sure they need sooner rather than later.

[jw_83]

So I am sort of in a similar boat as the OP. I work for a small firm (10 people) and got an offer from a top national firm. At the small firm I work in both audit and tax, however, I don't really like the tax side of it. I was on the fence about the offer, even though it is 45% increase in pay. I felt like I “owed” my small firm, they had taken a chance on me and I am not unhappy, but I can't say I am happy either. My family thought I was crazy for not being ecstatic about the offer. So I can relate to those feelings you are having. I decided to take the offer for a few reasons. First, it's a lot more money. Also, I only have to work in audit, which I love. In the end, it is the best move for me. I feel awful about leaving my small firm, but they managed before I worked here and they will manage when I leave. You have to do what is best for you.

REG - 64, 72, 81!
FAR - 77
AUD - 79
BEC - 72, 79! And Done!

[Author]

Replies