Switching Big 4 Accounting Firms

  • Creator
    Topic
  • #194502
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    I just finished my first year in audit at a Big 4 firm and am contemplating leaving and moving to another Big 4 firm. I am currently staffed on a year round client in an industry that I hate and which requires a lengthy commute each morning. I have good ratings (about 2-3 out of 5), but I have spoken with my coach and was told that I need to stay at least another year to be transferred to the industry that I want. Additionally, I am getting very tired of my team and despise a lot of people on it, and would like a fresh start.

    I am contemplating leaving my firm and joining a competitor which will likely result in a higher salary for an experienced hire, the exact industry I want to be in, and possibly a shorter commute to work. What does everyone think about this? Should I just suck it up and finish another year for a *chance* at moving industries, or should I just make the jump? I hate being dangled a carrot in front of me, but this seems like a no brainer to me apart from the inconvenience of having to apply, interview, and learn a new system and set of audit methodology at the new firm. The only issue is that I feel like I “owe” my team and the firm, which makes it a tough decision. Has anyone been in my position and is it worthwhile threatening to quit to get what I want (which is just an industry switch)?

    My final note is that I am convinced that I should leave, but are there any reasons why I should stay put? I can think of the network that I have already built and cultivated, but there doesn’t seem to be much else.

Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
  • Author
    Replies
  • #670539

    “My final note is that I am convinced that I should leave, but are there any reasons why I should stay put? I can think of the network that I have already built and cultivated, but there doesn't seem to be much else.”

    I think that you need to leave based on that, you don't like it—in fact you say you despise it. Therefore, its not worth it.

    #670540
    Tripp11
    Member

    If you're THAT miserable, just leave. By the way, you don't owe your Firm or team members anything. Trust me, they will find another warm body without any soul to take your place very quickly. 🙂

    AUD - 93
    BEC - 80
    REG - 86
    FAR - 83

    #670541
    win2bet
    Participant

    If i were you i would interview with the other big4 first, don't quit & then start interviewing.

    ,

    REG 68,87
    BEC 85
    FAR 75
    AUD 64,64, 86!

    #670542
    Mayo
    Participant

    Just FYI, if you switch firms without a VERY good reason you'll look like a douchebag (pardon the crudeness). When you see “EY/PWC/KPMG” on someones resume it starts to look….flaky, for lack of a better word.

    Besides, the recruiter for the other firms will ask “So why are you leaving your current firm for ours? We have a lot of the same clients/processes/etc.?”

    Just be ready to answer that without, “My current firms just sucks and I want to be paid more”.

    Mayo, BBA, Macc

Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.