[Anonymous]

Hi Everyone I was just looking for some insight, I passed the CPA exam this past April and unfortunately my current job does not apply towards work experience to get certified as a CPA. So I have to leave my company. I’m 11 years or so out of college. I really don’t want to go into one of the big 4 but I’m looking more towards regional firms.

I really don’t want too much travel as would be required by the big 4 and would like to have somewhat of a life. I understand all bets are off come tax season. But I was wondering what anyone on the forum knows about Parentebeard, Grant Thornton, specifically in the Philly area…..or I’ve also have been looking into some smaller firms in Lancaster and Reading too (RKL, Herbein and Co).

Can anyone give me some insight into these firms. Thanks

[Anonymous]

I just started working at GT in Philadelphia this year. I know GT is hiring if you are interested.

[acamp]

Keep in mind, there is practically no difference (work wise) between the Top10 firms. If you're considering GT, you might as well consider the Big4. Travel will largely depend on the market, not sure what Philly looks like, but in SF, there are a TON of SF clients, so travel is less frequent than people in a rural office.

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[marti1nd]

I work for a top 10 firm (not the Big 4) and there is still some travel expected.

A lot of the travel expectations depends on the market that you are in. I would think that being in downtown Philly wouldn't require too much travel.

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[Anonymous]

My wife and I are both Philly market accounting firm professionals. I work in a regional and she's Big 4. In both of our firms, the travel depends on your industry/clients.

If you work in a more regional service line, the overnight travel is de minimus. We are in the one area in the US where you can reasonably commute to four major cities (NYC, Philly, Baltimore, DC, AND everything in between). That also includes what is basically the entire pharmaceutical industry (Central NJ is loaded- LOADED with big Pharma).

However, Philly is one of the largest cities in the US and has quite a few national and international big firm ‘knowledge centers', if you will. You will be traveling all over the place (approx. 80% – 100%) if you are placed on one of these teams. The work/life sucks at this level of travel, but the experience is invaluable.

[Anonymous]

can't you get certified in another state that does not require the working experience? VA is one of them, but with higher academic requirements.

[fuzyfro89]

I would aim for industry, public is too unpredictable and demanding for what you stated you want.

[krschneids]

I work for Baker Tilly, the firm that recently merged with Parentebeard. I love my firm and would totally recommend them. It's not quite top 10 (12th-13th), but is definitely growing. I'm a first year audit associate and I've been averaging two weeks a month out of town, but I know that most people on the tax side don't travel often at all. Of course, hours get a bit longer from January-April, but summer time is typically pretty nice (easy to take PTO, office closes at 3pm on Fridays, etc.)

Overall, my experience has shown BT is an awesome mid-sized firm with awesome benefits, a great work/life balance, and really friendly and intelligent people. A lot of partners know me by name, and I've been here less than a year. That's something you won't find at a Big 4.

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[Author]

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