[005]

So I have an opportunity, due to extensive networking, to interview for a tax compliance position with a Big 4 in the nyc area. However, I can’t say I love tax, although I do like it somewhat an I guess I wouldn’t mind doing it. Ideally, however, I would love to do something related with securities…

For those of you who went into Big4 tax, do you ever regret it? I realize exit opps aren’t as great as going audit… that is the main thing that is making me hesitant. However, being this is pretty much my only chance to get into Big4, I’d feel like a dummy to pass it up.

Just looking for some insight pls

BEC - ✔
REG - ✔
AUD - ✔
FAR - 11/29/14

CPAExcel, Ninja MCQs, and a sh*t ton of coffee

[Tux]

I would like to follow this post…..

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[EYNewHire]

You need to figure out what “I do like it somewhat an I guess I wouldn't mind doing it” means. You'll hate yourself if in a few years you are miserable doing tax work.

Having said that, there is no reason you can't interview for the position.

[h0wdyus]

@005

I agree with EYnew. What would you like to do with securities. You have to come up with some concrete ideas. I would not suggest Tax work if you don't have a passion for it. Tax would be good if you want to set up your independent practice.

FAR - 81 29th Aug 2013
AUD - 84
REG - 82
BEC - 89 29th Aug 2014
Using Yager

FROM NJ

[Anonymous]

Anyone here ever worked in tax and then transferred to a job that is other than tax?

[Lindrobe]

I am trying to transfer out of tax right now. So far, unsuccessful…..

FAR 12/3/14, 87
AUD 2/3/14, 90
BEC 4/1/14, 88
REG 5/27/14, 94

Licensed CPA, Indiana

"Successful people do things that unsuccessful people don't want to do"

[005]

@EYnew & @h0wdyus, well, I was more-so trying to get a feel for exit opps after Big4 tax. So far from googling, I haven't been too successful other than more Big4 tax and perhaps tax controller at a real estate company or something of that sort.

BEC - ✔
REG - ✔
AUD - ✔
FAR - 11/29/14

CPAExcel, Ninja MCQs, and a sh*t ton of coffee

[Anonymous]

OP: I would not pass up an opportunity at the Big 4, even if it's just for a year. You can always switch out. My experience is not quite as relevant as I did not have the GPA for the Big 4 but I started out of college at a tax law firm that essentially outsourced all of their cleints' back tax returns to me. It was a living hell (mainly because of the lack of ethics consistently shown by the lawyers in how they handled their conduct). But here's the good news: I easily found another job after just working there for a year AND switched out to audit. Maybe I was incredibly lucky but all it took was me sending out about 30 craigslist applications over a few days. I scored an interview at a big company (200+ employees) and was offered an auditing position there. I am now supervised by a CPA which means I'll be able to fulfill the experience requirement for both general and attest.

I would strongly suggest you take it – you can make a decision about whether you want to leave after staying for (at least) 6 months. That's just the way things are now; when you apply for other jobs they won't see it as a weakness.

[Anonymous]

Law degree + tax = insane billables

[005]

@dkberesford I think you're right. I mean, I didn't get into a target school and am now in my mid 20's with 3/4 of CPA done and experience of 3 years at a small local CPA firm (staff <5), so I should take this opportunity and see where it takes me. Thanks for advice.

@_Nick_ I know, but going to law school is something I'm not too fond of for now… it's not the work that needs to be put in, I don't mind that, but more so the debt that will be incurred for tuition…

BEC - ✔
REG - ✔
AUD - ✔
FAR - 11/29/14

CPAExcel, Ninja MCQs, and a sh*t ton of coffee

[Anonymous]

I'm in tax at a top 25 firm, not Big 4, and I love it. However, I'm not in income tax I'm in sales/use tax.

[005]

@ bababooey, how do salary prospects look? and growth in relation to that?

and of course, BABABOOEY!!!!

BEC - ✔
REG - ✔
AUD - ✔
FAR - 11/29/14

CPAExcel, Ninja MCQs, and a sh*t ton of coffee

[taxdiva]

I think there is a huge misconception about tax as far as future opportunities outside of public. I've been in tax for three years and I am “headhunted” constantly. My clients try to steal me and recruiters are constantly calling me as well as my coworkers at work.

Honestly, big four looks great, period. I know where you are coming from though. I had the same reservations when I decided to go the tax route.

REG(10/23/12)- Passed. Life happended and lost credit - 18 month expiration)(Retake soon)
FAR - Passed. Used Becker.
AUD - Passed. Used CPAExcel (now Wiley)
BEC- Plan to take October-ish.

Just give me a 75!

[Anonymous]

@005 My salary isn't too bad. I took a lower salary than I originally wanted just so I could get in with this firm and leave my government job. I report directly to one of the firm's partners so I guess I could grow all the way up to that.

There aren't a ton of sales tax professionals out there so it's nice having a skill not many people have. And if companies eventually have to collect sales tax from online orders in every state that just means more sales tax issues, more sales tax audits, and more clients. That also means opportunities to work at companies that have sales in to numerous states.

I'd say take the opportunity. If you realize in a year that you don't like it, I don't think you'll have much trouble finding something else with a Big 4 on your resume. Best of luck.

[005]

@bababooey thanks for the advice, yeah I think I'm going to do it. I'm just afraid less exit opportunities will translate into a lower possible salary down the line, but like you said, I could try it out for a year, and if I'm not happy, figure something out. The Big4 experience can only help my resume.

BEC - ✔
REG - ✔
AUD - ✔
FAR - 11/29/14

CPAExcel, Ninja MCQs, and a sh*t ton of coffee

[Anonymous]

FREE ADVICE – Don't be a tax accountant

I'll admit that a Big4 tax guy/gal has a better opportunity to escape later in life than the rest of the tax drones.

Good luck.

[Author]

Replies