[Anonymous]

So the only experience I’ve had professionally is tax experience and I’ve decided to transition to audit. When looking at all of the industries to audit, the one that interests me most is the idea of auditing government entities/organizations. If I were to do so, a long term goal would be to eventually take a federal government job.

Given a recent development, it looks like I may have to choose between an offer from 1) an entry level audit position at a Big 4 that will not likely include any government industry auditing or 2) an entry level audit position at a much smaller regional firm that specializes in the government industry…

Considering I have no audit experience whatsoever, it might be a good idea to just give audit a shot at the Big 4 to see if I like it before I niche myself in the government sector…plus I get to put some Big 4 experience on my resume…or should I just go for what I already know I’m interested in??

Thanks for the advice folks 🙂 Gotta love the ability to hash out your accounting related issues on a71.com 🙂 Shout out to Jeff!

[Mayo]

Auditing is auditing is auditing. You can overspecialize, but with only one or two years at a Big 4 you don't need to worry about it. The only exception is if you only audit governmental clients. Some people have a built-in bias against that.

If you go Big 4 first:

1. You might like the industries you are on and forget about the Govt idea

2a. Go to a smaller firm, audit government clients as a senior, like it, and go on the same career path you mentioned.

2b. Go to a smaller firm, audit government clients as a senior, hate it, and go back to your Big 4 firm, go to another CPA firm, or go industry.

If you go smaller firm first:

1. Audit government, love it, then advance in career

2. Audit government, hate it, but only 50% chance you can go elsewhere quickly. I pulled that 50% out of a hat, but I have a gut feeling that's right.

I think Big 4

---

> Smaller firm is best here. If the smaller firm wasn't so specialized, I'd say you can do either or. But having that government specialization can be tough to convince other CPA firms that it's applicable. Hard ot tell and it will all depend on the future demand of the market.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

Auditing is auditing is auditing. You can overspecialize, but with only one or two years at a Big 4 you don't need to worry about it. The only exception is if you only audit governmental clients. Some people have a built-in bias against that.

If you go Big 4 first:

1. You might like the industries you are on and forget about the Govt idea

2a. Go to a smaller firm, audit government clients as a senior, like it, and go on the same career path you mentioned.

2b. Go to a smaller firm, audit government clients as a senior, hate it, and go back to your Big 4 firm, go to another CPA firm, or go industry.

If you go smaller firm first:

1. Audit government, love it, then advance in career

2. Audit government, hate it, but only 50% chance you can go elsewhere quickly. I pulled that 50% out of a hat, but I have a gut feeling that's right.

I think Big 4

---

> Smaller firm is best here. If the smaller firm wasn't so specialized, I'd say you can do either or. But having that government specialization can be tough to convince other CPA firms that it's applicable. Hard ot tell and it will all depend on the future demand of the market.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[MCLKT]

Big 4, all the way. 2 years @ any of the Big 4 and you will be a step ahead the rest for life.

A:[73]97 F:[74]85 R:86 B:[74]82
*NINJA 10 Pt. COMBO & Yaeger*

[MCLKT]

Big 4, all the way. 2 years @ any of the Big 4 and you will be a step ahead the rest for life.

A:[73]97 F:[74]85 R:86 B:[74]82
*NINJA 10 Pt. COMBO & Yaeger*

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I really appreciate it.

@Mayo: you've made some pretty solid points…I had a phone convo with the Big 4 firm's HR rep today and I am trying to squeeze in an interview for Thursday, if possible, but I may have to wait until mid May.

***off to search thread for big 4 interview expectations***

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I really appreciate it.

@Mayo: you've made some pretty solid points…I had a phone convo with the Big 4 firm's HR rep today and I am trying to squeeze in an interview for Thursday, if possible, but I may have to wait until mid May.

***off to search thread for big 4 interview expectations***

[Mayo]

“***off to search thread for big 4 interview expectations***”

+1

Check my posts. I think I've seen a lot of those lately and commented.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

“***off to search thread for big 4 interview expectations***”

+1

Check my posts. I think I've seen a lot of those lately and commented.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Author]

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