The “average” person's career is pretty uneventful. Many people, even CPAs, will top out at the manager level. This isn't for lack of ability, but it takes much more than ability to advance (many, many soft skills and emotional intelligence to be seen as a performer).
To be clear, your best bet is to get into Big 4. Most public companies prefer (right or wrong is a different discussion) big 4 experience, so you will naturally come second in that equation. You can definitely do things to advance your position (compelling experience, getting unique skills, etc.) at GT, but again, the “average” person at Big 4 will have more opportunities than at GT. Outliers are everywhere, so let's agree to not talk anecdotes since that will just be an endless discussion.
“-Will it be easy for me to enter industry?”
Yes, the market for accounting/internal audit is strong generally for ex-public accountants.
“-What types of companies would offer me a position (small private companies vs. large public companies)”
Depends on your experience while at GT and what's available in your area. Generally, the largest public companies will prefer big 4, but this mostly depends on how well you network and interview than anything else. Honestly, I don't see much of a skill difference between public firms in the first 2-3 years.
“-What positions would I likely be offered (financial analyst, internal audit, etc.)?”
Accountant and internal audit are probably the “easiest”… financial analyst slightly more difficult.
“-What position would it be realistic for me to strive for within the next 7-10 years (controller, CFO, etc.)?”
In <10 years, it's very likely you'll reach the manager level in industry unless you don't try or are unwilling to switch companies to advance. Otherwise, I don't know. Depends on how well you network and interview. Also, keep in mind there's MILES AND MILES of difference between a CFO of a small company and even an accounting manager at a very large one. For example, I see headhunters advertising CFO salaries of 200k for smaller companies… whereas large public company CFOs make $1 million+. Same with accounting managers. I see those range from 80k to 130k.
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