[honeyjazz]

I’ve been with B4 international tax team for 2+ years and have recently received an offer as a fund accountant in a fast-growing fund (looks like there are plenty of chances to make an impact and take additional responsibilities there). I like international tax but I’ve always wanted more exposures other than tax. However, I wonder if 2+ years of public accounting experiences are too short? I’ve read a lot of posts saying that the career options for fund accountants could be quite limited. Should I stay in the international tax team for a longer time (say 4-5 years) before I make the move? What are the other exit options for international tax?

[cpa1982]

You are with Big4 international tax and consider moving to fund accounting? Why? There are so many people dying to get into international tax area and you want to run to the opposite side? Tax is a one-way entry. Once you spend several years in tax and decides to make a move into financial accounting side then you have to start from the bottom with a pay cut. However, if this is Fund tax accounting position then you need to dig deeper. Many investment firms have their own in-house tax department and pay is much better than average tax accountant makes. (Hedge fund tax accountant easily pull over $100K after few years).

Whatever you do just make sure you do your due diligence. To me, this is like going backward. Good luck.

[SallyCPA]

Just curious, have you completed the CPA exam?

[PubMaster]

Two years in public is not too short, but it is the minimum time I recommend to people.

Exit opportunities for international tax is going to be more international tax, but in industry. And with tax that doesn't always equate to better hours since corporate tax work can be highly project-based. Especially at higher levels. I did work with a Director at Deloitte that worked in international tax for a long time, then switched over to expatriate tax (international individual tax).

My question for you would be, why fund accounting? Besides trying something outside of tax, that is…

[Author]

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