[Spfalzgr]

I have been with my firm for 2 ½ years with one busy season as senior auditor under my belt. I have been in the market for a new position either in public or industry, and I was recently offered a position for a second year audit associate position with a Big 4 firm. Unfortunately, my experience is limited to mostly governments and non-profit clients which has made the transition to a desirable industry job fairly difficult.

Another concern of mine would be that the big 4 firm would assign me to mostly governmental clients thus pigeon holing me even further into the governmental route.

Based on personal experiences would you advise to take the big 4 opportunity (the pay is about the same as I am making now) or should I stick it out and hope that a good industry job comes along?

Thanks guys!

FAR - 86
AUD - 99
BEC - 86
REG - 82

[Hammer]

I'm in your boat. I have no Big4 experience, just small firm experience working with privately held entities. I have 3 years (tax seasons) behind me and was in-charging jobs starting last year.

I've always wanted bigger and better and constantly strive for personal and professional growth. I figured the only way I could do this was jumping to Big4. I actually made the jump to a Big4 firm for a very short period, and, I hated it. But the reasons I hated will be different than your experience. Personally, I'd advise you on taking the job.

I kept looking and just recently landed a job for a fortune 500 manufacturing Company and am THRILLED. Having only small firm experience has not held me back.

My salary progression over the past 2 years has gone like this: $45k, $46k, $50k, $52k, $70k, $85k.

My advice: Focus on personal growth and development. Take whatever job gives you that and you'll be fine.

FAR - 70, 81
AUD - 83
BEC - 77
REG - 70, 78

Licensed in Ohio.

Now what the hell do I do?

[Author]

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