[cleanclassic]

Hi all,

I currently work at a mid tier public accounting firm in tax and have the opportunity for an administrative position at a Big 4 for less money. Their is no career path and it would not count towards my CPA. I want to make the jump to audit. Should I take the role to get my foot into big4 or do I stay put? Any advice would really help.

[MaLoTu]

My only caution would be this: They are going to train you in the admin role and then train you in the audit role once that becomes available and consequently have to train someone in that admin role again shortly after just filling it.

That is a lot of overhead for them just in training, but I do not know how deeply that effects a Big 4 firm where they hire based on attrition.

Have you actually been offered the role? What did the recruiter tell you? Is there a possibility that they were not 100% transparent about the availability to jump from the admin role to the audit role?

I was offered a chance to interview for a sales role at an accounting firm, the recruiter wanted me to get my foot in the door. I declined because I felt that it made me look like I didn't have a clear focus (your situation is different, your change is to supplement your focus) and I thought it would be a hard-sale because my whole resume is screaming that I am looking to get into public accounting, which would bring up the training/cost issues I mentioned above.

[cleanclassic]

If I want to go into an audit role, I would have to apply for another position in the future. The admin role does not promote to anything. They were very clear about it. I have to sleep on it and let them know if I want to proceed any further.

[MaLoTu]

Since you will be working with an audit team, you probably have a good shot of getting hired as an associate, eventually. They will know you and your work ethic.

Hopefully someone in the Big 4 will have something to add.

Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

I assume your current position would give you the necessary experience. If so, I would finish the CPA and then look to move. This seems like a desperate move to get into big 4.

[cleanclassic]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I didn't find out until the interview the audit position is not on the team but team support. I'll probably pass, but will sleep on it.

[Anonymous]

If it were me, I wouldn't even sleep on it. I'd decline and look for a better opportunity. You are qualified to be an associate, assuming you had the GPA. To make a lateral move is acceptable if it puts you into a better position for the future, but not something in administrative. Too big of a jump and it'll mess your resume up.

[ruggercpa2b]

I was at Big 4 and a few times I applied for low level jobs and had the recruiter actually tell me that I was overqualified for what I was trying to apply for just to get my foot in the door. She would not even let me interview for the low level job because she even said it would not be challenging for someone with the experience I had. I am surprised they didnt point that out and at least consider you for an audit position or even tax considering you have experience in tax already.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[cleanclassic]

You guys are right. He told me when they hire someone from another firm, I would need to be in the same department (ex: tax to tax, audit to audit). Since I want an audit job, I would need to transfer to audit at current company before going to them. Sounds crazy that it's okay for audit admin but not for an associate. I was contacted for a tax position in Jan, but it was out of town. I'll just keep looking and stay put for now.

[fuzyfro89]

It's an uncommon move, so I don't have any close experiences to speak of, but I seriously doubt it's a smart move.

Why would you go from a client-facing role to a non-client facing role? I don't think admin assistants are on the short list of candidates for new or experienced hires.

If they're not willing to consider you for a client role in tax/audit, then wait for another opportunity.

I will add that you should try to move into audit SOMEWHERE as soon as possible, because the more senior you become, the harder it is to make the change… especially if you are not planning to start over as an associate or experienced associate.

[Anonymous]

Yep, was going to use a saying but it might rankle some PETA folks – but yeah it's doubtful Big 4 would ever let someone in an admin role with them transition into an audit role – they have way too many on campus interview students and interns to pick from.

[cleanclassic]

It seems difficult to go from tax to audit. It's like once you are in tax, that's all you are considered for.

[Author]

Replies