[JumpHotline]

I currently work for a Big 4 firm, but I am considering the move to private. I enjoy my job, so I have plenty of concerns for even looking. To give you a little background, I am a 2nd year associate and have formally been told I will be promoted when promotions take effect. Right now, there is just 1 job posting that is appealing to me, and that I would even consider making the jump. It is in internal audit position for a large company closer to home.

My first concern is whether they would consider me for the job. The description requires a basic qualification of 3 years of experience and I currently only have two. On the flip side, I have had in-charging responsibilities on 2 engagements this year which is essentially what a 3rd year associate would experience. I am not aware if the 3 years requirement would have some flexibility.

My other concern would be burning bridges. I enjoy my job and would not want to burn bridges with my current managers. I also don’t want to give off the impression that I am looking to get out; this is just a unique circumstance. Another concern would be applying for this job, and having everyone find out before promotions go into effect. Would they not promote me if I was looking at another job?

Can anyone please provide their thoughts and feedback? Should I speak with managers about this opportunity, or should I let it go by as the timing just doesn’t seem right?

[Mayo]

“I am a 2nd year associate and have formally been told I will be promoted when promotions take effect.”

Huh? Are some of your starting group not getting promoted? Sorry, random, but I'm just curious.

“The description requires a basic qualification of 3 years of experience and I currently only have two. “

*shrug* employers will list their wish list, but they'll ultimately work with what they have. Besides, like you said, you're doing work above your level. Make sure to highlight that on your resume.

“Another concern would be applying for this job, and having everyone find out before promotions go into effect. Would they not promote me if I was looking at another job?”

How are they going to find out if you don't tell them? Also, why would you tell them you're applying? At best, you'll get an awkward, “Umm….okay.”

“Should I speak with managers about this opportunity, or should I let it go by as the timing just doesn't seem right?”

Your questions are hurting my brain dude(ette). Look, just apply for the position, and don't tell anyone. Why does your team need to know? I'm serious. There is no good reason to tell them anything until you are officially leaving. In that case make sure to provide proper (2 week recommended) notice.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

“I am a 2nd year associate and have formally been told I will be promoted when promotions take effect.”

Huh? Are some of your starting group not getting promoted? Sorry, random, but I'm just curious.

“The description requires a basic qualification of 3 years of experience and I currently only have two. “

*shrug* employers will list their wish list, but they'll ultimately work with what they have. Besides, like you said, you're doing work above your level. Make sure to highlight that on your resume.

“Another concern would be applying for this job, and having everyone find out before promotions go into effect. Would they not promote me if I was looking at another job?”

How are they going to find out if you don't tell them? Also, why would you tell them you're applying? At best, you'll get an awkward, “Umm….okay.”

“Should I speak with managers about this opportunity, or should I let it go by as the timing just doesn't seem right?”

Your questions are hurting my brain dude(ette). Look, just apply for the position, and don't tell anyone. Why does your team need to know? I'm serious. There is no good reason to tell them anything until you are officially leaving. In that case make sure to provide proper (2 week recommended) notice.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[mla1169]

Apply for the position and explore what they offer (benefits etc). Your current employer need not know anything until you're considering a solid offer. So long as you give a 2 week notice and leave on good terms, no bridges are burnt. Trust me companies do not expect anyone to stay out of fear of earning a bad reputation.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

Apply for the position and explore what they offer (benefits etc). Your current employer need not know anything until you're considering a solid offer. So long as you give a 2 week notice and leave on good terms, no bridges are burnt. Trust me companies do not expect anyone to stay out of fear of earning a bad reputation.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[fuzyfro89]

First concern: You don't know until you apply. If they don't call back, it could be because they have strict requirements, or simply because they don't like your name. You never know until you apply.

Second: I don't understand this. Why would you advertise that you're exploring other options until you are ready to hand in your resignation? If I was a partner and a staff told me he wanted to leave, I might consider not promoting him just because he was dumb enough to tell me. Clearly not a very intelligent person… (I kid, but the point stands).

You don't know if the timing is right until you apply. The best thing about Big 4 is that opportunities will keep coming at you once you finish your 2nd busy season and forever after. If you don't like something, or it isn't up to your standards, then decline and keep looking.. You say you're not in a rush to leave? Even better!! This means you can wait until the very very BEST job comes up that hits all your desires, and then you'll know it's time to go.

[fuzyfro89]

First concern: You don't know until you apply. If they don't call back, it could be because they have strict requirements, or simply because they don't like your name. You never know until you apply.

Second: I don't understand this. Why would you advertise that you're exploring other options until you are ready to hand in your resignation? If I was a partner and a staff told me he wanted to leave, I might consider not promoting him just because he was dumb enough to tell me. Clearly not a very intelligent person… (I kid, but the point stands).

You don't know if the timing is right until you apply. The best thing about Big 4 is that opportunities will keep coming at you once you finish your 2nd busy season and forever after. If you don't like something, or it isn't up to your standards, then decline and keep looking.. You say you're not in a rush to leave? Even better!! This means you can wait until the very very BEST job comes up that hits all your desires, and then you'll know it's time to go.

[acamp]

1. Apply

2. Don't tell anyone

3. Don't tell anyone

4. Don't tell anyone, no not even Kelly, your bestie from your start class who would never say anything to anyone else.

5. Make decision based on offer.

You're only burning a bridge if you leave very close to or in the midst of busy season.

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[acamp]

1. Apply

2. Don't tell anyone

3. Don't tell anyone

4. Don't tell anyone, no not even Kelly, your bestie from your start class who would never say anything to anyone else.

5. Make decision based on offer.

You're only burning a bridge if you leave very close to or in the midst of busy season.

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[How many letters do you need]

Very good advice so far. Your loyalty is admirable but a little naive (no offense). I've known people who have flatly expressed to their boss that they are looking but you have to have a special relationship built up for that (usually after years of working together in the trenches). I.e if you wouldn't invite them over for a July 4th BBQ you probably aren't there yet and it's a huge risk with minimal to zero benefit to you. Best case you damage the relationship and risk your promotion; worst case you could end up getting canned.

Look quietly, if you get the job give as much notice as you can get away with. Have a face to face with your boss before officially giving notice, thank them for everything and ask for a reference. That usually helps ensure all bridges stay in tact. Good luck!

MBA,CMA,CPA, CFF?, ABV?

[How many letters do you need]

Very good advice so far. Your loyalty is admirable but a little naive (no offense). I've known people who have flatly expressed to their boss that they are looking but you have to have a special relationship built up for that (usually after years of working together in the trenches). I.e if you wouldn't invite them over for a July 4th BBQ you probably aren't there yet and it's a huge risk with minimal to zero benefit to you. Best case you damage the relationship and risk your promotion; worst case you could end up getting canned.

Look quietly, if you get the job give as much notice as you can get away with. Have a face to face with your boss before officially giving notice, thank them for everything and ask for a reference. That usually helps ensure all bridges stay in tact. Good luck!

MBA,CMA,CPA, CFF?, ABV?

[Mayo]

“4. Don't tell anyone, no not even Kelly, your bestie from your start class who would never say anything to anyone else.”

I once heard a saying that goes something like, “If you want to make sure your private business is public then you tell someone. Anyone.”

Sometimes it's ok to casually talk about leaving without saying anything specific. People talk about leaving all the time. Especially over dinner during busy season or after busy season is over. But it's always in general terms: “Did you know so-and-so client is making six figures? He/she only had like 4 years of public experience!”, “I wonder if internal audit is all that bad…”, “I heard internal audit sucks…”.

Talking specifics with your immediate team, let alone a Manager or above, is just a sure fire way to make it awkward for them, or piss off the partner for being so brazen about it.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

“4. Don't tell anyone, no not even Kelly, your bestie from your start class who would never say anything to anyone else.”

I once heard a saying that goes something like, “If you want to make sure your private business is public then you tell someone. Anyone.”

Sometimes it's ok to casually talk about leaving without saying anything specific. People talk about leaving all the time. Especially over dinner during busy season or after busy season is over. But it's always in general terms: “Did you know so-and-so client is making six figures? He/she only had like 4 years of public experience!”, “I wonder if internal audit is all that bad…”, “I heard internal audit sucks…”.

Talking specifics with your immediate team, let alone a Manager or above, is just a sure fire way to make it awkward for them, or piss off the partner for being so brazen about it.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Author]

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