[NYCBig4]

Hey Guys,

I actually used to be a regular on this website, but chose to make a different username for this post as my normal username includes my last name and doesn’t leave me with a lot of anonymity especially since I know colleagues of mine frequent this website. So my background is that I have an undergrad degree in accounting, a masters in accounting from a very strong school, and have passed my CPA. I am currently a second year Associate at a Big 4 in NYC, after starting with the firm in January. As such, I expect that I will be a Senior in a year when it is promotion time again. However, I am legitimately dying to leave the Big 4 and have decided in my mind to stay until I get the CPA necessary experience and make that senior promotion. I expect that come this summer/fall I will already be senioring my engagements as that is generally the trend.

My question is what kind of positions within accounting, or even finance I can realistically expect to get as a Senior 1 leaving the Big 4? I spent a few minutes on Linkedin looking at Senior Accounting positions and I saw that a lot have 3 years of experience requirements so essentially if I was to apply there they would shuffle me into a Staff accounting position which would be taking a demotion for me at that point. Have any of you left at Senior 1 and gotten Senior accounting positions? I physically do not believe I can hang in there for an additional two years for the 3 years experience benchmark.

Thanks so much!

[nbad311]

My impression while job searching was, having the senior designation was the key factor ( having an extra year on top of it wasn't what would get you the interview).

I didn't work at big 4 but I did work at a large public accounting firm for 3+ years, got promoted at the 3rd year mark, then worked a few more months and finally got a job offer (I was interviewing/searching the few months after being promoted). I was DYING TO LEAVE my firm. I got a job which like someone else mentioned, is techincally “financial analyst”. I do everything from internet control to journal entries to financial statement prep in my job duties. And like mla said above, sometimes you won't fit a job description to the tee, but you might be a good candidate anyway; if you see something you're interested in, pursue! I think you're in a great place (job-searching-wise) as big-4 senior, even if you're a new senior, who has passed the CPA exam.

REG - 65, 70, 80!
BEC - 35, 62, 79!
AUD - 73, 75!
FAR - 65, 73, 70, 75! DONE.

[NYCBig4]

Hmm thank you, that's very hopeful knowing that as long as I meet the majority of the criteria then it's safe to apply.

[NYCBig4]

Hmm thank you, that's very hopeful knowing that as long as I meet the majority of the criteria then it's safe to apply.

[Anonymous]

To answer your question. Most definitely. People who leave after two years and/or as a 1st year senior, often do go into Senior accounting roles in industry. I myself left after around 1 1/2 years, prior to getting the senior title, and interviewed for Senior and Staff positions.

‘I spent a few minutes on Linkedin looking at Senior Accounting positions and I saw that a lot have 3 years of experience requirements so essentially if I was to apply there they would shuffle me into a Staff accounting position which would be taking a demotion for me at that point.'

I wouldn't necessarily look at it as a demotion. Some staff/analyst positions at one company are better (both more interesting work, better growth opportunities and better pay) than senior positions at other companies – so don't get too caught up in titles.

I'd also say that job ads almost always ask for more experience than the hiring manager is looking to consider. My recruiter would literally email me the official job ad saying ‘3-6 years' and then email me the message she actually received from the hiring manager saying ‘2 – 3 years would be best' but we'd interview/consider someone with ~1.5 years.' I'd almost say that most jobs that have a minimum of 3 years, would probably interview and hire someone with 2 years – especially since you've passed your exams. Just use a recruiter or a referral so that you get through any automated screening that HR may do that would get between you and the hiring manager.

If you are so dying to leave – you can definitely put feelers out there and potentially go on an interview or two (at the very least it would be good practice) to see if there is anything that could entice you to jump now.

[Anonymous]

To answer your question. Most definitely. People who leave after two years and/or as a 1st year senior, often do go into Senior accounting roles in industry. I myself left after around 1 1/2 years, prior to getting the senior title, and interviewed for Senior and Staff positions.

‘I spent a few minutes on Linkedin looking at Senior Accounting positions and I saw that a lot have 3 years of experience requirements so essentially if I was to apply there they would shuffle me into a Staff accounting position which would be taking a demotion for me at that point.'

I wouldn't necessarily look at it as a demotion. Some staff/analyst positions at one company are better (both more interesting work, better growth opportunities and better pay) than senior positions at other companies – so don't get too caught up in titles.

I'd also say that job ads almost always ask for more experience than the hiring manager is looking to consider. My recruiter would literally email me the official job ad saying ‘3-6 years' and then email me the message she actually received from the hiring manager saying ‘2 – 3 years would be best' but we'd interview/consider someone with ~1.5 years.' I'd almost say that most jobs that have a minimum of 3 years, would probably interview and hire someone with 2 years – especially since you've passed your exams. Just use a recruiter or a referral so that you get through any automated screening that HR may do that would get between you and the hiring manager.

If you are so dying to leave – you can definitely put feelers out there and potentially go on an interview or two (at the very least it would be good practice) to see if there is anything that could entice you to jump now.

[Mayo]

From what I've seen:

-Senior Accountant

-Assistant Controller (but really Senior Accountant with exposure to Controller and CFO).

-Financial analyst

-High paying Staff Accountant (with potential to be promoted to Senior).

-Internal transfer to a different service line within your Big 4 if you have very good ratings and your office has employment needs.

-Internal Audit Staff or Senior (depend son size of shop)

-Catch all “Analyst” jobs, but really just accounting roles.

If you're looking for a bigger bang for your buck then I'd wait another year after you've gotten a busy season under your belt. If you really want to get specifics, then I'd suggest floating your resume to one or two recruiters that spam your Linkedin all the time. They'll tell you what positions are open, what industries, yada yada yada. Just don't let them push you into something you're not ready for.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

From what I've seen:

-Senior Accountant

-Assistant Controller (but really Senior Accountant with exposure to Controller and CFO).

-Financial analyst

-High paying Staff Accountant (with potential to be promoted to Senior).

-Internal transfer to a different service line within your Big 4 if you have very good ratings and your office has employment needs.

-Internal Audit Staff or Senior (depend son size of shop)

-Catch all “Analyst” jobs, but really just accounting roles.

If you're looking for a bigger bang for your buck then I'd wait another year after you've gotten a busy season under your belt. If you really want to get specifics, then I'd suggest floating your resume to one or two recruiters that spam your Linkedin all the time. They'll tell you what positions are open, what industries, yada yada yada. Just don't let them push you into something you're not ready for.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[005]

hey OP, if you don't mind me asking, what ballpark is your salary at now in big4?

BEC - ✔
REG - ✔
AUD - ✔
FAR - 11/29/14

CPAExcel, Ninja MCQs, and a sh*t ton of coffee

[005]

hey OP, if you don't mind me asking, what ballpark is your salary at now in big4?

BEC - ✔
REG - ✔
AUD - ✔
FAR - 11/29/14

CPAExcel, Ninja MCQs, and a sh*t ton of coffee

[Author]

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