[CPANOVICE]

Hello Everyone,

I am currently a Tax Associate at a Big 4. I am almost reaching the 1 year mark with 2 busy seasons already under my belt. The work life balance is horrible at the Big 4. I am looking to get out and go private.

I can’t decide between choosing an accountant role or auditing role (internal auditor perhaps). I no longer want to work in tax due to the crazy hours associated with it.

Can you guys give me some advice to help me choose between accounting or auditing?

Thanks in advance!

FAR:TBD
REG:TBD
AUD:TBD
BEC:TBD

I am using Becker self study, ninja blitz and Wiley (I am using the paperback version of the testbank)

Brief overview of study method:
1. Skim through chapter quickly
2. Watch lecture videos
3. Take a lot of notes on what the lecturers emphasize
4. Complete half HW after lectures half after rewriting notes

[CPANOVICE]

Bump

FAR:TBD
REG:TBD
AUD:TBD
BEC:TBD

I am using Becker self study, ninja blitz and Wiley (I am using the paperback version of the testbank)

Brief overview of study method:
1. Skim through chapter quickly
2. Watch lecture videos
3. Take a lot of notes on what the lecturers emphasize
4. Complete half HW after lectures half after rewriting notes

[cantpassagain1]

Id like some insight on this as well.

[Ana]

I have a background in audit with many of my friends in tax. For real life, non audit firm career choices, there are many more options and avenues for those that know tax. in both scenarios the assumption is that you know accounting. My friends with tax experience are able to have their own tax firms, prepare taxes as a side job, and offer the knowledge of taxes that individuals and corporations desire. I know nothing about tax (other than REG and NFP taxes) and I've seen that is a negative for work. If you think about it individuals only deal with acct as it relates to their annual tax returns. As for corps, their main goal is to reduce tax and report throughout the year. Yes they require financial statements but as mentioned before, if you know accounting you can prepare those. My audit experience has been very helpful for prepping for and leading the audits we have annually and offering guidance on documentation and GAAP. Once I obtain my type A license I can earn money signing off on reviews, compilations, etc. for the clients that need those services for bank loans and such. But from what i see there is more need and potential for those with a tax background.

[CPANOVICE]

I want to get I to a career where there is a better work life balance than what I am experiencing at the Big 4.

FAR:TBD
REG:TBD
AUD:TBD
BEC:TBD

I am using Becker self study, ninja blitz and Wiley (I am using the paperback version of the testbank)

Brief overview of study method:
1. Skim through chapter quickly
2. Watch lecture videos
3. Take a lot of notes on what the lecturers emphasize
4. Complete half HW after lectures half after rewriting notes

[Ana]

Other than the big four, from my experience as an auditor and seeing 50+ companies a year, there's a work life balance. You put in your 40 hours and it becomes routine. My friends in tax have the busy season in the beginning of the year, nothing like big 4 though. And the rest of the year they have plenty of time off and only 40 hours a week.

[CPANOVICE]

@Ana are your friends at a mid size firm in a Tax position?

FAR:TBD
REG:TBD
AUD:TBD
BEC:TBD

I am using Becker self study, ninja blitz and Wiley (I am using the paperback version of the testbank)

Brief overview of study method:
1. Skim through chapter quickly
2. Watch lecture videos
3. Take a lot of notes on what the lecturers emphasize
4. Complete half HW after lectures half after rewriting notes

[NYSCPA]

CPANOVICE Where do you reside? You may want to look into working at a Business Management Company. The Comp is great and some don't require weekends. Just coming in early or staying late during the weekdays.

I like you hated the long hours at the Big 4, that's why I never worked for one. I'm at a Business Management Company in NYC. I also have my own tax practice where I work on the weekends, as my employer does not require weekend work during business seasons. With this set up I make close to six figures a year vs. 75-85k that I probably would make at a Big 4 while working 90+hrs/week during busy seasons.

I've also had recruiters contact me for in house tax departments at midsize-large Law firms. Are you licensed/ pursuing your license?

[Ana]

they were at a big 4 and mid size. some have left and opened their own firms or are self employed now doing taxes. Others just have regular 9-5 jobs working in accounting departments.

[Author]

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