[Anonymous]

I am curious if anyone can give any advice or has experience with working as a Senior level or higher in the larger firms…

I would imagine you are working in very large teams and with highly affluent clients as well.

Does anyone have any suggestions about getting ahead or what exactly your position demands of you and what your superiors expect from you? Not only technical skill, but what expectations from an interpersonal/soft skills perspective as well. I Would appreciate any links and resources to read more up on what’s out there if possible.

Thanks!

[Cruzer]

I put in 5 years of public and then got out into private and got a good position. The demand for public just got old always tailoring towards the clients and tight deadlines. In private, its all about month-end close and internal financial reporting deadlines but I work for a non-issuer so we only really need to be at the hostages of our banks and BOD. In public I recommend doing research on certain topics your department/firm could benefit from. Each of my performance reviews they always wanted me to know as much as I could technical wise. Also be able to consult with clients (if not inn independence situation with an audit or examination). Otherwise, prioritize all your work and make each supervisor happy with meeting their deadlines.

[Anonymous]

@Cruzer

How did you survive public accounting for 5 years? Did you have a leadership role and did you have to be exceptionally personable with co-workers and clients, etc or was it fairly easy going as far as interpersonal relationships? Did you learn a lot about internal controls (documenting and implementing) as well? And were you able to get much experience with IT in the accounting profession (for example using a password safe, network/hardware troubleshoot, remote desktop, and IT security, etc.)?

Also I am curious how many years have you been in private?

[djhagerm]

I have been in big 4 public for almost 7 years – I love my job! I enjoy the consulting aspects in my unique tax practice and the people are second to none.

I would say we focus on project management skills and executive presence in addition to technical ability when looking at people eligible for promotion. If going up for manager, can you manage your clients? Are you working on the marketplace? Do you run calls/meetings? Could I trust your ability to be at a client without a SM or partner/director?

Put on your A game and you'll be fine.

R - 86
B - 79
A - retake 7/7/16
F - 76

[Author]

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