[numbercruncher111]

I’ve been in a public accounting for a few years and am thinking about making the switch over to private. I would love to hear from others who have made this switch and get your thoughts on it. How many years of public accounting experience did you have when you made the switch? How many years have you been in private? What type of work did you do in public accounting (audit, tax, consulting) and what type of work do you do now in industry? What was your main reason for leaving public? Do you have any regrets about leaving? Which did you find more interesting (public or private)?

[LSNYC]

I worked 9 busy seasons in Public Accounting, 3 during college, full time (no classes, just working), and then I work at a mid sized firm for almost 6 years. About 2 years ago I left public for private. The three years during college were mostly doing taxes with a little audit. After college it was mostly audit with some tax work, I did one full year of taxes during my 6 years there. I had a few real estate clients when I was in public, and now work at a real estate company, in the corporate accounting department. I would say I had 2 ‘main' reasons for leaving public the lack of flexibility in my job, and the travel. I was away for weeks sometimes even months at a time. I liked what I did in public but was looking for more consistency, and I needed a change. I have no real regrets about leaving, I love my new job, I like the people I work with and what I am doing. I think both are interesting and for me I like private better. At the end of the day I always feel like I contributed and I added value, I didn't aways feel this in public, I was burnt out.

I will tell you what I tell all my friends who are still in public who ask me the same type of questions, you need to do what works for you, and your current situation. My best advise is interview in private, see what they have to offer, brush up on your interviewing skills, and then decide if making the move is right for you. Just because you interview or even get a job offer doesn't mean you need to move. I am happy with my choice and if I had to do it all over again I would do it exactly the same. But it isn't always better I have seen people leave public and hate private and are back in public in 2 years. My hours and the work I do are better for me, but they wouldn't be for everyone.

If there is anything else you want to know feel free to ask, I am happy to help in anyway I can.

A - 61, 91!!
B - 78!
F - 76!!!
R - 71, 73, 74, 69, 77!!!!

Finally done!

This is my 2nd attempt at the exam, I had two parts passed (failed many) and I stupidly quit, big mistake. Now I'm back and with a vengeance!

[musicamor]

I made the move from Public to Industry early on in my career and I am glad I made the move–just wish I had stayed a little longer and worked for Big 4.

I started working at a small, regional firm as I was finishing up my accounting degree. Since it was small, I did not work a lot of hours, but like LSYNC, I did not feel like I was adding value and contributing to the bottom line; there had to be more than workpapers and pencils. After counseling with a mentor of mine, I made the decision to get out of public; however, I got out too early. My current career had been negatively effected by my hastiness due to two reasons: did not spend enough time in public and (2) did not work for Big 4 with SEC clients.

I definitely prefer working in industry as a Financial Reporting Manager over being in public accounting; although I have worked a lot of hours in Industry, they are seasonal–it seems like public folks never get a break. I do, however, speak with individuals that love public and would never work in Industry–as stated by LSYNC, to each his own.

If you are set on making the transition out of public, I would say spend a minimum of 3 years there. If possible, work for one of the Big 4 and make sure some of your clients include SEC filers. When coupled with a CPA, your background is invaluable. Although I now have my CPA, I am facing a roadblock with a lot of companies because I do not have Big 4 and I don't have any experience working in a public company.

Texas CPA - licensed in 2012!!!

[Author]

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