[Just_Trying_To_Pass]

Hi All,

I know I looked on this forum quite some time over the past year to see comments on how people transitioned from a Big 4 firm to an industry role within a F500 company. I figured I would post this as I was lucky enough to receive several offers after my 2nd busy season at a Big 4 firm. Going into last year, I knew I was wanted to leave audit ASAP, as I dreaded the entire audit planning process, and 4.5months of brain-numbing busy season. I tried my hardest and toughed out the last busy season, After that I was completely burnt out and ready to seek positions elsewhere. I spoke with 2-3 recruiters and I was having interviews lined-up left and right (probably because I had a very, “looking for anything approach”) from FPA, Analyst, Snr. Accountant, Internal Audit roles). At first was just excited to see the interest I generated, But after a week, I had to narrow down my search. In the end, I took a Financial Analyst role for a Company where I envisioned numerous opportunities opening within the next few years If I was uninterested in my current role. I am

In the end, I will not be doing dreaded audit planning, no more busy seasons, and I can now maintain at least a semi-functional work-life balance. I will have my busy periods around quarter and year-end close, but the fact that I do not have to go on any more 4.5 month, 7 day work week binges makes me feel like a new human. I most likely will not have the flexibility in public (I realized this was so great at first, but after a year it just means you get to finish your work at home).

But the salary increase and the overall benefits package makes me sad for my fellow colleagues in public. So underpaid it is a sick joke.

Overall very happy and excited for the new opportunity and wanted to make people encouraged for just what 2 years at a Big 4 can provide in the market.

BEC: 70, 83
REG: 8/13/16
FAR:
AUD:

[Pork Flavored Bacon]

I know how you feel. I was in a Big 4 and went from audit to forensic advisory. Both had their perks and also their dark sides. Everything you said about audit is accurate in my situation and when I had the opportunity to transfer into advisory, I jumped immediate. However, forensics was so volatile. Every week was like a ticking time bomb. Some days I left work at 6pm, other days we worked until midnight. Things changed at the drop of a hat.

I recently left the Big 4 and now work at a not-for-profit. It's like night and day. I took a pay cut to come here but I work 9am to 5pm most days. On occasion I stay until 6pm and then the Controller or CFO tells me to go home.

No more billable hours. No more neurotic partners to deal with. But I definitely miss the associates and senior associates with whom I worked. Most of the people I work with are just lifers. They are all older (over 50) and really have no aspirations to go any further in their job. They come in and work eight hours and that's it. Not a second more.

I still feel really weird leaving the office at 5pm but when the office starts emptying out at 4:30pm, it sure makes leaving at 5pm that much easier.

FAR - 75 | REG - 87 | AUD - 82 | LAW - 81

[SuperAccountingGod]

And this is the reason I chose not to opt for Big 4 lol. No doubt it will bring you more opportunities but I'm a simple guy, I rather make less money and have a really nice work life balance than get paid more and hate my life. Best of luck with your new opportunity.

[Author]

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