[pjypjy8520]

I currently working for a regional firm but recently have been approached by a mid-tier national (GT, McGladrey, BDO, etc) HR manager, saying they are looking for someone like me to come work for them. Had dinner interview with a manager, partner and a senior manager. They originally contacted me in couple of months ago and I told them I’m in middle of busy season and no way I’m ditching my current firm to go work for them. They said they were looking to hire someone right away. So that was that….or so I thought. I figured I wouldn’t hear back from them but now I heard back from the senior manager saying there’s another opening and they want me to come to their office for a tour and a catch up lunch. Now I am torn. When they originally contacted me, I was thinking the position is something they would need to fill for summer or what not, in fact I had told the HR manager that I wouldn’t be looking to leave until busy season is wrapped up. So after dinner, I figured it just wasn’t the right fit. Now they want me back for an office tour and I am tempted. Not that I have any sort of offer (nor would I ask for one since I haven’t really made up my mind).

I have 1.5 year experience and passed all my exam (applying for license shortly). I work in Texas and I was wondering what was the salary level? More importantly, what should I really think about when it comes to jumping ship? I do kind of want to stay through June since that’s when the busy season bonus gets paid out but if this is the right opportunity, I would jump. The tricky part is, how do I know this is the right transition? Should I wait and apply for Big4?

[Mayo]

“My question now is; is it okay to go to the firms office and drop my resume? It is a bit of challenge for me doing it online because once they filter the applications according to experience, I am automatically disqualified”

I think that's probably your best short term option. Your best long term option is networking.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[MustPass1988]

I work for a mid size publicly traded company and I've heard various positions where managers are looking for “Big 4” experience specifically. I would say go for it.

AUD: PASSED [81]; Expired, retaking August 23rd
BEC: PASSED [83]; Expired, retaking July 11th
REG: PASSED [83]
FAR: FAILED [64]; Retaking May 23rd

[MustPass1988]

I work for a mid size publicly traded company and I've heard various positions where managers are looking for “Big 4” experience specifically. I would say go for it.

AUD: PASSED [81]; Expired, retaking August 23rd
BEC: PASSED [83]; Expired, retaking July 11th
REG: PASSED [83]
FAR: FAILED [64]; Retaking May 23rd

[Evitcartta]

Mayo and MustPass1988 thank you.

MustPass1988 – good luck on your remaining sections.

CPA in CA

[Evitcartta]

Mayo and MustPass1988 thank you.

MustPass1988 – good luck on your remaining sections.

CPA in CA

[pjypjy8520]

So to update you guys, I had lunch with two managers and a new hire staff last Friday. I think the staff that came to lunch was the guy they ended up hiring when I told them I wasn't willing to jump ship in middle of the busy season. They are all very nice, extremely smart and competent people. I almost just said “When can I start?” but I had to think about it over. I think the main thing is, it sounds like the firm, like all other big firms in Texas, are Oil and Gas concentrated. Not sure if that's something I want to specialize in the long term. On the other side, they have a ton of IPO work coming their way which is interesting to me. Just in general, I think it would depend on the terms they would offer. Their office is in downtown and like any other companies in downtown, I would assume I'd have to foot the bill for parking. My friend from EY said they paid somewhere around $250/month. I would have to get a significant increase from what I get paid right now to make that sensible, otherwise, I'd be losing money to work there (my current firm doesn't charge parking). I think they wanted commitment from me before they make an offer. This is news to me. I think it's probably because I don't have a whole lot of experience in the field, but I always thought if the firm likes you, they extend an offer first? Not sure how this will pan out but I think they wouldn't consider offering unless I had committed to them and asked for an offer. I asked when would be the timeline for me to start if I was to start working there and one of the manager said ASAP. We'll see what happens, but I thought I'd update you guys on the situation since all of you guys were kind enough to take time to respond to my questions. Thanks everyone!

[pjypjy8520]

So to update you guys, I had lunch with two managers and a new hire staff last Friday. I think the staff that came to lunch was the guy they ended up hiring when I told them I wasn't willing to jump ship in middle of the busy season. They are all very nice, extremely smart and competent people. I almost just said “When can I start?” but I had to think about it over. I think the main thing is, it sounds like the firm, like all other big firms in Texas, are Oil and Gas concentrated. Not sure if that's something I want to specialize in the long term. On the other side, they have a ton of IPO work coming their way which is interesting to me. Just in general, I think it would depend on the terms they would offer. Their office is in downtown and like any other companies in downtown, I would assume I'd have to foot the bill for parking. My friend from EY said they paid somewhere around $250/month. I would have to get a significant increase from what I get paid right now to make that sensible, otherwise, I'd be losing money to work there (my current firm doesn't charge parking). I think they wanted commitment from me before they make an offer. This is news to me. I think it's probably because I don't have a whole lot of experience in the field, but I always thought if the firm likes you, they extend an offer first? Not sure how this will pan out but I think they wouldn't consider offering unless I had committed to them and asked for an offer. I asked when would be the timeline for me to start if I was to start working there and one of the manager said ASAP. We'll see what happens, but I thought I'd update you guys on the situation since all of you guys were kind enough to take time to respond to my questions. Thanks everyone!

[fuzyfro89]

Always imply that they are your top choice. You can decline if their offer is not good enough. For some reason, they want you to give an answer before they even give you a written offer. Not sure where that dumb idea came from…

[fuzyfro89]

Always imply that they are your top choice. You can decline if their offer is not good enough. For some reason, they want you to give an answer before they even give you a written offer. Not sure where that dumb idea came from…

[Mayo]

” I think they wanted commitment from me before they make an offer. “

Well, from the firm's viewpoint, why get all the paperwork ready if you haven't committed? It's the same process for internal transfers from one office to another. It's a lot of work behind the scenes, so it makes sense IMO.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

” I think they wanted commitment from me before they make an offer. “

Well, from the firm's viewpoint, why get all the paperwork ready if you haven't committed? It's the same process for internal transfers from one office to another. It's a lot of work behind the scenes, so it makes sense IMO.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[pjypjy8520]

@fuzyfro89, maybe that is what I need to do.

@mayo: I guess I did not want to come off like “ok, I'm ready, make me an offer” also, I talked to the staff that was hired in January, he said he had the offer that evening. The manager said he had the offer after the interview. I was thinking more that they did not want to negotiate. So if I say I want to work there, they're just going to make one offer and think that is probably good enough and I lose any negotiating leverage? There are a lot to be considered in my case since I believe the employees are paying for parking (the other firm is located downtown) and not sure if they have to pay anything out of pocket for benefits such as health insurance (currently I pay nothing for parking or benefits) so in a lot of cases, there are financial aspects of the things I need to consider and I wanted them to give me an opportunity to compare that (Since I'd be coming in as experienced staff, the jump in salary won't be big, I don't expect to get paid a lot more to work there since it is an unique opportunity but I also don't want to take a pay cut). I do see your point though Mayo, it's not as easy as picking up the phone and say “these are the terms” although one of the staff said that's what happened; there are always exceptions.

[pjypjy8520]

@fuzyfro89, maybe that is what I need to do.

@mayo: I guess I did not want to come off like “ok, I'm ready, make me an offer” also, I talked to the staff that was hired in January, he said he had the offer that evening. The manager said he had the offer after the interview. I was thinking more that they did not want to negotiate. So if I say I want to work there, they're just going to make one offer and think that is probably good enough and I lose any negotiating leverage? There are a lot to be considered in my case since I believe the employees are paying for parking (the other firm is located downtown) and not sure if they have to pay anything out of pocket for benefits such as health insurance (currently I pay nothing for parking or benefits) so in a lot of cases, there are financial aspects of the things I need to consider and I wanted them to give me an opportunity to compare that (Since I'd be coming in as experienced staff, the jump in salary won't be big, I don't expect to get paid a lot more to work there since it is an unique opportunity but I also don't want to take a pay cut). I do see your point though Mayo, it's not as easy as picking up the phone and say “these are the terms” although one of the staff said that's what happened; there are always exceptions.

[Mayo]

Well, it does to be a less structured situation, so I think your hesitancy makes a bit more sense in that context. But if you ARE interested in the position, then I would express that.

Something as simple as, “I thought over some of the things we discussed at lunch the other day, and I'd be very interested if there's an opportunity available”

…..talk talk talk yeah we have some blah blah…yada yada yada

“Great, what would be the next steps?” Then they'll put you in contact with someone in HR/recruiting, who will discuss why you want to be there, salary expectations, etc. That's when you can negotiate. I mean, at least that's what I've seen form my experience. Yours might be different.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

Well, it does to be a less structured situation, so I think your hesitancy makes a bit more sense in that context. But if you ARE interested in the position, then I would express that.

Something as simple as, “I thought over some of the things we discussed at lunch the other day, and I'd be very interested if there's an opportunity available”

…..talk talk talk yeah we have some blah blah…yada yada yada

“Great, what would be the next steps?” Then they'll put you in contact with someone in HR/recruiting, who will discuss why you want to be there, salary expectations, etc. That's when you can negotiate. I mean, at least that's what I've seen form my experience. Yours might be different.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Author]

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