[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?

[pjypjy8520]

@ Mayo: The information you are providing is illuminating! So in my case, their HR manager in Houston reached out to me first and once I had expressed interest in their opening, she said I'd be having lunch with a partner, and few others (which happened in January). She asked for all my salary information and benefits I was receiving currently, which I was very truthful and transparent. Should I just reach out to them and say I'm ready to jump? I mean at the earliest it would have to be 2 weeks, I wouldn't leave any firms without 2 week notice. That's the common courtesy right?

[pjypjy8520]

@ Mayo: The information you are providing is illuminating! So in my case, their HR manager in Houston reached out to me first and once I had expressed interest in their opening, she said I'd be having lunch with a partner, and few others (which happened in January). She asked for all my salary information and benefits I was receiving currently, which I was very truthful and transparent. Should I just reach out to them and say I'm ready to jump? I mean at the earliest it would have to be 2 weeks, I wouldn't leave any firms without 2 week notice. That's the common courtesy right?

[Mayo]

So you had lunch last Friday…did they tell you they'd be in touch, or did they leave it open, like “Call us if you ever have questions on the process, etc.?”

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

So you had lunch last Friday…did they tell you they'd be in touch, or did they leave it open, like “Call us if you ever have questions on the process, etc.?”

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[pjypjy8520]

The latter.I emailed them saying thank you. Today one of them responded “We think you'll make a great addition to our firm” and pretty much verbatim said “let us know if you have any questions” Now that you're guiding me through this, I feel like they won't offer.

[pjypjy8520]

The latter.I emailed them saying thank you. Today one of them responded “We think you'll make a great addition to our firm” and pretty much verbatim said “let us know if you have any questions” Now that you're guiding me through this, I feel like they won't offer.

[Mayo]

No, it sounds like they'll offer. But I'm not sure what the recruiter/HR person is doing. Seems like they like you, and obviously you're qualified if you made it this far.

I'm not a recruiter, but it seems to me that they should be in contact more than they have been. Then again, it IS in the middle of the busy part of recruiting season, so I can understand that they might be running around quite a bit.

It's Tuesday morning. I'd say give it until Wednesday morning to hear something back. If not, then just contact the HR/Recruiter who you've been talking to. Thank her for setting up the lunch and that you think it went well, as they were very helpful in answering all your questions and giving you more information about the firm, etc. etc.

Then just express your interest, and that you'd like to discuss current opportunities at the firm.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

No, it sounds like they'll offer. But I'm not sure what the recruiter/HR person is doing. Seems like they like you, and obviously you're qualified if you made it this far.

I'm not a recruiter, but it seems to me that they should be in contact more than they have been. Then again, it IS in the middle of the busy part of recruiting season, so I can understand that they might be running around quite a bit.

It's Tuesday morning. I'd say give it until Wednesday morning to hear something back. If not, then just contact the HR/Recruiter who you've been talking to. Thank her for setting up the lunch and that you think it went well, as they were very helpful in answering all your questions and giving you more information about the firm, etc. etc.

Then just express your interest, and that you'd like to discuss current opportunities at the firm.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Anonymous]

I agree with Mayo…If you really want the position give it a bit of time (I'm the worst at this) and then contact your HR point of contact.

It sounds like you prefer to give the Big 4 option a shot though…but it doesn't sound like you've made any strides towards that goal. That being said, you either go for the mid-tier firm and table the Big 4 route for now, or provided you get an offer from the mid-tier firm, reject it in the attempt to give the Big 4 a shot.

[Anonymous]

I agree with Mayo…If you really want the position give it a bit of time (I'm the worst at this) and then contact your HR point of contact.

It sounds like you prefer to give the Big 4 option a shot though…but it doesn't sound like you've made any strides towards that goal. That being said, you either go for the mid-tier firm and table the Big 4 route for now, or provided you get an offer from the mid-tier firm, reject it in the attempt to give the Big 4 a shot.

[Mayo]

I say go Big 4. Having that brand name on your resume will do wonders.

You can always go mid tier later or industry.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

I say go Big 4. Having that brand name on your resume will do wonders.

You can always go mid tier later or industry.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[pjypjy8520]

@Mayo. Would it be hard for me to get a position in the west coast? Maybe San Jose/SF or even LA area? I feel like Big 4 firms tend to look for talents in the surrounding area.

[pjypjy8520]

@Mayo. Would it be hard for me to get a position in the west coast? Maybe San Jose/SF or even LA area? I feel like Big 4 firms tend to look for talents in the surrounding area.

[Mayo]

Not sure about your experience level. I know that west coast needs Seniors and above. Not sure about staff level. But form my understanding, there's a lot of activity out there, and a lot of the firms are hurting for people.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Author]

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