[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]

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

[pjypjy8520]

@Mayo: I will have 2 years of experience in September. I saw some openings for experienced staff and I applied for one in San Jose but I was just wondering what the firms prefer. I hope it works out and they give me a chance but I am nervous about it.

[pjypjy8520]

@Mayo: I will have 2 years of experience in September. I saw some openings for experienced staff and I applied for one in San Jose but I was just wondering what the firms prefer. I hope it works out and they give me a chance but I am nervous about it.

[Evitcartta]

@pjypjy8520: I don't work for Big 4 but a friend of mine works @ EY in Oman and he's having a hard time transferring internally. Anyways, entry level for Big 4 requires at least 1 year of experience and your experience should match exactly according to their requirements. I suggest that if you do apply, don't do it online. You can either go their office to drop your resume or have someone do it for you.

CPA in CA

[Evitcartta]

@pjypjy8520: I don't work for Big 4 but a friend of mine works @ EY in Oman and he's having a hard time transferring internally. Anyways, entry level for Big 4 requires at least 1 year of experience and your experience should match exactly according to their requirements. I suggest that if you do apply, don't do it online. You can either go their office to drop your resume or have someone do it for you.

CPA in CA

[Anonymous]

” Anyways, entry level for Big 4 requires at least 1 year of experience and your experience should match exactly according to their requirements.”

Entry level requires 0 years of experience actually.

“I will have 2 years of experience in September. I saw some openings for experienced staff and I applied for one in San Jose but I was just wondering what the firms prefer. I hope it works out and they give me a chance but I am nervous about it.”

2 busy seasons is great – Generally big 4 start losing people (and needing to replace them) around the 2nd year mark and beyond.

“I suggest that if you do apply, don't do it online. You can either go their office to drop your resume or have someone do it for you. “

I agree – online in and by itself is risky cause no one may ever see it. There is a good possibility, no one will ever even glance at that resume you submitted online – they get a ridiculous amount of submissions. It'd be best to network your way in. Alternatively, if you are connections with a firm recruiter on linkedin or are a linkedin premium member (in which case, you don't need to be a connection to message them) – 1. apply online. 2. Message a recruiter – give a brief overview of your background (2 busy seasons at a large regional firm – if you have experience on PCAOB audits – mention it!), state that you applied to a position and mention that you'd love the opportunity to talk over the phone or (if in the same area) over coffee about the opportunity.

[Anonymous]

” Anyways, entry level for Big 4 requires at least 1 year of experience and your experience should match exactly according to their requirements.”

Entry level requires 0 years of experience actually.

“I will have 2 years of experience in September. I saw some openings for experienced staff and I applied for one in San Jose but I was just wondering what the firms prefer. I hope it works out and they give me a chance but I am nervous about it.”

2 busy seasons is great – Generally big 4 start losing people (and needing to replace them) around the 2nd year mark and beyond.

“I suggest that if you do apply, don't do it online. You can either go their office to drop your resume or have someone do it for you. “

I agree – online in and by itself is risky cause no one may ever see it. There is a good possibility, no one will ever even glance at that resume you submitted online – they get a ridiculous amount of submissions. It'd be best to network your way in. Alternatively, if you are connections with a firm recruiter on linkedin or are a linkedin premium member (in which case, you don't need to be a connection to message them) – 1. apply online. 2. Message a recruiter – give a brief overview of your background (2 busy seasons at a large regional firm – if you have experience on PCAOB audits – mention it!), state that you applied to a position and mention that you'd love the opportunity to talk over the phone or (if in the same area) over coffee about the opportunity.

[Author]

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