[hoopsfan2014]

Hi everyone. So I’ve been at my small firm for quite some time. I’ve been applying to jobs on LinkedIn at smaller, quality firms in my area and have a few interviews lined up. I’ve always liked the small firm feel, better hours etc. I was just contacted by an outside recruiter for a job at a larger, nationally recognized firm. I told the recruiter that my goal would be to work at a family office or in private down the road for the quality of life and better hours, and he told me that working at a nationally recognized firm would make it easier to make that transition. Working at smaller firms has no name recognition and makes me less marketable. I’m confused what to do now. I haven’t had any luck getting private roles so that’s why I’m looking to stay with small firms for now. Any advice would be great thanks !

[Iceman]

What do you do?

By family office, do you mean private wealth advisory – https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/family-offices.asp ?

If so, I would suggest a CFA if you don't already hold it.

[hoopsfan2014]

I work in tax now, mainly individual tax work and the related entities for high net worth individuals. I mean more along the lines of working for a wealth management firm that has a tax department. There are a bunch of those type of jobs in the city I live in but the jobs seems pretty competitive and I’m wondering if maybe it is because of my background at small firms. I get requests for interviews at cpa firms but rarely if ever at private shops.

[DM]

Hoops, you gotta know EXACTLY what you want to do. If you want tax exposure to corporations and private enterprises, then go CPA firm. If you want to stay individual/high net worth tax and asset management, then stay in private and get CFA or CFP. You are in the interview pool with industry peers and CPAs from accounting/advisory firms. Since you have more competition, you will need a really good CV explaining why you belong at a bigger firm, if you stay private. I suggest going to all CPA firm interviews and see what type of work you will be doing.

[Author]

Replies