[Hollinsanity]

I am wrapping up my first year in audit at a mid-size firm (150ish employees, 60ish auditors) and I am considering reaching out to the Big 4 and other large, national firms to see if they plan on hiring any contest busy season audit staff.

Is this worth my time and do many national firms still hire contract staff-level employees during busy season? Or are most contract positions at the Senior level and above?

Additionally, if I do end up switching firms before busy season what is the latest notice I could give my current firm without them (and potentially other audit employees) being angry at me for jumping ship right before busy season?

[hasy]

I do think you may burn bridges if you decide to leave before busy season, since they haven't trained anyone to replace you or your projected work load during the upcoming busy season. Also, if you are AT a mid-sized firm of that caliber, you're in a GOOD place. I don't see why you want to move to a contract when you already have one year of experience, that's like trading job security for uncertainty. Is your current work conditions bad enough that you would want to move before making senior?

If you're still set on moving, you could definitely try for an experienced level, since it does state to have at least one year of experience.

However, if big 4 is where you want to be, then you could try applying. Also, hiring for experienced individuals is not cyclical like college recruits, so you can apply anytime.

If you do end up jumping ship before busy season, then I would carefully rethink about how your current firm may view you or how their connections and peers to other employers may view you in the future. If you don't intend to interact with them in the future at all, then all you're doing is making sure you're looking out for yourself. Good luck. I tried my best to give the MOST neutral response, hope it helps.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved - Helen Keller

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[Author]

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