[LoveTax]

Hello all,

I’m looking for some advice/ opinions. I worked as a NYS Tax Auditor for a year. After the state I went to a midsize firm which specialized in nonprofit audits. I worked as an auditor for 3 1/2 yrs. The hours during busy season were brutal but the benefits made them bearable. We had half day Fridays over the summer, got paid OT, and had 4 weeks of vacation. I took 2 yrs old years off to raise my daughter. I took a senior staff accountant position at a smaller firm recently. I was told that that they didn’t have those crazy hours like my prior position. The positions only offers 2 weeks of vacation. Im working long hours again and not getting compensated for it. I received a very very small bonus. I feel like I made a mistake taking this position. I feel like I’m not learning much and financially took a pay cut. I have a growing family. What can I find that compensates well but doesn’t require crazy hours?

[Recked]

It seems you had a skill set in NFP audits, and it would likely benefit you to get back into that line of work in order to be fairly compensated.

NFP doesn't always translate well to other lines of accounting.

You didn't mention if you were in tax or NFP/audit now.
If you are not well compensated, just leave at 5pm. The firm will always milk you for as much billable work as possible, while paying you as little as possibly. They can't force you to work longer hours for little money, so just show up, do your 40 and go home. This job is obviously not a good fit for you.

I would try to get back in with the firm you were working for.
The only way you'll have a guaranteed 35-40 hours a week is gov't work.
Anything in public (and sometimes private) will have busy seasons.
Good firms don't let staff work over 50 hours a week during busy season.

[AGI]

I wasn't sure if your concern was money (like you got to pay your bills) or you are just complaining about it and comparing against your prior jobs.

I have to agree if your focus is less hours, your basic option is NFP and government. I won't say they have more vacations, as 2 weeks is VERY COMMON, but NFP and government temp to be much easier to take days off, medical leave, half day, etc. so you can take your daughter to clinic, activities, etc.

Some private (typically smaller companies) are known to be more user friendly, I have been in companies where they reimburse transportation and provided lunch. No crazy hours and more friendly if you need to work from home once in awhile.

New York - NYC
Passed CPA Exam (11/2014)
In search for a position in NYC that will fulfills the license requirement.

[monikernc]

Wherever you go, negotiate your time off as part of your package. Private and public firms and non-bureaucratic entities will be flexible. In the end you get what you settle for. Go make a better life happen for you and your family.

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[Author]

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