[Anonymous]

I have quite a solid experience of doing taxes for “high net worth” clients during two tax seasons (Jan-May) as an Intern and then as a Tax Prep while I was still in college. But I had very limited exposure to corporate taxes… When I graduated this May, I took a Staff Accountant position in the industry, so I don’t do taxes anymore. I want to start doing taxes again when I pass the CPA. So, my question is, is it possible for me to return into Public for Tax after one year in the industry doing just fin. accounting? Would it raise any red flags for the recruiters? If it is possible, what would be the best exit option? Small/mid-tier/Big 4.? I have in mind opening my own small firm in 7-10 years or buying out an established one…

[theronfrombk]

Yes it's possible. I've seen people transfer from audit where financial accounting is primarily key to tax and vice versa. It really depends on what area of tax you want to eventually end up in. I'd suggest to talk to your current employer to see if it's possible to get some exposure in their tax department. If you're a high performer, I'm sure doing a rotation wouldn't be an issue.

BEC - 10/1/2013 - 78
AUD - 1/27/2014 - 93
FAR - 5/19/2014 - 80
REG - 8/30/2014 - 79

Big4 Advisory Senior

[Sir Study Alot]

I have both private and audit experience that is over 5 years old. It makes me look like a flake if anything, because most of the jobs were under a year.

However I enrolled in a MST program so that I can have access to their job fair. I am finding that many firms are willing to at least consider me as a potential hire without finishing the program because I passed all 4 parts of the CPA exam. There are a good number of firms that I could tell want people who were about to finish the MST program. However pursuing a MST is a good idea if you want to one day own your own business since you can use the achievment as marketing. At the very least taking a few classes will put you in front of dozens of firms.

I have been considering the size firm I should work for since I also want to open my own practice in 8 or so years. The Big 4 experience could be a great marketing pitch, but the work appears to be way different since the companies are so large. I am getting the impression that a regional firm with good name recognition might have a closer clientell then the Big 4 to what an individual practioner would experience(however they could also have the enormous companies as well). The best experience is probably at a small firm since the clientell size will likely be closer to what the average tax practitioner can attract. With that being said I plan to start at a regional and then move to a small firm after I have a little name recognition on my resume. I am also concerned that a small firm may not provide the same training as the large firms.

Passed all 4 exams in 2014!

[Author]

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