[Pete]

Hello,

A public accounting firm is interested in having me conduct an interview for a senior accounting role. Under the description, it states I would supervise staff. I’m a little nervous about supervising people, considering I’ve never managed before, especially at an accounting firm.

Has anyone else, successfully jumped from private accounting to a higher level position within a firm (ie. not entry level)? I really like the firm and the people there, but I was just wondering how difficult this switch would be? I would have expected them to start me at entry level.

B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
R=81 I LOVE taxes
F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

[MaLoTu]

Is this a tax/auditing role or a booking keeping/accounting role?

If it is the traditional audit/tax type firm than this would definitely be a first for me as I have never heard of anyone being brought on from industry to senior.

However if it is a service firm that does bookkeeping and accounting services then I think that would be an easier transition.

[Pete]

This is an audit/audit role.

Will it be possible for me to adjust/adapt, if i'm hired and how should I go about doing that?

Like I mentioned, I really like the firm and I've been in touch with the partner of the firm for a while now.

B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
R=81 I LOVE taxes
F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

[MaLoTu]

Without knowing you personally or you capabilities and experience, it is really hard to say how successful you will be.

The only thing I can say is that it is not orthodox. Being an auditor myself, I cannot imagine someone coming in from a non audit field and in-charging a whole audit. There are staff in my office with industry experience and they always start as staff.

[Want2BeCPAsoBad]

I have only seen this transition in a firm that has, AFO (accounting , finance, operations), accounting /bookkeeping, or family office departments. I don't see how you could supervise the specialized trades of AUDIT or TAX. I have several years of both management and industry before public but started as a staff simply with hiring bonus and good raises/bonuses due to performance but staff.

But it really doesn't matter. I think you should know that you are chosen for a reason and if they believe you can do it you can. Your job as a manager is to make those below your level rise so they can lift you up to higher levels of management. Treat them as you would like to be treated and support your team.

Good luck!

[alexio senchez]

I work in public and over the years I've seen people come in from private/gov't into public supervisory roles (senior/manager). It's never a smooth transition because public culture is so different. If you're thinking of transitioning into a Big 4 or something of similar size, make sure you have a thick skin. If you're thinking about a smaller local/regional firm, then the transition will be more tolerable.

Generally speaking, if you enjoy a 9-5 workday and a good work/life balance, public may not be for you. I like to equate public to the Marines – you're expected to get the job done without anyone caring what resources are available to you or how much time it will take.

[Author]

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