[bobby]

Hey guys,

I am a recent graduate and I’m about to sit for the CPA. While in grad school, I interviewed with some awesome firms and got two awesome offers that both have pros and cons, but I am having a terrible time having to decide between the two. To preface this post, I really need to say that I have a huge amount of FOMO with my decision because I know that either choice will give me awesome life experiences and opportunities, but I would hate to miss out on either.

I have received two full time offers that start around the same time with comparable benefits and the exact same salary. The difference between the two jobs is the work to be work done.

Offer #1 is for an internal audit position with a Fortune 500 company in the area that has subsidiaries in other parts of the country and outside of the country as well. I am an avid traveler and love to travel, regardless of the reason. At this company, it would be an 8-5 job year round with the potential of being relocated, if wanted, and the possibility of becoming a CEO at one of those subsidiaries. I am completely open to this opportunity if it were to be presented!

Offer #2 is for a local small audit firm, with whom I have interned with last busy season. The job was enjoyable, worked with great people, but the work was kind of slow. The work was with clients that I wasn’t interested in, but I did appreciate the ability to work with different clients throughout the year instead of the same company. The opportunity to grow is great, I believe, but the opportunity to travel and relocate in the future is not a guarantee as with the other company.

Are there any things that I should be wary about, look out for, think about more, or have any advice that would help me with my decision?

[M123]

If I were to look only at the descriptions of job 1 v. job 2, I'm “sold” on job 1. Keep in mind that this isn't the final chapter. This is “a” chapter. You may be able to do all the good things you might be missing out on with one option, later.

It is better to start out in public but if that experience doesn't offer the chaos and learning and growth which is part of public, then no deal.

I like the saying – when you have a choice to make – take the option that makes a better story.

[bobby]

@M123, I really like the thought. Kind of goes straight to what I am looking for and want to exhibit in my career, a good story.

What would you constitute as “the chaos and learning and growth” part of public? Long hours?

[M123]

My comment about the chaos, learning and growth for me is where you're on a project with a large engagement team. Many people have competing priorities. You have to go into a company, learn about it, become an expert and show them the acumen that gives the client confidence in you. Compete with others for time with leadership to gain alignment and approvals, etc. There is often the feeling that things don't get “done” even though you put it all out on the stage. You'll work muscles you didn't know you had. Somehow it all comes together but it's a team effort. This is tax, not audit though. Sometimes the hours are long. Those can all be bonding experiences and it's a small world. You may just end up being colleague partners one day with one of the people and those relationships and shared experiences could lead to great future opportunities.

[Ana]

Seems like Option 1 – no brainer. Fortune 500 looks great on resume, seems like a lot of potential and option 2 will get boring and routine in 6 months. Is there really growth opportunity in a small local audit firm?

[hasy]

I would beware about that small audit firm and whether it has high turnover. I would go with the fortune 500 since it seems as if it would have more resources.

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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BEC 80 (10/23/15)
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AUD (9/9/16)

Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB

[Recked]

Put both options on a piece of paper, and mix them up in a hat.
Pull one piece of paper blindly and see how your chest feels after you read it.
If you're disappointed go with the other option.

I'm in a small firm since I graduated college. Yes I enjoy it, yes its like working for family.
Some days I wish I had pursued bigger and better things.
Chances are pretty high that if the Fortune 500 company did not work out you could get back into the smaller firm.
Shoot for the stars kid.

[Author]

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