[Anonymous]

Hi All,

I am facing an accounting career dilemma. I have two offers on the table. I am having a hard time in deciding, so I need some advice since i don’t really know which one is a better option. I am in mid 30s with 10 years of experience in private g/l accounting as a licensed CPA senior. below are the general details of the two jobs.

City government job
Job Title: Accountant
Commute: 30 mins local round trip
It has good PTO, pension, and healthcare plan.

Well Known Private Company
Job Title Senior Accountant
commute: 2 hours 15 mins to 30 mins round trip (around 40 miles in total)
Compensation: around $15,000 higher than the government job and it does not include a a potential 5-8k Bonus and 6% 401k matching.

I like the government job because it is low stress, has pension, and short commute. However, i feel that once i get into government. I would stuck in government for rest of my career life without being challenged and limiting my earning potential On the other hand, the other job is very well compensated but i know i can’t imagine doing that commute for long term as i dislike driving.

I appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I had same situation last year. I finally chose to stay with my current employer. But I really wanted to move to governmental. One reason I stayed because my spouse works for the government and we already have one of the best health plan in our state. I considered a more higher pay (short-time) and more flexible schedule so I can finish CPA in the coming years.

If I were you, I would go with the government. First, you like it more. Second, it has a shorter commute. If you have a family or going to raise a family, you also need to consider those. Government job could have very high compensated position too. Some governments offer performance-based compensation. Once you enter into the government, it's easier for you to find better government jobs.

[rhayder]

If you consider benefits it appears to me that the governement job is better compensated. It best to consider total compensation.

I'm currently working with the federal government and have tenure, defined benefit pension with cost of living increases, healthcare, 401K match, and an annual bonus. If the government is contributing 10% of your annual salary for a defined benefit pension, it should be included in your comparison.

You can always move up and your skills will not stagnate by working in government. If you move high enough in government, your contacts can be very valuable in the private sector. Goldman Sachs has been called Government Sachs because so many employees were transferring in and out of government.

[Missy]

Think of it this way, the 15k more per year for the private job works out to $3/hr for two additional travel hours per day. You would have to REALLY want that industry job to be worth it.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[JBeaty0507]

I switched from Private Healthcare to Local Government about 2 years ago. When I worked in Private, I had many 80, 90, sometimes 100 hour weeks depending on the time of the month/year. I wasn't fairly compensated for these hours worked. It was assumed at that job that overtime is just a part of accounting, so get used to it. Moving to local government was the best decision I ever made. When I made the move, I actually took slightly less money, but since then have completely made up for it between annual raises and a promotion (even though initially they acted like there wouldn't be as many promotion opportunities as I had in private). Since starting here, I have maybe worked a total of 10 hours overtime (total. For 2 years!) It's also so much less work and such a more laid back atmosphere. Government also doesn't mention all the small benefits they tend to receive. Sure, we have a pension (which I never thought I would have in my lifetime), but you also get government rates when you stay in hotels and we even have safety awards a couple of times a year which is usually a choice of a gift card and some nice clothing (think North Face vests). So in my opinion the government job is for sure the way to go. In addition, the commute alone would probably be worth it to me.

[tg7174]

I'd take the government. If you don't go the public and then to a high paying private position route, then going straight for government can be the best.

[bhunt815]

I went back to state government after a decade in non profit accounting. I like the hours and I like the benefits. My commute is pretty brutal (about an hour in the morning and an hour and half in the evening) but it allows my kids to be in a great school district so I am willing to take one for the team.

As far as salary, the upside is limited in government. I actually think I am pretty well compensated though for what I do though. I get lots of time off, great insurance, and the retirement plan can't be beat in the private sector.

FAR 04/11/2016 - 84
AUD 05/12/2016 - 79
BEC 07/06/2016 - 81
REG 08/29/2016

[Anonymous]

I wonder if it is ok to start in government after completing graduate school or gaining more experience in public accounting first. I worked for a year in public accounting and two internships in the federal government.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the replies so far! I enjoy reading them. I am little surprised that everyone was pointing to the government position as well.

@mla11692 – I think your math was wrong at $3 an hour. 15000/(52 weeks * 5 days * 2 hours per day) = $28.80 per hour but your point is valid. It is a long commute!

[Author]

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