[Anonymous]

I received 2 offers from different firms. Keep in mind that I already have 2 years of Gov’t Audit experience. Without considering salary, which offer would be better for my career in the future?

Gov’t audit mid-sized private firm (175 employees). They do some single-audits, and alot of compliance audits. My dept. would only be 15 people. They are not paperless. I get the vibe that promotions/raises are not very frequent.

Private small firm (45 employees). I would be doing very few audits and alot of reviews and comps for private entities. I’d also be doing some tax returns during tax season (they are really heavy in tax). My dept. is only 4 people (their A&A is small). I get the vibe that promotions/raises are more frequent than the other firm.

I’m confused, because both firms don’t really provide the ideal experience I want. But, it’s a crap economy…

[msgolds]

Is this federal or state/local government audit? Because I'm pretty sure at the federal level, most auditors go up the same ladder (GS-7, 9, 11, 12) with management opportunities following that. So in the first few years there is definitely lots of upward mobility.

BEC - 90 PASSED
FAR - 84 PASSED
AUD - 93 PASSED
REG - 84 PASSED

I DID IT!!!!

Using Becker Self-Study

"If we were put here to carry a great weight, then the very things we hate are here to build those muscles."

[Anonymous]

It's a private firm performing audits for state/local governments as well as a few federal audits.

To expand on this, I personally think that Gov't audit is a very specialized skill with not many opportunities in the future (you are limited to working at non-profits & gov't agencies). At the same time, doing mainly reviews, comps, and some tax and audit for private entities also seems to limit future opportunities (since you're not doing alot of full audits).

[msgolds]

@Charlie, you'd be surprised. One of the big recruiters of former government auditors are contractors that receive federal awards. Knowledge of the FAR and GAGAS is a very hot commodity if you later want to take on a Controller or CFO position with federal contractors.

BEC - 90 PASSED
FAR - 84 PASSED
AUD - 93 PASSED
REG - 84 PASSED

I DID IT!!!!

Using Becker Self-Study

"If we were put here to carry a great weight, then the very things we hate are here to build those muscles."

[Anonymous]

Yup, I know there are gov't audit careers. But, my point I was making is that there are probably 50x more Controller/CFO positions for private/corporate companies. That's why Gov't Audit experience is very limiting IMO. But so is doing mostly reviews and comps. I'm so confused.

[Anonymous]

I accepted the offer at the private reviews/compilations firm. The main factor was the work environment seemed much better, and upward mobility seemed to be easier as well. They also offered a slightly higher salary. Thanks, again for your input, ms. golds.

[Author]

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