[Anonymous]

I’m coming up on my second busy season. So about 1.5 years at this point (we do audit and tax). I’m at a firm with about 70 professionals, 100 people total. So small to mid sized. There are only a few seniors (you have to have your cpa license to be a senior), and I consider myself in the upper tier of staff based on the responsibilities given, feedback from managers, etc. I do planning, testing, conclusion for audits, also an array of taxes.

I came in with 2 years experience in industry and am 25 years old. I have all exams passed, experience requirement, just need to get college credits. I’m taking easy classes so I’ll have all credits by December 2017.

I only make $48K. I feel like with my qualifications I could get in the $60,000s and a senior accountant role at a bigger company. Recruiters call me a lot but just wanted to get some feedback from you all!

When did you feel it was the right time to move on to something other than public? I get sick of the hours and want more pay.

[Cruzer]

Leave now if you can and try to go private. I have about 5 years in public and went private and haven't had to work more than 45 hours in a week. Trust me you will thank me later. Do accounting/tax work on the side and make an extra $10k-15k a year during busy season. Easy way to make 75K a year being only 26 years old.

[Ryan]

You should look into CLEP exams to reach 150. You will be done way before December 17, and will save a ton of time and money.

[Anonymous]

But is my value much less if I would only have close to two years experience and two busy seasons? and if I don't quite have my license yet? I'm looking at senior accounting positions I think I fill the qualifications

[Goingallin]

In my honest experience, as a hiring manager, I would not hire someone with just two years of junior experience to be a senior accountant. Being able to pass the exam and having real industry experience are completely different. I know many senior accountant without a cpa that has a stronger technical background than some cpas in public practice.

[Want2BeCPAsoBad]

Leave once moved once you have a senior tile and CPA license. Then you can easily be in the 65-72K bracket in industry + additional income on a side if you would like to do that. Recruiters in industry highly value titles and licenses. They first look at that! then they read the details of what you have done. Recruiting software do the same. I agree, try to do some CLEP testing, easy classes, and become a senior/ CPA. you will be more valuable then. If you leave with this qualifications to a smaller private industry company, you can easily qualify for an Accounting Manager position or assistant to Controller. Best of Luck!

[Skynet]

You're no longer attracted to the women at the firm.

[Author]

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