[Anonymous]

Hello all, I have been working in public for about three years (only accounting experience). I do have my CPA license already so hopefully that gives me some kind of leverage. I think I’ve come to a point where I’m really considering making the move to private industry but don’t know where to start. If I do a job search online, it appears like it’s mostly public jobs that come up.
Most importantly, should I wait? I mean what kind of jobs could I possibly get with three years worth of experience? I definitely know I am not ready for a controller job so I’m just unsure as to what do do.
Any advice? Does anyone mind sharing their experiences about making the move to private? What was the process? Why did you make the change? Are you happy you did?

[jeff]

I went from public accounting to a privately-held regional lawn care company as a senior accountant (pre-CPA) to industry to industry to self-employed (8 years ago).

What I learned … the grass isn't always greener – particularly if you go to private and some recruiter warns you about not staying in private too long or else industry won't want you.

The right situation in private accounting can be a nice gig.

[Anonymous]

I am at a crossroads where I need to figure this out too. Like Jeff said, the grass is not always greener. I have struggled mightily at times with public accounting but it has gotten a little better with time. I do think it would be cool to find an awesome private company to work for though where their vision aligns with yours or the industry is something you really think is cool. Public accounting feels like it is mostly about $$$ and that's pretty much it

[hello712love]

My Personal experience

I worked at a big 4 for almost 7.5 years and left as a 2nd year manager. And now I’ve been in a private sector for a year.

Public acct firm
Pros
– culture is fun more energetic
– if you don’t like your boss or team, you have options to work with other people and choose your client.
– flexibility. Micromanaging is rarely seen. (Of course depends on a manager/director, but you can always request to work with someone else)
– learning opportunities.
– growing opportunities.

Cons
– long hours
– low bonus
– competition. ( you don’t have to participate if you don’t want to I guess)

Private sector
Pros
– bonus is better
– hours a lot better. Depends. Mine got much better but my other coworkers hour was same in private and public. She moved back to a big 4.
– free lunch or snacks if you care.

Cons
– if your boss happens to be a bi***, sorry you are stuck with her/him. No choice but suck it up or quit.
– No flexibility. You come in and stay until 6pm regardless.
– culture is boring. No learning opportunity. People won’t be nice to give you proper trainings.
– no growing opportunity. You are basically stuck in your position doing the same thing over and over again.
– you are not a main product. You are in the back office. Trust me it doesn’t feel good when the firm doesn’t value you that much.
– you start feeling dumb because you do the same thing over and over…you feel like you are forgetting even the subject you knew before.
– culture is very boring once again.

Due to cons of private sectors, I’m looking to jump. I will not go back to private. I tried it and realized that it’s not for me. I need to work from home time to time, like to be challenged and be in more fun environment. I’m glad I did experience it though. No regret there.

[Author]

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