[Anonymous]

Hello all! I am currently a Senior Associate at a public accounting firm. I travel over 100 days a year and it is killing me and my wife. I was just offered a job as a financial analyst with about a 25% increase in pay. It sounds like a good job, however is this a smart long term move? I have my CPA, so I am not sure if I should pursue public accounting or switch gears to finance. I would appreciate any and all feedback.

[Gabe]

I was in public doing audit for 2.5 years…switched to an industry job and could not be happier. Travel is only two weeks a year and I get to leave by 4:30 most days. I also get to see my wife and children (what a concept!) Pay raise didn't hurt either. I say go for it!

CPA, CFE
CISA- Experience will be completed by August 2016

[Anonymous]

I'd say that your wife and your life are more important. It sounds like a good career move to me too, though, if you think you would enjoy finance.

[soyanks]

If you don't have a wife or kids, and you don't mind the work, the smart bet is to stay until you are a manager because with 5 years of public accounting experience, you can apply for managerial role in the industry.

If you hate the job, or if the job is interfering with your personal life, you should leave now. But jumping from an analyst role to managerial role is not automatic in the private industry. Some people do it because they are superstars and they are on the fast trek,. Others switch jobs every 2-3 years (which actually helps with promotions and pay).

Whatever the option you choose, choose the option that makes the most sense for you. You have the public accounting experience on the resume and the CPA license. Not much more you can gain from the public accounting field.

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[Author]

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