[Anonymous]

Hello,

I am going to be starting at Crowe Horwath in the upcoming future in Tax and am very excited about it. I was wondering the experiences of people from Crowe or other Mid Tier Firms in Tax. I know the Mid Tier Firms generally don’t offer the resume impact that the Big 4 does but how noticeable were these firm names on the resume once interviewing for different jobs?? Also were the exit opportunities abundant?? I know I am looking far in advance but its never to early to start planning!

Thanks!

[Tim_4]

You're starting your career with a company for the sole purpose of using your experience to leave someday? Wouldn't you rather work somewhere where you can enjoy what you're doing for its own sake?

[Anonymous]

@ Tim_4

He did say he is “very excited” to start at Crowe Horwath. Few accountants who begin their career in public accounting stay for their entire lives, so it seems perfectly logical for someone to wonder what sort of exit opportunities are available ‘once the time comes'.

I'm also curious what insight others with years of experience might be able to offer on this topic.

[Anonymous]

@ derkaderka

Spot on, I hear so many stories of people being burnt out or offered great positions that I had to ask/am curious about.

If I am lucky to someday make partner at Crowe, I would stay there in a heartbeat but realistically its a slim chance from previous experiences that I have heard and read. I'm not implying anything negative what so ever towards any mid tier firms, and plan to work at Crowe for a long time. I am just wondering peoples experiences after the firms since majority of people generally leave public accounting at some point(not saying I will)!

[calicpa]

i am curious about this as well, but so far nobody has any input…

BEC - 84, 4/6/13
AUD - 77, 5/28/13
REG - 83, 4/12/14
FAR - 83, 10/3/13

Ethics - 90% 4/24/13

150 unit education requirement met!
Work experience met!

[Mayo]

I'm at a Big 4, so take my comments with a grain of salt.

That being said I know a handful of people who work at non-Big 4 firms and this is what I've heard:

Pros-

-More access to partners.

-similar pay structure

-more mix of private, public, and non-profit clients

-Access to similar resources in terms of training, CPE, and CPA training materials

Cons-

-Not as much access to large public clients as Big 4

-Big 4 resumes still go to top of the pile

-Less lateral transfer from assurance to advisory due to less advisory resources overall

-less mobility if looking to move from city to city and wanting to stay in the same firm

At the end of the day, going mid tier is not a big deal. It gives you the opportunity to transfer to a big 4 later on if you want due to need to personnel. Also, it gives you public accountng experience in a more laid back atmosphere.

Big 4 is still a better name to have in terms of resume recognition and/or access to large SEC clients.

So it has pros and cons, but I think it's still a good choice. Like I said, with many big 4 firms needing people due to cutbacks during the recession and unexpected openings during the recent recovery, transferring won't be a problem for the next few years.

But if you love your firm anyway, it still gives you plenty of chances in private firms and (to a lesser extent) SEC issuers. I'd say just try and get experience in both type of clients during your time at the firm.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[fuzyfro89]

I'm coming from a Big 4 audit background as well, but I'll give this a shot. Two situations:

1) You want name recognition for exit-opportunities – Go Big 4 as soon as possible (if not right away, then try to make the move after 1-3 years).

2) You haven't decided your entire life yet, and want to see where things go – Enjoy life at Crowe! From what I hear, busy season is a big more lax at smaller firms. Though it is still busy season, you will be less likely to be pulling 70+ hr weeks. Your experience will likely be good, but more diverse since there may not be enough work to let you specialize in one area (intl, SALT, etc).

Go for it and work your heart out for at least 1 year. By then, you'll get a feel for people in the firm and what your opportunities may be like when you're leaving. If you're really curious, reach out to an external recruiter (headhunter) and get their take. Having this relationship will be helpful when you decide you want to try something else, and they'll also give you honest advice in what they have seen. Plus, since they don't represent a specific firm they may give more candid advice (of course, take what they say with a grain of salt since they are still similar to a real estate agent and like anyone else they have incentives to which they respond).

In general, exit opportunities are still there, but will be less easy to explore since you are competing against a constant onslaught of people exiting the Big 4 at all levels. Most companies can easily fill their needs primarily with Big 4 quitters, so unless you have a specialization that is desirable or a good relationship with someone at the company to help push for you, it may be more of a challenge.

[P or F.. I think Im gonna BARF]

I currently work at a firm similar in size and revenue to Crowe. I'm sure Big 4 is definitely picked first; however, that's not to say you won't be highly sought after once you get in at least 1 year of experience. Like others have said, get in touch with a head hunter (more likely that they'll get in touch with you… you will constantly be messaged by them). Just make sure when you are doing so, you are discrete as your LinkedIn will be a red flag to your managers that you're on the move.

Also, it seems like the end of busy season for accountants creates a busy season for head hunters. If you can get in touch with them months before or afterwards, you'll find you aren't competing with as many Big 4 candidates.

B - (08/29/2013) Passed
A - (07/02/2013) Passed
R - (10/17/2013) 73 - Rematch
F - (05/29/2013) Passed

[LSNYC]

I worked at a much smaller firm then Crowe, but a ‘mid-sized' firm in NYC. When i was ready to leave I found a great recruiter and landed in my opinion an amazing job. I would say that i got a good amount of interviews, when i left public my skills were more diverse then SOME (not all) of the candidates from the BIG 4.

My boss is from the Big four, I am not, my team is split half big four half not. Having the recruiter helped me get in the door, he sold my resume I sold myself. I think Crowe is a great place to work, and don't think it will hurt you later in your career. While big four is great and offers experiences mid sized firms don't, mid size firms offer other things big four don't. I didn't have any issues finding a job, and none of my old co-workers did either.

Good luck, but enjoy and learn while at Crowe worry about the next step when you are ready to take the next step

A - 61, 91!!
B - 78!
F - 76!!!
R - 71, 73, 74, 69, 77!!!!

Finally done!

This is my 2nd attempt at the exam, I had two parts passed (failed many) and I stupidly quit, big mistake. Now I'm back and with a vengeance!

[Mayo]

I'd also like to add that a lot of Mid Tier firms have Ex-Big 4 in Partner/Principal/Ex Director/Snr Mgr roles. So it's not like the audit skills are such a drop off at the Mid tiers.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Author]

Replies