[Happen4reason]

I am considering leaving Big 4. This is not an easy decision nor did I think finding a new opportunity would happen so quickly. I have to make a decision between two companies. I am contemplating between a Senior Accountant position at a Private Company or a Public Company. Most of my public accounting experience has been for Public Companies. My concern is if I choose to work in private industry will that limit my opportunities a few years down the line if I want to leave and pursue a job within a Public Company? If I work for a Private Company will that prevent Public Companies from being as interested in me? Is there really that much of a difference between a Sr. Accountant role for a Public Company or Private Company?

[Anonymous]

SEC reporting can be demanding for public companies as you prob already know. i would say if they are both good companies, both are similar in pay, and both provide for growth working for a private company would be better.

[fuzyfro89]

It depends on where you want to end up, and also the caliber of the private company. Everyone knows what level of work goes into SEC filings for public companies, but the level of work and experience you will gain from a private company's reporting/accounting will vary greatly. I'm sure you can't disclose this openly online, but you should think about how well known the private company is?

There's a big difference between accounting at a privately held Berkshire subsidiary or pre-IPO company vs XYZ Widget Makers USA. If your eventual goal is to be flexible for public vs private, then public experience is potentially more valuable. If you don't mind or would prefer private companies then that. What it really comes down to is also your responsibilities. A GL accountant who doesn't do a whole lot at a public company won't automatically be regarded very highly vs a jack-of-all-trades accountant at a private company who is experienced in an IT implementation, GL conversion, consolidation, etc.

Think about what your resume would look like after 3 yrs at both companies and compare them in that way (NOT just the name of the company, but the experience within).

Good luck on your next move!

[Author]

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