[Anonymous]

Hey Everyone – I have a bit of an issue on my hands, hopefully you all can help me out.

I have been in government for about 4 years now. When I started in government, I only had a business degree. Since then, I have completed my accounting degree, and have completed the CPA Exam. For a lot of reasons, it time for me to move on from my current government job.
I currently have 3 leads that I am following.

1. Sr. Financial Analyst for a small public company – 80-90k, good benefits, decent work/life balance, growing company (ave 40% rev. growth over last 3 years).

2. Audit Associate for a Mid-Tier Firm – I have a friend who is friends of 25 years with the CEO and called to give me a personal reference. Currently setting up 1st interview.

3. Senior Accountant for a growing company that does analytics for government agencies – 70-80k, boss is a family friend, growing very fast, great work/ life balance. Have interview next week.

What I am wanting to do is the very best thing for my career. My ultimate goal is the be in a CFO/VP of Finance type position in the next 10-12 years. I have been receiving a lot of advice from current CFO’s that I should go the public route now, even though the pay is less, and work life balance will suck, simply for what it will get me later in my career.
Any help from the forum is much appreciated!!