[Anonymous]

I’m finally a CPA and been with my regional firm for 1.75 years. I really like the people there, from the partners to staff, but public accounting isnt all that great..

i have an opportunity to take an internal audit position at a public company that give me a raise from 62k that i make now to 90k with stock options. I get to travel all over the world and I get to work with one of my best friends. Problem is I would need to accept the position and start ASAP.

i would feel terrible to leave at a busy time like now and I have a busy schedule ahead. i know leaving now would be a no no in the accounting world but this might be an oppotrunity i may never have again.. what would you do>

[Anonymous]

If the prospective employer absolutely can't wait (and I wouldn't blame them) then I'd go. Any of your superiors would. That's a freakin' sweet deal dude. Congrats!

[Anonymous]

If the job is already yours and you don't need a reference, do it. A company is never as loyal as the employee and will always look out for number one. You have an insane new opportunity and you should do right by you. But be warned you will probably burn A LOT of bridges. However so would I in your shoes. If you don't take the new job I'm going for it!

[Anonymous]

Stay professional. Just put in a two-week notice if you do not want to miss this new opportunity.

No one is indispensable.

Your current employer can replace you in no time.

[Anonymous]

Take it. You gotta do what you gotta do. Your boss is the one person that understands that. Your peers will figure it out soon enough.

No bridges will be burned.

[nicole2035]

It happens, and it's not your problem. If they want their employees to stick around during busy season, them as a company need to make sure they're competitive. It's business, they'll live and they'll find someone new. You aren't the first, and you def won't be the last to leave during a busy season

[Leach2587]

TAKE THE JOB. One thing my manager told me when I was in public was the audit is going to get done regardless to if you leave or stay. Just put in the proper notice and take it.

[Anonymous]

Where do you live, and how do I get this job??

I was contemplating interviewing for an IA job this week that was offering a $13k raise and 5 miles from my house, compared to my 30 mile commute now (in Houston traffic). However, I'm not ready to burn a bridge for temporary glory, especially when I just finished earning my CPA and only have a year in.

However, if it was a $20k or more jump, I'd be out the door today.

[s2sylvir]

Another thing to point out — it's not about when you leave but how you leave. I worked at a firm where the manager left during a down time, but the manager left everyone in the sh*t. They left with so many open engagements and clients where they kept up a pretense that they were communicating with the clients and working on their engagements; as it turns out, that was not the case at all (maybe a month prior to knowing their departure, they had already slacked off and stopped doing their job). We were left to deal with their mess and apologize to many a clients. Me being one of those people left to apologize and deal with angry clients. Yes, I am still bitter about it XD

If you give them proper notice, make sure you don't eff around until the day you quit. Work with the firm and help others understand where your work is and maybe make notes for the new staff taking on your current projects. This is how I would recommend leaving.

BEC - PASS (79)
AUD - PASS (63, 71, 74, 74, 83)
REG - PASS (88)
FAR - PASS (58, 89)

Becker for all + FAR 10 Point Combo

[fuzyfro89]

Lol. Went through a similar issue. It wasn't during Q1 busy season, but it was a busy time on my engagements and I was just getting onto a new biotech client for the firm and it was a very difficult time.

At the end of it, going from 57 to 80 base, plus better bonus and benefits wasn't really a tough decision. I had to do it, knowing there may be some costs to my decision. Collateral damage, I suppose…

[TNCPA16]

I had to learn this the hard way…no matter how great of a relationship you have with a company, business is business; you need to think about what's best for you, NOT what's best for your company.

Take the job. Just to reiterate what others have said – be professional, give your notice, and do your best to transition your work so you don't leave your current team with a mess. You are not the first, and will not be the last, to leave public accounting during busy season.

[Anonymous]

Take it! unless you wanna be on the partner track get out of public. you can work your way up in private to a director position, make great money, work half as much as those in public, and have twice the fun.

[Peterman25]

A 45% increase? Unless the work-life balance is absolutely wretched, I don't know anybody that wouldn't run for that type of opportunity.

BEC 7/14 - PASS
FAR 10/14 - PASS
AUD 1/15 - PASS
REG 4/15 - PASS

AZ license - Official 8/20/2015

[How many letters do you need]

That is a huge bump and a perfect example of why people put up with low salaries and long hours as entry in public. Take it and RUN. Two things that might make the blow easier for your employer. Give two weeks min but see if you can squeeze three weeks out of your new employer, your existing employer will appreciate it. Number two, if you know somebody qualified for the job recommend them to your current employer. Two weeks is mandatory, plus either of the above should smooth things over quite nicely.

MBA,CMA,CPA, CFF?, ABV?

[Author]

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