[Anonymous]

Hi Everyone,

I have a really tough situation right now. Just some background info on me.. I have a 3.22 GPA, passed the CPA exam, work in real estate as a property accountant for 2 years, and currently a MAcc student. I accepted a position in the largest accounting firm in the state. I really like this firm and I can see myself there long-term. I submitted my resignation letter at work and the CAO calls me to tell me I’m making a mistake. She says I should really do Big 4 as it provides the best opportunities. She’s well known in the Big 4 and she’s recommended me to a lot of partners. She’s also asked other employees at my company that were Big 4 to talk to their Big 4 connections to put in a good word for me. Her effort to get me into the firm is making me reconsider my decision. How much weight does a recommendation have? Can it offset my GPA? I have C’s in some of my accounting classes. I’m scared to burn a bridge with the regional firm and then not get an offer at the Big 4. Should I take the regional firm offer and see what happens with Big 4? Maybe they have me start a year later…

Any advice would help!

[Mayo]

I'd say go ahead and pursue the Big 4 if that's what you want. However, don't do it just because the CAO is pressuring you to. You can always jump ship to Big 4 after a couple of years if that's where you want to end up, so it's not a humongous mistake to stay with a smaller firm for now.

Personally, I think the bridge with the CAO should be more of a focus than the one with the regional firm. The smaller firm won't be happy if you go elsewhere, but it's not like they don't get it. Ultimately, you need to make the best decision for your career, whatever that may be. However, if you blow off the CAO after the amount effort they put in, it might look bad. So if you do decide not pursue Big 4, try and find a tactful way to explain why.

And yes, a personal recommendation, plus a couple of years experience can make up for a lower GPA.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

I'd say go ahead and pursue the Big 4 if that's what you want. However, don't do it just because the CAO is pressuring you to. You can always jump ship to Big 4 after a couple of years if that's where you want to end up, so it's not a humongous mistake to stay with a smaller firm for now.

Personally, I think the bridge with the CAO should be more of a focus than the one with the regional firm. The smaller firm won't be happy if you go elsewhere, but it's not like they don't get it. Ultimately, you need to make the best decision for your career, whatever that may be. However, if you blow off the CAO after the amount effort they put in, it might look bad. So if you do decide not pursue Big 4, try and find a tactful way to explain why.

And yes, a personal recommendation, plus a couple of years experience can make up for a lower GPA.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[ruggercpa2b]

My only question is do you have an offer already lined up from Big4 or you saying no to the job at the regional firm with the hopes that you will get a job at Big 4? If you don't have an offer at a Big 4 I would say go with the regional firm and then if you do get an offer from Big 4 then quit the regional. Many people have quit jobs within months of starting because they realize they hate it or they get an offer for a job that they really wanted.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[ruggercpa2b]

My only question is do you have an offer already lined up from Big4 or you saying no to the job at the regional firm with the hopes that you will get a job at Big 4? If you don't have an offer at a Big 4 I would say go with the regional firm and then if you do get an offer from Big 4 then quit the regional. Many people have quit jobs within months of starting because they realize they hate it or they get an offer for a job that they really wanted.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[Anonymous]

Thanks @mayo & @ruggercpa2b

I don't see myself as Big 4. Although she's making a tremendous effort that I really appreciate, it is pressuring me to go Big 4. My idea was to go to the regional firm so I can get a grasp of middle market companies and eventually open up a small business through a venture capitalist…or become partner at the regional firm if that doesn't pan out haha She's making me questions my plans. I do see the benefits of the Big 4, and her conviction has proven the connotation the name provides.

I do not have an offer at a Big 4. She's telling me to stick around at the company and see what happens with her recommendations. But what if I don't get it and then i'm stuck? My current company already hired someone to start in a few days. They already have my replacement. I think I would burn the bridge with her if I take the other offer. This is such a stressful situation…

[Anonymous]

Thanks @mayo & @ruggercpa2b

I don't see myself as Big 4. Although she's making a tremendous effort that I really appreciate, it is pressuring me to go Big 4. My idea was to go to the regional firm so I can get a grasp of middle market companies and eventually open up a small business through a venture capitalist…or become partner at the regional firm if that doesn't pan out haha She's making me questions my plans. I do see the benefits of the Big 4, and her conviction has proven the connotation the name provides.

I do not have an offer at a Big 4. She's telling me to stick around at the company and see what happens with her recommendations. But what if I don't get it and then i'm stuck? My current company already hired someone to start in a few days. They already have my replacement. I think I would burn the bridge with her if I take the other offer. This is such a stressful situation…

[tough_kitty]

Well, to me it's pretty obvious that she simply doesn't want to lose you! You must be a very valuable employee and she can see it. I'd say, don't believe any promises until you have a job offer in writing! Move on with your plan! You already made your decision. It would be foolish to change your plans simply because of her unsupported promises… Regional firms are also good to work for and your GPA is not bad at all!!! So no worries. If she is sincere, she should be able to help you out in the future if you decide to get a job with big 4 down the road.

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

Well, to me it's pretty obvious that she simply doesn't want to lose you! You must be a very valuable employee and she can see it. I'd say, don't believe any promises until you have a job offer in writing! Move on with your plan! You already made your decision. It would be foolish to change your plans simply because of her unsupported promises… Regional firms are also good to work for and your GPA is not bad at all!!! So no worries. If she is sincere, she should be able to help you out in the future if you decide to get a job with big 4 down the road.

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

Seriously, telling you you are making a mistake is pretty lame on her part!

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

Seriously, telling you you are making a mistake is pretty lame on her part!

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[Jade CPA-to-be]

Seriously your current company already hired someone as your replacement? what happens if you turn down the job at regional firm? you will become jobless?

CPA Licensed in California- Class of 2013

[Jade CPA-to-be]

Seriously your current company already hired someone as your replacement? what happens if you turn down the job at regional firm? you will become jobless?

CPA Licensed in California- Class of 2013

[Anonymous]

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Follow your gut and don't let someone else's perspective drive your career. Not everyone is happy at Big 4. Take the offer at the regional firm and weigh your options as they arise.

[Anonymous]

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Follow your gut and don't let someone else's perspective drive your career. Not everyone is happy at Big 4. Take the offer at the regional firm and weigh your options as they arise.

[mla1169]

If the CAO would consider it a burned bridge that you didn't succumb to her pressure for Big 4, she's not the bridge you want. If she's any kind of manager she'll respect your decision of career path.

Jade of course they've already hired someone. Once a resignation letter is submitted most companies can't afford to twiddle their thumbs hoping the person changes their mind. They need someone ready to hit the ground running once the resigned leaves.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Author]

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