Small CPA Firm or Industry? - Page 2

  • Creator
    Topic
  • #189055
    whopper
    Participant

    I’m looking to get out of my current job asap and came across two jobs I’m interested in. One is for an accountant at a small CPA firm, the other is for an accountant at a publicly traded company. The small CPA firm offers all services except audit although they do reviews and compilations.

    I seem to gravitate more towards accounting systems and would like to get a MIS degree one day. This makes me think I might fit better at the publicly traded company but maybe somehow I could use these skills at a small CPA firm? Anyways, I could use some advice before I send off the resume 🙂

    REG - 89, 04/29/13
    BEC - 81, 08/06/13
    FAR - 84, 12/19/13
    AUD - 82, 10/05/13

Viewing 11 replies - 16 through 26 (of 26 total)
  • Author
    Replies
  • #612260
    Mary 2496
    Member

    We have eight year-round and it increases to 14 during tax season. I could easily add two more full-time staff members year-round so that the year-round client interactive employees wouldn't be so overwhelmed. It's in the plans for the near future.

    We've had an immense amount of change and it's been hard to deal with, so I have to take everything in steps, especially since I am trying to finish the exam, which as you know, is a huge, huge time drain.

    So for now, 8 year round, 14 during tax season. We should probably be at 10 year-round and 14-15 during tax season, based on our number of clients and usual workload.

    #612261
    mrimkhan
    Participant

    Mary or anyone else. Advice would be greatly appreciated.

    I am a senor Audit associate at a big 4 firm. I have been in the profession for nearly 4 years now and have been reevaluating my path. Recently, I had this idea to go to a small firm, learn tax and smaller company audits for as long as I needed and then venture out on my own unless I love it at the smaller firm and want to go for partner there. I would go to the smaller firm as they will provide me the ability to work on tax side as well, something I never got to, nor will ever get to do in my audit career at the big 4. Additionally, they would allow me the ability to perform reviews. compilations, financial statement write-up work, etc.. I do have some tax experience already as I did 1 year as a tax professional in a tiny shop part time while I was in college, they didn't have the resources to keep me, which is why I didn't stay. The alternative is staying in the Big 4 until I reach manager, and seeing what options are available to me then if I do not enjoy being an audit manager at the Big 4

    #612262
    Mary 2496
    Member

    You've really got several options laid out, here. Really – what I would suggest is to think about the following for a few days (weeks, etc). Ten years from now, where do you really see yourself? I think that many times, we really know which area of accounting is pulling us. Do you see yourself running your own firm or as a manager in a big firm (where you are now).

    Not to sound like an oddball, but when you think about your future in ten years — where are you picturing yourself the most? I believe that will lead you to your gut, and that's what you should follow.

    On a side note, one of my dearest friends works for a small practice in Florida. She became partner several years ago and wouldn't trade it for the world. Being a partner definitely has its advantages over a big firm, but it's really where you want to be and where you feel you'd be happiest.

    Best of luck – not an easy decision, by any means!

    #612263
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    @Mary 2496

    What city are you from in OH, I see that your from lake county.

    #612264
    Mary 2496
    Member

    I live just east of Willoughby and just west of Mentor, in a small lakefront community. (Timberlake)

    #612265
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    I was going to ask if you will have any open positions in your firm this coming busy season, but that would be a bit of drive for me from the Youngstown/Poland area.

    #612266
    Mary 2496
    Member

    Wow, I've never heard of Poland and I've lived in Ohio my entire life! I need to get out more! 🙂

    #612267
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Your not missing anything ..lol

    #612268
    Mary 2496
    Member

    lol – good to know!

    #612269
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    You have revenues of over 10 million with only 14 staff?

    #612270
    Mary 2496
    Member

    Sorry, I'm not going to get into particulars. 🙂

Viewing 11 replies - 16 through 26 (of 26 total)
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