[jbergmann1]

I have worked for the small firm I work for now since January of 2014. It has one owner and only provides tax and accounting services. I only work on tax.

I am thinking of moving to another small firm for about the same pay because my firm will be bought out by a bigger firm in a year or two because my boss is retiring.

Has anyone had a similar experience or any advice?

Passed all 4 parts of the CPA exam!
License application in progress

[accountingisfun]

Have you sat down and thought about what your long-term goals are? I think when most people stop and do this they realize they don't have fully formed goals yet – and that's perfectly understandable, but it's an exercise worth doing and I really think it'll help you decide what your best move is.

Have you considered going to a larger firm or are you content with the small / mid-size route? If you go to this other small firm who's to say that they won't be bought out / merge, etc. within the next few years?

Just some food for thought…

[Lost1]

the always same answer is – it depends on what you want and your situation. i would try to move to a bigger firm, bigger than one partner office, and try to specialize in an industry. You would be surprised how much of a demand for “experienced staff” out there, you will run into lots of good opportunities. research the firms before applying for the job/interviewing – what the industry they specialize in, and study the related / relevant tax codes. I think you could bring up your monetary value just by knowing some section codes at the interviews. If you are good with people and know how to sell, try to learn how to operate the business and start building clients on the side. or even try to talk to your boss about buying a portion of his books. maybe you are still a young person and need more time but at the end of the day this is business; making money is the main goal/the bottom line and if you know how make more money without “paying your dues”, you are a true business professional. The point is, don't just do it for the experience.. do it for money.

"If you can do it, I can do it better."

[Author]

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