[Out Of Balance]

Hi all, I started working in public accounting (audit) almost a year ago with a mid-size firm, and I will be applying for my license soon. Even though I haven’t been there long, I feel like I’ve reached a point where I’ve become miserable and want to move on. Prior to going into public, I worked in private accounting for several years (at the same job) and liked what I did, except the pay wasn’t good, so I went back to school to get enough credits to sit for the CPA exam.

I hate the fact that I usually feel lost and can’t become an expert at what I do, since each new client is like starting at day one of the job all over again. Also, even though most of my reviews have been good, I received a couple of less-than-good reviews during busy season, and I feel like I’ve been pushed to the wrong side of office politics as a result. Given my past experience in private accounting and the fact that I will have my license soon, is one year too soon to move on from public accounting? I know for sure I don’t want to be on the partner track and I’m not too happy in my current position, but I also don’t want to wreck my career by leaving too soon. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated!

[Anonymous]

I've been in public accounting for almost 11 years and there are a lot of things I like about it and there are things I don't. For me, I've learned so many different facets of accounting – tax compliance, tax planning, auditing, bookkeeping, financial statements, SEC, business advisory, ad hoc projects and everything else in between. It took me a long time to gain the confidence, skills and expertise and I'm just finishing up the CPA exam but I think that the experience in public accounting will carry into any private industry accounting and/or finance position out there.

[monikernc]

once you get your license start looking around and choose wisely. if you are not happy try to figure out what will change that and go from there.
were you studying for exams during busy season – did that impact your performance? or what?

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[Out Of Balance]

@monikernc I had the exams completed before starting work, so that wasn't the issue. For one of the bad reviews, I had an in-charge who basically made a laundry list of every mistake I made on the audit and put it all in my review, even though this in-charge was unwilling to answer my questions during the audit, and I had just started the job… For the other review, I was stuck with a client that treated us auditors like garbage, then had the nerve to say that I was giving them attitude. Everyone I talked to in my office said this particular client was a nightmare to deal with, but the client's complaint about me went in writing nonetheless. Mind you that I received these 2 reviews within a week or so of one another, so I was worried for a while that I would be fired, which probably impacted my performance even further.

[monikernc]

jobs that are a good fit are the goal in life. and a good boss makes a big difference. try to remember the next time you get a nightmare client that the engagement is temporary. kill him with kindness.
take responsibility for your contribution to the situations and learn when the criticism is deserved and can be avoided the next time. accept there are also some things out of your control. as BondVillain says the early years are to build expertise and confidence in yourself. there are pros and cons to every job. you deserve to be happy so give it your best. get your license and explore what awaits you in the next opportunity. don't wait till you are so miserable you take the first thing offered.
and it may be in public or not. keep an open mind.

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[Author]

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