[sahuddleston]

I have 12 years of tax experience and am considering making the move to EY as a tax manager. I have heard the horror stories and they were one of the reasons I didn’t accept a big 4 offer out of college. I’m frustrated with my commute at my current firm as well as the type of work I’ve been doing recently. I want more of a challenge and more mentoring and growth opportunities. My concern is being able to keep up technically and be successful in a big 4 environment. The EY office is not located in a major metropolitan area, I assume that would impact the culture and work environment as compared to a larger city. I have been a high performer everywhere I’ve worked and I don’t want to get into a situation where I feel unprepared.

My background:
– 4 years at regional firm – left as a senior but was getting promoted to mgr as I left
– 2 years at Walmart as the manager of global income tax compliance focusing mainly on the federal return.
– 3 years as the income tax compliance manager at a former client from my first firm.
– 3 years as a manager at another regional firm.

I have an interview this week and would love some feedback or positive experiences with big 4 firms. Am I over thinking this?
I’m technically solid and have developed a decent book of business on my own, I’m an atypical CPA in that I’m much more gregarious and able to sell services to existing clients and love managing those relationships with clients.

Am I asking to fail by moving to the big leagues so to speak or could I find myself being very happy with the learning opportunities and client work?

Thanks.