[Anonymous]

I worked in public accounting then went into private now I’ve been back in public for 6 months. I had to leave the old job, and the current one was pretty much the only option available. To cut the long story short, I just don’t feel like working in public anymore. When I was a little younger and more naïve it worked, but now I just can’t take it. I am planning to leave after tax season back into private, but I have no idea how to explain why I want to leave public accounting and after such short period of time. Did anyone have to do the same thing? How did you handle that during the interviews? I feel like that will be the 1st question they ask.

[EuroAddict]

respond “Have you worked in public accounting before?”.

-----------------------------
BEC - 77, 03/2015 (first try)
FAR - 79, 05/2015 (second try)
REG - 83, 12/2015 (first try)
AUD - 84, 03/2015 (first try)

I got 99 problems but the CPA ain't one.

[Shovel]

I am the same. I want to know this answer as well. I can't stand public accounting at all and do not want to go back ever again.

AUD 11/15 91
BEC 1/16 83
REG 2/16 79
FAR 7/16

[jessica8926]

I just left Big 4 after 2 years and honestly that question did get asked right away but they all understood! Its amazing how many people I interviewed with who had come from Big 4. I say something along the lines of I was on the same client for two years with no opportunity to see other things and I also would like a better work-life fit. When i said those two things they immediately would laugh and be like yeeeeah dont worry you wont be working 70-80 hour weeks once you leave.

In your case it is definitely a little trickier to explain why you left went back for 6 months and now want to leave again. I would be honest and open just like you said it was the only option but I have realized I do not want to be in public anymore due to this this and that. Just make sure you have about three good reasons why you want to leave and word them appropriately. If it is the hours say work-life fit. If its the people say you want more exposure to different groups and areas etc.

Trust me everyone knows how bad public is and they will understand/sympathize and hopefully not push it any further!

AUD - 69, 77
REG - 74, 81
FAR - 75!
BEC - 71, 82

IL candidate!

Finally done (5/24/16)!! Yahooooooo!

[the LAST Coffee]

I feel like I have the same question for when I attempt to get a different job with a bigger public firm (Big 4 or Regional). I only want to stay until I make manager +1 year which is still a long time, then move on to a start-up firm somewhere and become more of a creative, work-hard type accountant.

FAR 84 (AUG '15)
BEC 83 (AUG '15)
AUD 79 (OCT '15)
REG 71, 78! (NOV '15, FEB '16)

[Shovel]

I'm going to keep trying to find a job at a company but in the meanwhile going back to public (ugh) as a temp.

AUD 11/15 91
BEC 1/16 83
REG 2/16 79
FAR 7/16

[Anonymous]

Jessica8926, thank you so much for your answer! Good luck at your new job!

[Author]

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