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Leaving public accounting

what would you say is the MOST common exit route from the Big 4? Asst/Controller, Accounting Managers? How about pay and hours speaking in a very general sense? $80-100k 60hrs a week ish? This is another one I'd need to break down by level - Staff associates and senior associates: When staff associates leave, they usually get a 10% raise over what they were making in auditing, and get senior accountant jobs. Some senior associates and managers: 15-20% raises - with jobs like assistant controllers, controller, internal audit managers, and SEC reporting manager positions available in plenty Senior managers - Controller positions, director of research positions and SEC director positions, with 20-30% raises likely. You will definitely not work as many hours or as hard. It will be close to a 8-5 lifestyle with occassional pockets of hard work periodically. It will take you time to adjust since you're so used to quick deadlines and working 12-13 hours a day.
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Anonymous said…
So when you start thinking about the next couple of years, do you think about leaving? Or is there a glimmer of a chance that you might be on the partner track (if that's what you even want)?

I always wondered how people at the Big 4 leave. Do you just call up recruiters? Or do you reach out to your alumni buddies and/or clients?
April 11, 2011 at 2:45 AM
Anonymous said…
If your on the partner track you are either:

1) told by a partner that if your performance stays the same, and you are able to handle the increased responsiblity, you will become partner. This can either happen in a formal office meeting or the partner may take you out to coffee etc.

2) your counselling manager will basically tell you that you are a top performer and that the executives in your industry group think you are a long term prospect.

It is not necessary the above to happen, but as you move up (senior to manager) you should get some feelers. Otherwise its more likely your not in line to be partner.

Thats my understanding of it at least that firms identify their first rounders early and tell them, while the others tick around abd bounce once they realize it aint happening
April 12, 2011 at 8:54 PM
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