I think I’m ready to leave public accounting. Where do I even begin? (See more in comments)

likeuplifting
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I left a lot sooner than manager lol but I knew that i wanted a place that had a good work life balance and benefits. I searched for that and the rest fell in place.

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What is the name of the place and the job? I wabt to get out PA

I’ve been toying with the idea for a while now but I think I’m finally ready to pull the plug. I am just finishing up my first year as an audit manager at a larger mid size firm and have been here since my internship. However, the vast amount of options is overwhelming. I don’t mean actual opportunities - I have no offers or anything close to that - I just mean that I don’t even know where to start. I have never specialized in any industries (I have always serviced general commercial clients, like manufacturing etc.) so I don’t have any idea of what industry I’d want to go into. My question for anyone who has taken the leap - did you search for jobs yourself? Reach out to one of the hundreds of recruiters who have messaged you on LinkedIn over the years? Most importantly, how did you know when you found the one that was worth it enough to leave the stability of our career? I’m honestly terrified.

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It’s project-based accounting and finance work, in partnership with primarily Fortune 500 companies. Everything from IPO readiness, to M&A integration, to GL/month-end close accounting (the firm sometimes gets a bad rap on fishbowl for being like a temp agency, but I think that’s from the people who got stuck in GL positions). We also do busy season work with Big 4, but you don’t have to go that route if you’re looking to get out of audit. I started on an M&A integration project, and now I’m on an IPO readiness one. My biggest concern with joining was that my growth would stagnate, and that hasn’t been the case at all. I’m planing on staying here another 3-5 years, but I already know I’m much better suited for an industry role now that I’ve seen the internal side of a few companies than I would be if I was just coming out of audit.

Shameless plug - we are hiring. I’m happy to answer any questions!

i couldn’t stand one of the firm partners for another minute, she was so toxic. i was so desperate to get out so i reached out to the tons of recruiters that had reached out to me on LinkedIn, and also utilized one of those recruiting firms that place accounting and audit professionals with jobs, but in the end i got the job on my own and was so happy i followed my gut to leave PA and to take the job that i did in financial services.

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How did you find a job on your own? What job did you find?

Let's be real here, you will be leaving most likely for an accounting manager role,perhaps even a senior at a larger org. Your industry preference is a short term thing and isn't a long term commitment because accounting is relatively flexible, it's not like you are educated in software design and applying for electrical engineer.

Find the best paying exit at a company and focus on the team/people you interviewed with. Just like public, the team and not the force fed corporate culture is what makes or breaks it.

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Thanks for the insight and advice. I’m just the kind of person who seeks comfort and would like to find somewhere I could see myself staying at for a while, which is probably why I’ve lasted this long in public. I know that’s somewhat unrealistic as the chances that I find my “perfect” job immediately after this are slim..but a person’s gotta dream right?

Same boat...trying to jump ship but no idea where to start....is accounting manager a typical exit?? Anyone can explain Pros / cons?

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