Is Accounting really worth it on the long term? I noticed a lot of people are ok with their salary but not necessarily in terms of WLB. I wasn’t informed very well when I used to be a student, but now it seems a lot of others paths and career suggest a great salary for a 40-45hr work week. What are your thoughts ?

likesmart
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

After 23 months at big 4, I got an internal audit offer paying $92k base salary. I work 40 hours a week from home and am only 26. I’m very happy that I can support myself and my SO.

It’s just a job that affords me to pursue my goals outside of work.

likesmartupliftinghelpful

V similar over here to you PwC 2. I went into accounting to give myself a comfortable life. After 3 years of hectic public, something slower sounds great and I can still progress to manager, etc while having time to do what i want outside of work.

like

You realize that any job at a public company at a manager or above in any field is going to have similar hours, right?

If you want to work 40-45 hours a week, then you’re going to pretty much be stuck at the individual contributor level in any field, accounting or otherwise. You can pretty easily leave public and find a job that pays $90k for 40 hrs/wk.

If you want to make more, you have to work more. That’s not accounting specific. The advantage accounting has is that there are a lot more manager + jobs out there than in other fields, so you’re more likely to advance past individual contributor than the computer programmer.

likehelpfulsmart

@ASM1 what company do you work for?

Recent IconRecent

Kinda blows tbh. Wish I had gone into a different career track

like

Yes I feel you. I did enjoy my career so far but it’s been very stressful and exhausting. I wish I could’ve tried other tracks as well.

likefunny

I heard students are not interested in accounting anymore and go for something else like computer science. It may rebound due to shortage of workforce in future but overall, I think it is going down.

like

Why would they? There are so many tech companies and start ups out there that offer excellent to decent pay and wlb. Not to mention you have to spend months to years studying for CPA. UX designing, software engineering, data scientist, cyber security, data analysts, even freelance YouTube video editors make more and have better wlb…..

like

Just a note for all y'all with no wlb year round: you can talk with your feet. Pretty much all PA firms are hiring now in audit, and I've heard some really crazy terrible stories from people working at the big 4 doing crazy hours with minimal support. I'm at a mid-size where audit busy season everyone is budgeted 55 hrs/ week through April and then 45 hrs/ week through June (with some exceptions, but never ANYTHING NEAR the 80 hours/ week for months I've been hearing from big4!) , with summers being pretty quiet (financial services). Know your worth; sometimes not just your $$ worth, but the worth of your time and sanity!

like

AM1, that's the one plus... I do take advantage of that PTO in the in-between times

like

I enjoy accounting. If I was to do it over again I would choose accounting again. Only thing I would do differently is get my CPA sooner and push back on all the extracurriculars that my partners wanted me to do. That stuff is time consuming and adds little value when so young in a career.

like

I feel the same way! I enjoy auditing but I’m not sure if am as smart enough to make it higher up tbh. It sucks but I’m self aware enough to realize it…im thinking maybe I would benefit from an industry role but I’ve honestly scared myself into thinking Im not good enough in accounting in general :/

like

I feel like most 40-45 hour a week jobs don’t pay well unless you sacrifice at least a few years working more and hard. Like the commenter above in IA at 92k.

like

Yeah I think that’s the point for a lot of people coming in Big4, getting that experience and exiting

like

Engineering is a way better choice

like

Just go into consulting. Don’t do accounting..it is a waste of time. I studied accounting and finance and primarily work in consulting

like

I have always been in consulting with a cpa / never done a day in audit or tax

Related Posts

CDK Global Inc If someone is working or know about this company please share your suggestion.
How is work life balance, work culture and job security.

CDK Global Inc CDK Global

like

Does anyone have any advice for applying to remote positions? How do I stand out? Most of my experience is in healthcare, clinical and administrative. I want to go to school full time instead of part time and working remotely will provide a better opportunity to facilitate that. I’m applying everywhere with very few callbacks. I’m trying to get into tech as my degree is in Information Systems. Any advice would help!

like

If you are starting as an Audit Associate some time from now with Deloitte or any of the big 4, do they expect you to have passed/completed all 4 parts by the time you start? Received the Becker Reimbursement email from the recruiter not too long ago but have yet to start. I’ve seen plenty of people get to Senior at a big 4 firm without the CPA so I am a bit confused in that aspect. Any helpful feedback will be very much appreciated.

likehelpful

What's the average salary in Advisory for a Staff 2 or Senior 1 in Toronto?

like

Does any fish have experience prepping and taking the CAMS exam? I would appreciate any advice on study materials, exam preparation tips, and information about the exam.

Hi Fishes can anyone suggest what can be the expected salary of an SAP consultant?
YOE 2
Skills: SAP MDG

like

What are some good programs to look into if I want to pivot from management consulting -> PMM post-MBA?

like

What kind of professional growth can I expect in a digital strategy boutique firm in the next 2 years? I just started my new job after an internship but there hasn't been much growth. I would like to adjust my expectations. Any advice?

like

Would you take a job for less salary if it was a less toxic environment than your current situation?

like

What is the salary range of Strategy - Associate Manager in EYP? Round about estimate would be helpful.

like

What graduate degrees do you have, if any? I want to get my MBA at some point, but thinking about a degree in innovation prior to that. Curious to see what degrees fellow practitioners have or endorse

likehelpful
like

Best way to becoming an executive at a portfolio company for a PE fund? What is the most successful path from consulting? I.e go to fund ops as an associate then work your way up or stay at MBB till partner then try to hop over, etc.

like

Hi all,

How many years it will take to reach 1 lakh salary per month in tcs if someone starts as fresher.

like

How should I react to my CD’s boasting of her lavish lifestyle?
I’m never going to relate with my salary.

like

Hi guys, so a friend of mine has been head hunted for a job as a designer position for a interior design company. His current job is a good position which puts him on track to be creative director in 2 years. His current job is a great role, loves what he does but he’s not being paid as much as he should and he’s pretty curious about this other job offer. He’s thinking of going for a meeting with the other company. What kind of questions do you think should be asked in the meeting?

like

Any consultant here who has worked at Citadel or knows someone who is working at Citadel? A recruiter from there reached out to me today, and I got the sense that the culture there is more intense compared to consulting. How would you compare Citadel vs MBB on the below points:

a) Culture
b) Diversity (I am an international student and a person of color, and my sense is that Citadel is not as international)
c) Comp trajectory

Thanks!

How does one get into underwriting in the western MA area? I have an associates degree in business and 5 years of insurance experience. I just can’t seem to find a company near me to apply for an underwriting entry level position. I’d rather not start in claims and work my way into underwriting but that’s my only thought process. Thanks in advance!

like

Thoughts on Platinum Equity vs Parthenon Capital for a PE ops role? Work Culture, Comp, WLB.

like

How difficult is it to start a solo firm? I’m a first year attorney working in insurance defense in Florida. I love my firm and the mentoring I’m receiving and I’m definitely not looking to move anytime soon, but I would love to start my own firm once I feel competent. Maybe in a few years. Any advice for planning? Thanks!

like

More Posts

Anyone here have friend(s) with benefit? How has it been working for you?

like

Any Aftersales Marketers in OEM? I have an interview and I am looking for insights into the role. How big is the aftersales part of the business? Role challenges, opportunites, pros/cons?

like
like

Thinking of jumping ship and looking for a better opportunity, does anyone know what it is like working for Apple or Microsoft?

like

Anyone have a list of US headhunters for LMM/MM PE? (Or know of ones that are particularly consultant friendly?)

like

Anyone know if Austin F1 tickets bought through CotA’s website are non-fungible or if they can be given out to someone else? I recall them asking for my name in the buying processes but not sure if tickets are tied to a person or if they can go to anyone

like

Best protein shake deal you came across today ?

like

I ate a margarita and drank a Pacifico for lunch.

likefunnyuplifting

Current IBD Analysts/Associates/maybe VPs- when you have a networking chat with an undergrad, do you typically have a hit list of topics to discuss? I have a general list, but want to hear everyone’s

like

How tax can be saved...

Sal:35L

please pour some suggestions tq..

like

Least favorite salesforce product is…? And why would help as well…

like

Are there any recruiters from IBM who have information on their apprenticeship program (Soft Eng)? I have applied and my application is under review. How much knowledge/skill set does one actually need to get into the new collar program? From what I have gathered online, it's kind of a mixed bag and can take a long time to onboard someone. I am self taught, know the basics of two languages and have some small projects to show. Just wondering if there is anyone that has been through this process.

like

What would you say is your ethnicity if your parents are from the Middle East and you were born in the US?

like

My school is a small rural school. We don’t offer many in-house electives. What’s happening is students are having to take whatever is there to fill their schedules. If they aren’t interested in the class, then it becomes an opportunity for disruptions because they aren’t interested. What are some electives you have at your school that are new, innovative and interesting for todays high school students?

like

Preparation tips for NAB ? National Australia Bank I already feel I'll be wasting my time

like
like

What all designations in Cognizant? Could someone please help to understand by mentioning in ascending order?

like

Hi All,

I've been working as an AS400 developer for the past 5 years in Infosys and looking for a company switch for personal & financial growth. Current CTC is 6LPA.

Please do share or refer to opportunities if any. Thanks in Advance!

Posted 3 hours ago...

Post Photo
like

Additional Posts in Accounting Exit Opportunities

Thoughts on giving up a remote public accounting job to get into industry? They have flexibility if you have something going on but want people on-site. Anyone make this move? Thoughts? Advice?

likefunny

People who left public accounting and didn’t end up doing industry accounting what did you go into? How did you like it?

like

I know this group is for exit opportunities but, Im not ready to leave big 4 because I think I still need to learn alot since Ive only been here a year. Has anyone switched firms bc of toxic culture environment/ unappreciative team? Thinking of switching firms in December to finish out another year or so in PA. Worried about change but need it

like

NYC Tax Director in PA, 15 years of experience, Federal Core Tax. What is a good target base salary in today’s market?

like

What kind of questions have you been asked in interviews? I’m being invited back for a second interview for a Sr. Accountant position. The first one was very conversational.

How has the job market been for you? Been looking to leave public, but seems hard right now

like

FP&A vs. Financial Reporting - pros and cons?

like

What’s your answer to “what is your biggest weakness?”?

like

This job is so depressing. How did some of you go about looking for other opportunities?

like

How do I move from audit to deals/consulting. Currently a qualified senior with 3 years experience

like

I’ll be putting in my two weeks notice to join a competitor. Is there a polite way to deflect or refuse to say when I’m asked where I’m going? I don’t want to say which B4 I’m joining - would rather folks find out when I update my LinkedIn profile. Hint* it’s not PwC 😀

like

Got a SFA external reporting offer at a F500. 22% raise from my S1 salary just under 6 figs. In a MCOL/HCOL east region… do I jump if my goal is to be a controller?

like

Remote: Senior G/L Accountant - StockX - est. $80K+ - 7yrs exp - CPA a plus

likesmart

Just got an offer in a boutique firm to do civil litigation. I am currently in tax, so I have no experience whatsoever. I have been interested in litigation for a while but I don’t know if I’ll like it. Understandably, I’ll be starting out as a staff since I have no experience in that area. Should I take the risk and make the jump?

like

What list of benefits do you look into when your about to turn in your two weeks? I’m assuming get your dentist/vision checked, FSA, any others?

like

Tax manger in AWM (salt) at big 4. I want to do something different, what jobs would I be qualified for? Mainly looking for something with more WLB.

funny

Has anyone transitioned from audit to a strategy / operations type role? I’m coming up on year 5 audit and looking to try something new! Any advice would be appreciated

like

Can I interview for 2 different roles at the same time? Same firm.

like

Hi are there any UK accountants in this group that might be interested in helping develop fintech software? I am an internal recruiter at Wolters Kluwer. Happy to get connected !

like

Anyone @kpmg know best way to get into management consulting?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal