Is it better to work for federal government (forensic accounting, starting at 107K, guaranteed 37 hour work week all year, all the federal employee benefits, in-person) or private industry (115K base + 10% annual bonus to start, easier to get raises move up in position, can work hybrid).

I just got the industry job and am starting next week. But the FBI wants to set up an interview and actual hire date could be 9 months to a year out from now.

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FBI forensics pros: great WLB, great benefits, more interesting/fulfilling work, more specialization if you want to focus early in your career

Private accounting pros: $18.5K higher pay, more upward mobility, hybrid environment, less specialization if you want to keep your options open

It sounds like private sector is the better career move in terms of money and promotion opportunities, but FBI is the better move in terms of lifestyle and subject matter. Depends on what matters more to you.

If it were me I’d take the forensic accountant position, with the mindset that if you don’t fall in love with working for the FBI you can use the experience to pivot to forensics with a private consulting firm, law firm, or accounting firm down the line for more $$$

I’d only take the private industry role if you don’t really care about the FBI or don’t have a particular interest in forensics. In which case the financial incentives are really the only things that matter

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I was PwC audit previously. While I have no FBI experience, I’m currently in forensics at a consulting firm and I highly recommend it (obviously biased).

If “what is more interesting” is your priority, don’t go for the industry job. You go to industry for stability and little else unless there’s something specific about this company/role that really calls to you. In this case you’ll have a chance to figure that out during a “trial period” while you wait on your FBI application and if you find the industry role is not for you it’ll be an easy call. Besides, industry accounting roles are a dime a dozen there will always be opportunities available if you have PwC on your resume

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