Is it me or does public kill your confidence over time? I used to feel smart, like, actually capable. Now I second-guess every email I write, and when someone says “circle back” I practically dissociate. I’m interviewing for a financial analyst role at a mid-size tech company, and I’m terrified I’ll blank the second they ask something strategic. I know I can figure things out, but I don’t know how to sound like someone who makes business decisions instead of just documenting them. How do you reframe yourself from accountant to business thinker?

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Public is notorious for destroying self esteem but it's good for training to be a specific type of business leader - a micromanaging nitpicker who doesn't need to see the big picture. My advice to you would be to focus on learning about the company and seeing what insights you have on maintaining and improving that company's strategy. Show that you are a big picture thinker, good luck!

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My experience in public is that yes, it destroys your confidence over time. I had a different career before accounting and I always felt competent and knew I was a valued employee. I felt the opposite in public accounting and was treated like a child. Now that I've exited to an industry job, I'm treated like a professional again. It's a huge relief to be out of that environment.

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OP you could also pivot to FDD. It forces you to think about the bigger picture, compared to audit where you kind of have to challenge yourself to do that.

You only need 1, 2 busy seasons max in audit.

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You may just need more experience. Understanding the “why” of what you’re documenting would help you here.

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Get out of accounting

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i’ve never worked in public before. i mean do you just get nitpicked to the point where your confidence goes to zero ?

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You’ll be fine in FP&A it’s not hard

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