Seriously? After five years (two in industry and three in public at a mid-size company), am I just stuck being a staff accountant forever because I didn't start at a Big 4? Is that the only thing companies look at when you're trying to move up, especially with how tight the job market is right now?

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The short answer? No, you're not stuck. It can be frustrating when it feels like only Big 4 firms get all the attention, but that's not always true. Sure, the job market is tight right now, but there are always companies out there that value experience over pedigree. Sometimes it's about finding the right fit for your skills. You’ve got a few years of experience already, and that’s a huge asset.

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No.

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I wouldn't say that. Having a big name on your resume can always be helpful, and some hiring managers will be dazzled by that. But it's not a requirement all over, of course.

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If your talking about moving up internally at a company, that is all dependent on the company. Lots of companies have lifers at higher positions so whatever you come in as is probably where you stay for a long time. As well, coming out of public gives you higher opportunity to get the higher position vs climbing internally as when a company looks externally, it’s a need and they know they will need to pay for it.
With all that said, I think the best you can do is vocalize your desire to move up. And if they say no there is no possibility then there is your answer. So to answer your question directly, no big4 isn’t the end all be all but it gives you a huge leg up. I highly recommend anyone going and spending 2-5 years (most specifically if you can stay til manager) and then the world opens up a bit more

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I'm on the same boat but maybe even worse. I only have experience 3 years in public med-tech companies but can't get any jobs in the market right now and i think it's because i don't have public accounting experience. I've considered going into public to get it on my resume, but i would probably go in as a staff accountant (which i don't even see any open positions at Big 4) which means i would be taking a big pay cut for 2 years (longest i'm willing to stay at a public accounting firm).

I saw this when I was working for Arthur Andersen back in the day. I was lucky because when they recruited me out of college, I requested as a condition of employment that I had a sampling of multiple industries. So unlike a lot of of my peers, I had experience with large manufacturing companies, broadcasting, largest law firm in the world, advertising, not for profit, utilities, etc. Plus, I got to do due diligence. If you join a nice sized firm that might not be a big four, you’ll get the above.

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I didn't start at b4 and doing fine

CPA?

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