6 answers
8
Asked 826 views

For those of you who were a CPA at an accounting firm and later moved into industry, how did you decide when to transition, and how did you select your industry, i.e. tech, automotive, consumer goods, etc.? #Fall25

I am an accounting major trying to learn more about the potential career paths while still in school.

business finance accounting business-management business-administration cpa corporate-finance public-accounting cpaexam
Answer This
8

6 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Ellen’s Answer

Hi Elizabeth! I agree with Sophia's and Dana's perspectives. I joined a Big 4 straight out of college. I was undecided on what to do with my career path for the first year of college; my college advisor happened to be the Chair of the Accounting Department and suggested that I major in Accounting. I graduated around the time when company's were being required to become SOX compliant so accounting firms were hiring like crazy. I had a job secured the Fall of my Senior year of college. The amount of experience that I gained in the first couple of year at the firm - both technical and soft skills - was incredible. The breadth of experience that you gain in a Big 4 environment is invaluable. Public Accounting is hard work - but like anything, hard work pays off in the end. You will likely have the opportunity to explore different industries. It is sometimes hard to be passionate about accounting topics- but identify an industry that interests you and dive in. Stay connected with current events in that industry. Keep an eye out for regulations and news developments that impact that industry. Strive to become a subject matter expert. I don't think there's a magic number of years to stay - it depends on your personal goals, your work/life balance, among other things. I actually left public accounting after about 6 years - I was burnt out on the day to day, heavy travel schedule, and had just finished a tough busy season. I went to a clinical research company - the company was fast growing, and going a different route in account management group was appealing to me. As Dana said, many companies are looking for Big 4 experience - and not necessarily just in Accounting groups. There are so many opportunities that public accounting lends to other than traditional accounting. After a few years in industry though, I missed the culture that the firm offered and actually went back. I went a different route at the firm this time in a finance/operations type role. Explore all our options! Find a couple internships if you can! Best of luck!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Dana’s Answer

When I graduated, the big 5 (at the time) CPA firms recruited on my campus, which made the process super easy. I made it almost to the 2-year mark with my CPA firm before I flipped to industry, and for me, it was very much a personal choice (I was a single parent). In my opinion, one of the great things about accounting and auditing is that the basics work no matter which industry you end up in. I had a connection in my network who knew of an opening in Internal Audit, so I exited External Audit. I didn't stick with that industry, and have worked in a consulting capacity across many industries over my career.

Again, in my opinion, you learn a lot with a big 4 CPA firm in a short amount of time, and that knowledge travels with you. There are also many companies that still look for "Big 4" experience on your resume, even if it is just 2 years.

While you are still in school, see if you can get a couple of internships under your belt (start as soon as you can). This will give you a real taste of what the work is like. Try accounting, finance, and auditing if you can. Warm wishes for your future successes!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Janine’s Answer

As others have suggested I also believe a career within the Big 4 is a great opportunity and provides a wide breadth of experience and exposure that at a very young tenure can prepare you for a prolonged career within the Firm you may choose or for opportunities outside of it. From my personal experience I was in the audit practice into the manager level when I decided I wanted a change. I was fortunate to be able to stay with my Firm, in a different role. Keep in mind larger firms have a lot of different opportunities so leaving does not always need to be the only option. I decided to make the change when I had some personal things changing in my life, but more so for the fact their were aspects of the job that you need to excel in from a technical side that did not interest me any longer. My interests shifted which was the point I decided to make a change. Everyone is different and there is no single path, you need to do what you feel is right when the time and other opportunity presents it self.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Andrea’s Answer

Experience at a Big 4 firm can open up many exciting career paths. Whether you move into industry roles or stay in accounting or consulting, your time at the firm will shape your choices. You might specialize in areas like internal audit, financial accounting, or mergers and acquisitions, or find your niche in a specific industry. Staying with a Big 4 firm can also lead to a fulfilling career. While the work can be challenging, it's incredibly rewarding and provides a strong foundation for future opportunities in the business world.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Sophia Nicole’s Answer

Hi Elizabeth, I agree with Dana that many companies value experience from a big accounting firm. I haven't moved to the industry myself but chose an internal role at my firm. My leaders suggested moving to the industry after I became a Manager. This is because of the fast-paced experience, getting your CPA or EA before transitioning, and the potential for higher earnings with more experience. Like Dana said, your personal life might influence what matters most to you. I recommend working at a big firm for the growth and learning opportunities, which might keep you there longer than you planned. Instead of thinking about a set number of years, consider how much you want to stay based on what you're learning and the experiences you're gaining.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Katie’s Answer

Hi Elizabeth! Becoming a CPA opens up many career paths in various business settings. Joining a large firm after college can give you a chance to work with different clients across industries. This experience helps you decide whether to stay in public accounting or switch to private. You'll also discover which business areas you enjoy, like financial reporting, mergers and acquisitions, or financial planning. Explore every opportunity to learn what you like. You might find yourself in an unexpected industry but love the culture and people. Good luck—you're already heading in the right direction!
0