Recently, one of our editors sat down with a partner at a large accounting firm and gained some insight into the ebb and flow of accounting professionals from firm to firm and job to job. The partner explained that everyone who quits is doing one of two things:
1. Running FROM a bad work environment.
2. Running TO a great work opportunity.
It is a simplistic way of looking at the situation, but it is 100% true. The partner went on to say that, from his 20+ years of experience, the group that is “running from” a firm very rarely, if ever, finds what they are looking for right away. In fact, oftentimes, the person will end up making another job change within a year. (We asked some of our members about this. One PASA member, who was a part of the “running from” group, changed jobs three times within one year after he left his old firm!)
The other group that is “running to” a great job opportunity has a much higher success rate for career growth and long-term employment. It is important before you switch accounting firms or completely leave the public accounting industry that you make sure you are “running to” the right job. PASA has provided several means to meet this goal:
The Firm Representative Program: A great way to meet a fellow PASA member at another accounting firm. Get an idea about what it is really like to work at the prospective firm from a peer. (Also, you can share in any referral bonuses that may be offered.)
Job Listings: A great list of career opportunities.
The Accounting Firm Survey results: This completely anonymous survey provides an opportunity to learn about a firm’s culture, compensation packages, interview process, and overall firm outlook for the future.
PASA endorsed recruiting firms: Recruiting professionals that have proven themselves time and time again. These are the best recruiters around. They can help you land a job in the private industry or at another accounting firm.
News articles: The PASA news page is here to provide helpful industry related articles that will be entertaining, informative, and useful in your career.
In conclusion, the partner gave us some advice……Before you decide to quit your public accounting job, make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. Always be “running to” a great new opportunity. Also, if there are things you do not like about your firm, take action. Tell someone. Let your voice be heard. A firm’s greatest asset is its employees. A good partner recognizes this and will work with you to make the firm a better place to work.
