Also, does it make more sense to work for a big 4 accounting firm, or go straight to the field. I have heard the big 4 have extremely long hours and travel frequently. At this point in my life, I am seeking more of a work and life balance, which is what I was hoping the credentials would provide to me. Any thoughts on what the starting salary would be at the big 4, vs the same entry level and lower stress job elsewhere?
2006-12-13 21:06:39 · 6 answers · asked by New to the accounting field 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Its never too old to be a CPA, however, it is probably too late for you to join the big 4.
There is no age discrimination within the big 4 however this is what you'll face on your first day as a staff accountant:
1) You will join about 40 other "kids" just out of college whose only question is what time the local bars close
2) A first year which involves a lot of copying, errand running, inventory counting on weekends and some travel.
3) A second year which involves significant hours (avg about 60-70 from Jan-April) and LOTS of travel - usually to places like Muscatine, IA. This, by the way, never ends, but you get an incredible amount of experience along the way.
4) A lot of people who will be cutting their teeth as new supervisors AND who will be a lot younger than you to boot.
The big 4 know that the only people who are willing to make this kind of committment are those at the early stages of their lives AND careers. You may get hired, but it will be tough unless you have something very special to offer.
The salary at a big 4 firm is great, but staff are generally overpaid due to their inexperience. These "golden handcuffs" usually keep staff around for 2-3 years. Salary should be your last concern if you can't handle the lifestyle.
2006-12-14 15:32:02 · answer #1 · answered by Philip S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is said that It is never late for anything. So in my opinion, u can try ur new career even at the age of 50, all u ve to do is to set ur priorities. Regarding the other part of ur question, If u think that u can work late hours and can withstand stressful jobs, please do so by joining Big 4s. On the other hand, if u want to find a balance b/w job and family, i think settling for something low is equally good. The choice is yours.
Regards
Tayyab
2006-12-13 21:27:51 · answer #2 · answered by Viper 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you retire round sixty five then you could have nonetheless acquired 15/sixteen years of labor left. If they difference the principles like they are making plans to, you can be running till you are 70! That's 20/21 years of labor left. Whether it is 15 or 21 years of labor - it is a long time, and when you wish to difference, then do it! You'll ordinarily remorse it if you do not - and if it seems that it isn't for you, then no less than you already know! :) Good good fortune!
2016-09-03 14:58:20 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
never too late. But i dont know the system in your country. In my country you will have to be working under a qualified accountant whilst you are studying for the exams. The training period will expose you to the working envirnment and will give you the answers
2006-12-13 22:52:34 · answer #4 · answered by Jomtien C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's all about whatever it is that you want to do. If you want to balance work and life, weigh your options. It only takes a few minutes to do by yourself by listing pros and cons. I encourage you to pursue this because accountants are in demand as well as other professions like healthcare. Everyone needs their money balanced, lol.
2006-12-13 23:02:41 · answer #5 · answered by MadameJazzy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never to late to start doing something new!
2006-12-13 21:15:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋