Is it better to work for a start-up or public company?

Question

My profession is Accounting. I am currently interviewing for permanent jobs. I want to find a job where I can stay for at least 5 years.

I am looking at start-up companies and public companies.

I know for stability, public companies are probably better. Start-up companies let you come in and define processes though and you feel like you are making a difference.

Any opinions.

I am planning to evaluate the job content, company stability, commute and salary when I look at a company.

What does everyone else do when evaluating jobs?

Answer 1

I am also an Accountant. If you go with a start up company you gain some VERY valuable experience, as it is very likely you will have to wear many hats - that is, you will need to know a little about everything. At a start up, you may get to do a little AR, AP, payroll, journal entries, fixed assets, AND financial reporting. A job at a public company may be so specialized that you may do nothing but bank recons all day.

At a start up, you also have the ability to make a huge difference in starting up & revising processes (I helped to build a whole department from scratch when I was 26), which will look great on your resume. Obviously, the start up companies are riskier. But there is a much greater potential to stand out at those companies. You have to decide how much risk you are willing to take. Either way, it is very important to keep your resume and "career folder" updated in the case you have to find another job.