Reflecting on My 13-Year Career Journey Without Big 4 Experience
I wanted to share my career path to inspire those who might not be receiving offers from Big 4 firms.
I’ve worked in a major city with a lower to mid-cost of living, depending on the area.
Here’s a brief overview of my educational background and career progression:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Career Progression:
– Staff Accountant (Real Estate): $45K
– Internal Auditor (Environmental Services): $63K
– Senior Internal Auditor (Environmental Services): $88K
– Senior Accountant (Environmental Services): $90K
– Accounting Supervisor (Manufacturing): $103K
– Manager (Internal Audit Consulting): $116K
– Controller (Manufacturing): $140K
Recently, I’ve been receiving numerous recruitment inquiries for Controller and VP positions starting at $170K.
This experience has shown me that success doesn’t require a Big 4 background or even public Accounting experience. Obtaining your CPA and remaining open to diverse industries and roles can lead to a fulfilling career.
One response
Thank you for sharing your journey and insights! It’s really encouraging to see how you’ve progressed in your career without the typical Big 4 background. Your experience highlights the importance of being adaptable and open to opportunities in different industries. It’s also a great reminder that obtaining a CPA can have a significant impact on career growth and salary potential.
Many people feel pressured to follow the traditional path, so your story serves as a valuable perspective for those who may have taken a different route. Congratulations on your success, and good luck with the exciting opportunities you have ahead! It’s inspiring to see that there’s more than one way to achieve career goals in Accounting.