[GettinHeadStuds]

Chris, you had a similiar question a few months ago...I responded with "go talk to some older generation CPAs and hear what they have to say." I did this last year to get an idea of what path I want to take for my ACTG career. It really depends what you want to do in the future.

Assuming you'll stay in ACTG for life, I'd say having Big Four experience is pretty important for your resume/reputatio. The only problem is if you're a rookie at a big four firm you'll be auditing cash accounts for two years (yippe ****** skippy) and sleeping at the hotel across the street from the office for your 3 hours of sleep. On the other end, smaller firms don't get jack for clients. Smith and Smith CPA firm isn't going to pull in MGM, Addidas, or Tivo. It'll take you a lot longer to learn what you need to learn.*

*Note: I interviewed over 10 CPAs and this was the general concensus among that group, not just my opinion.

Somewhere in between are the second tear firms...BDO, Moss, Grant. These have the best of both worlds and eventually were the firms I targeted. I still have ****y suicide hours, avg 65 right now, but I'm doing tax returns start to finish, for really good companies...Haynes Manual for example.

Back to you...

You've gotta figure out where you want to go with your career. You're in a good position to make a move either way.

PM if you wanna talk more.

P.S. After five years at a First or second tear firm, you're a manager with a CPA and making 6 figures. Many have told me that's the best time to stay in the field or get out.