Is It Time to Leave Public Accounting? Let’s Find Out!

Are you asking yourself, “Should I stay or should I go?” when it comes to public accounting? It’s a question that many accountants ponder, especially as Fall rolls around. This time of year is crucial for deciding whether to stick with your firm through yet another busy season or take the leap into an exciting industry role. But is there a “perfect” time to make the jump? Let’s dive in!

If you listen to the Partners at your firm, it might seem like you’d be crazy not to stay and follow their path. After all, if you’re a high performer, the senior leadership team knows it’s much more cost-effective to retain talent like you than to find and train someone new. But here’s the thing—accountants (especially CPAs) are in demand, and with fewer students choosing to study accounting, your options are wide open whether you decide to leave after just one busy season or after a decade.

Is There a “Magic” Time to Leave?

Research shows that the sweet spot for transitioning out of public accounting is typically within the 2-6 year range, around the Senior or Manager level. Why? Because that’s when you’ve built up a solid skill set and enough experience to give you a competitive edge while still having a wide range of options available.

What Makes This Timeframe So Special?

If you’ve survived the fast-paced, demanding world of public accounting for a couple of years, you’ve proven you have the grit, adaptability, and autonomy that corporate and industry roles crave. You’ve built a foundation that translates well into the corporate side, where the opportunities really start to open up.

Think about it: complex businesses often have a significant number of Senior Accountants and Managers, which means more positions for you to choose from when making the switch. More options also mean multiple offers, giving you the power to negotiate a higher salary and better benefits—who doesn’t want that?

And here’s the best part: companies find it less risky to bring on a Senior Accountant or Manager from public accounting. Why? Because you already come equipped with a strong understanding of financials, and they know you can handle the learning curve of industry work.

The Competitive Edge of Public Accounting Experience

When it’s time for that next big promotion—whether it’s to Assistant Controller, Controller, or beyond—having both public and corporate accounting experience makes you a standout candidate. You’re already familiar with month-end closes, and you’ve likely been exposed to exciting projects like M&A, integrations, and financial system upgrades. That’s a goldmine of experience that many of your industry-only peers simply don’t have.

So, What’s Next for You?

Deciding when to leave public accounting is personal, and the right time won’t look the same for everyone. But one thing is for sure: the opportunities are out there, and they’re yours for the taking! If you’re feeling the itch to explore new horizons, why not chat with one of our team members here at The Alliance Group? We’re here to help you navigate the current hiring landscape and see if a career with us may be the next step in your career journey!

Take the leap—your exciting new career awaits!