Emerging CPAs

A Move to Industry

By Sarah Tracy, CPA

If you are thinking about a switch from public accounting to business and industry, you should know what to expect and whether it’s the right career move for you. Last year, after seven and a half years in public accounting, I made the switch to private industry. There are some big differences that I’ve found between working for a public accounting firm and working as a CPA in private industry.

The most obvious difference, although not the most important, is the lack of a “busy season,” which everyone in public accounting has come to accept. That’s not to say there aren’t busy days or overtime, but it will vary, depending on your specific job description. That may mean fewer nights at the office, but if you do stay late to meet a deadline, there is likely no one working late in the office with you.
 
In industry, I no longer find myself limited to one area of accounting. Corporate taxes are still my major focus, but now I find that I need to fill any gaps left open between the accounting department and the tax department. The variety makes every day different, and allows me to stretch my capacity and learn about new topics.

The biggest change for me is the ability to take time to better understand the business entities with which I deal. As new issues arise, I learn more about the products and processes of my related companies. Since they are my only focus, I can do so with much more depth. As a public accountant, I often felt like the clean-up crew, made to deal with the decisions that already had been made, instead of influencing them. Now, I am part of the decision-making process. My “clients” are the accounting staff from whom I gather data and the officers that rely on my information to make decisions.

Having my CPA certification while working in industry is as important as it was when I was working in public accounting. It gives me an extra that can help me see situations from other viewpoints. PICPA provides a wonderful resource where I can network with my peers and keep track of the changes in the accounting profession around me. The on-going education reminds me that my company does not work in a vacuum, but is constantly affected by those changes. Whether public or private, being a CPA allows me to be better at my job.