Advice for a Successful Career in the Accounting Profession

CHAPTER SEVENTEENCareer Transitions: How to Make Good Decisions

Key Takeaway

Virtually every individual working in the accounting profession will need to make critical career decisions concerning whether to stay with their current employer or leave for a new opportunity. Many will need to make these decisions multiple times over the course of a career. There can be good reasons to leave for a new opportunity but be sure you objectively and rigorously evaluate your decision with the long‐term in mind before making a final decision.

There are many reasons an employer‐employee relationship can come to an end. Unfortunately, the separation is sometimes initiated by the employer, as is the case with a layoff or termination for cause. Much more frequently, however, the change is initiated by the employee, ideally for good reasons. Sometimes, however, employees leave for the wrong reasons. This chapter will focus on important considerations to address when you’re contemplating a career transition.

Over my career, I probably met with more than 100 people who were considering leaving my firm to discuss their thought process and rationale. These folks were at all levels of the firm, from relatively new associates (one or two years of experience) to partners. Each situation was unique. Many were well prepared for our conversations; it was clear to me they had thought things through. Others, ...