Big 4 Auditor - Time to Move?

TChalla on 20/07/2017 - 00:51
Last edited 20/07/2017 - 07:41

It is 12:40am. I started work at 8.30am.

The only break I have had today is 20 minutes for lunch, 30 minutes for dinner and now browsing OzBargain (15 minutes).

The above is reflective of pretty much every working day from Jan - Feb (and a portion of March) and then July - August (and a portion of Sept). I guess I am finally tired. I usually have to work weekends in this period too.

I rarely leave the office before 7 pm (even out of what we call busy season - refer above).

Experience - 4th year (Senior)
CA Status - Fully Qualified

It seems that the more I do / better I perform, the more work is handed to me.

I guess I am finally tired of the above lifestyle but I do not want to jump ship to commercial roles as they seem boring (sorry if you work in said roles).

Ideas?

Education & Work

Comments

  • airal3rt on 20/07/2017 - 01:39
    +6

    It seems that the more I do / better I perform, the more work is handed to me.

    That's how all businesses operate, employees are merely disposable assets and will be pushed as far as the employee lets them.

    • altomic on 20/07/2017 - 11:49
      +4

      I once had a job in the private sector and when I asked why I had a case load double the size of everyone else my manager responded with "because you do the work"

  • lookatthesizeofthat on 20/07/2017 - 02:17
    +6

    Just line up a shit ton of interviews and ask in depth about the role. Then work out which one has the most value based on salary/hours worked and transportation time/money.

    Never give 100% otherwise you will get paperwork raped in every single orifice. I usually aim for 70% on an average day and 90% when there is a bonus on the line.

  • garetz on 20/07/2017 - 04:44
    +2

    Sounds like you are being taken advantage of, and you are letting them do it to you.

    If you arent happy with your current role, find a new job.

  • Shadowsfury on 20/07/2017 - 06:52
    +2

    I am in the same boat, but since I just got promoted to Manager I've decided I'll stick it out and see if this is any different.

    Definitely have similar feelings to the OP, and hours for me are probably worse in busy season but go on for a shorter period of time.

    Until 6 months ago I also often worked past dinner even outside of busy periods but lately I've forced myself to leave on time - need to look after myself first.

  • scotty on 20/07/2017 - 07:18
    +7

    My wife used to be an auditor at one of the Big 4 (or Big 6 back then), and got out right after she got her CPA, like many of her colleagues did, as the hours were just too long. I heard it only got better once you made partner…

    Anyway, office job that's so busy that only lets you browse ozbargain for 15 minutes in a day — probably not a good job to have :)

  • vinni9284 on 20/07/2017 - 07:39
    +5

    You have to be careful that you don't get burnt-out and land in a depressive state.

    Obviously, if your were happy with the job/hours, you won't be here.

    I would research other similar positions with less demand (if possible) and work out what transferable skills you have and move on.

    Some times, you have to take a pay-cut, however you get your life back.

    Without mental stability and self happiness, it will lead to depression, sickness and effect your loved ones. Be careful!

    Good luck.

    Cheers

  • plmko on 20/07/2017 - 08:52
    +2

    The standard with Big 4 is to sacrifice 5 years of your life doing 60 hrs a week. Once you've done that jump ship to a commercial company and reap the rewards. Seems you already know this….but hey welcome to Accounting?

    The big 4 know this so they abuse their employees.

  • pantsparty on 20/07/2017 - 08:58
    +2

    yes - time to move. You can likely get more money by moving to a commercial role and work substantially less hours. Plus you won't have clients who hate you. Working in audit you get very stuck in the culture, the people you work with, the social events/alcohol. There is a much better world out there I promise. I have made the move myself with zero regrets.

  • schmucky on 20/07/2017 - 10:56
    +1

    Feel for you brother. The late nights and intoxicating culture. Wonder how many of us are big 4 or alumni.

  • Peanut money on 20/07/2017 - 11:13

    What type of money do these type of hours earn you?

    • JetLi on 20/07/2017 - 11:40
      +1

      if you break it down into an hourly rate, it would be peanuts

    • TChalla on 20/07/2017 - 22:14

      Salaried, no overtime pay.
      At my rank it's about 74k including super.

  • reno on 20/07/2017 - 11:41

    60 hour weeks are like… not considered excessive hours in that environment
    there's pros and cons with doing these type of hours (and being in the big4 - remuneration isn't one of pros). if you can take it, just treat it all as a learning experience to get to where you want to be.

    the biggest thing is, you need to work out your own goals. without a goal in site doesn't matter what you're doing, you may not be going in the right direction

    i've done those hours before (not in audit) and much worse for extended periods of time, and through it you will find opportunities to progress in different ways

  • TheBilly on 20/07/2017 - 12:42
    +2

    Ex Big 4 employee here.

    I changed industries and would never look back - They employ fools based on the image of prestige.

    But really all that matters is how much you earn and bring home.

    You should get paid like you work - it's as simple as that.

    Prestige can go shove it and there are many industries out there that pay you for what you work.

    I.e. a skilled/ticketed construction labourer can earn $35-$45 an hour @ 60 hours a week for a year that is over $100k - That is just a skilled labourer, not including other more highly paid individuals. Even real estate agents or sales based telemarketers can earn more than a big 4 paper pusher. Some people might argue, oh but partners get paid heaps and if you make partner you will live it up later in life. Nobody sitting around you will make partner - nobody I know has made partner and I know a lot - the chances are slim - so why waste the time you cannot get back?

  • dragonfly090 on 20/07/2017 - 22:18
    +1

    Sometimes you have to say NO and let partner know you are overloaded in a nicer way.

    Looks like you have been taking up more than you can chew.

  • sahh on 22/07/2017 - 14:39
    +1

    Do your best to structure your portfolio of clients so you are not working on too many engagements during the year. I recall that was the main reason for my late hours back in the day. Next job would always start before you finish one.

    Also recommend taking the opportunity to go on an international secondment, once you go commercial that opportunity doesn't come around very often, if ever!

  • [Deactivated] on 26/07/2017 - 13:58
    +1

    commercial is where its at :)

  • AusGP on 26/07/2017 - 21:49
    +2

    My groomsman moved from Big 4 to industry after gaining CA. Instant 40% pay rise and life back and loving it. You should move!!

    • TChalla on 26/07/2017 - 23:42

      Yeah, I am going to sit down and update my resume after this "busy" season.
      Been looking randomly on seek etc and I think you might be right, time to look around.

      • AusGP on 27/07/2017 - 18:31

        You should never move for the sake of moving though - take your time and find out what industry you can get passionate about first!

        Edit: Also update your LinkedIn. You never know what jobs might come your way

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