Author Topic: Opinion on job opportunity  (Read 4047 times)

Accountant

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Opinion on job opportunity
« on: February 27, 2017, 06:32:22 PM »
I am a Corporate CPA.  I worked for a publicly traded company for seven years. Four years ago we were acquired and i went to a small company (25 M) and it was a terrible fit.  After 2 years i took a position with a mid size company that has been better than the small company but not what i am looking for in the long term.  In short, they are just behind the times in the way they run the company.  I have been approached by the company that acquired the original company about a spot that is well above where i am in scope.  It would likely be a 20 pct increase over where i am and the work would be on par with where i should be at this point in my career.

My issues are i feel guilty about potentially leaving my current company.  I like a lot of the people and they really need me as they dont have my skill set in the company -- they just dont realize it.  I also worry about being labeled a job hopper in my 40s after two consecutive two year stints.  i have a feeling i will have to make this decision n the future.  If so, i could leave, try and leverage the offer to get a better deal at my current place or decline and stay the course.  I have job security abd make decent money but doubt this company will ever offer me the kind of position i have positioned myself for after 20 years.  If given the option, stay or go?
« Last Edit: February 27, 2017, 06:41:06 PM by Accountant »

SKL-HOU

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Re: Opinion on job opportunity
« Reply #1 on: February 27, 2017, 06:58:27 PM »
Try to leave guilt out of your decision. Everybody seems to think the company would be in trpuble without them but they will be just fine! Nobody is irreplaceable. So base your decision on what is best for YOU.

HoundDog

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Re: Opinion on job opportunity
« Reply #2 on: February 27, 2017, 07:55:33 PM »
I have some of the same worries as you, but my job-hopping history is worse than yours. I may make a post of my own on this topic soon.

Not sure there's a perfect answer, but  in your case, what are you really supposed to do -- turn down a good opportunity because somebody, someday, somewhere might call you a job hopper?

I've known people with far, far more hopping on their resume who seem to keep on getting good jobs. Not sure how, but they do.

Basically, if I were you, I think I'd go for it.

doneby35

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Re: Opinion on job opportunity
« Reply #3 on: February 27, 2017, 07:57:37 PM »
I'm fairly certain that your company will not feel any guilt letting you go. Do what benefits you and what's best for you. And like SKL-HOU mentioned, everyone's replaceable.

Proud Foot

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Re: Opinion on job opportunity
« Reply #4 on: February 28, 2017, 03:19:40 PM »
If the company is approaching you about the position then I doubt they would consider you a job hopper.  I would think there are people there who were there at the same time as you and know what you are capable of and have recommended you for that position.  As far as the current job, don't feel guilty about leaving.  They wouldn't have any problem letting you go if they felt you were not a good fit.  If possible you could make some recommendations on your replacement when you let them know you are leaving.

Cali Nonya

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Re: Opinion on job opportunity
« Reply #5 on: March 01, 2017, 12:12:23 PM »
I would say go.  A job that is a better fit is not just about money and reputation, but also an opportunity for you to develop yourself further.  If this is not that great of a "fit" you are just stagnating where you are.

yourusernamehere

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Re: Opinion on job opportunity
« Reply #6 on: March 01, 2017, 12:24:54 PM »
Try to leave guilt out of your decision. Everybody seems to think the company would be in trpuble without them but they will be just fine! Nobody is irreplaceable. So base your decision on what is best for YOU.

Agreed!

If a friend or family member were facing this decision and asked your advice, what would you tell them? Maybe something along the lines of "don't hold yourself back, you don't owe the current company anything"?

You have to be your own advocate and this sounds like a great opportunity in every way that counts. Best of luck!

Accountant

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Re: Opinion on job opportunity
« Reply #7 on: March 04, 2017, 04:41:04 AM »
Thanks for the replies.  The company is flying me out for a face to face.  My plan is to have concrete criteria in terms of salary increase and scope of work.  If all boxes are checked, i will have to get over my job hopper phobia and pursue, assuming no other red flags.  The last two stops, which are Two years each, have put a negative spin on the situation as if this one will end up the same. 

Dave1442397

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Re: Opinion on job opportunity
« Reply #8 on: March 04, 2017, 06:54:01 AM »
I'd say go for it. I wouldn't worry about the two-year jumps, either. I've done that myself over the years, but am in my current position almost seven years because it's a great fit for me.

Axecleaver

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Re: Opinion on job opportunity
« Reply #9 on: March 04, 2017, 07:04:30 AM »
Job hopping is not cut and dried. You just need a good story to explain why you made the transitions you did.

Your experiences have taught you something about yourself. You know what you're looking for in an employer. Use that to your advantage. In the same way that boards prefer CEOs who have failed and learned something, you've learned something about what you don't want, and that has informed what you're looking for in your next role. This would make a great intro discussion for your interview.

Cali Nonya

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Re: Opinion on job opportunity
« Reply #10 on: March 07, 2017, 10:46:40 AM »
Just out of curiosity since I'm taking accounting classes.  Are you generally happy as a corporate CPA?  I have heard lots of pro's and con's about the accounting industry in general, so was just curious about some views from someone on the inside.

Proud Foot

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Re: Opinion on job opportunity
« Reply #11 on: March 07, 2017, 11:07:51 AM »
Cali, I'm not the OP but I am a CPA working corporately.  I spent a few years doing public accounting before moving to corporate.  I personally like corporate better because there is a lot more flexibility and time outside of work.  I did audit so it was traveling to a new client every 2-3 weeks and working longer hours to make sure everything got completed on time.  I wasn't at a big 4 though.  With my current and previous corporate positions I typically only worked overtime a couple weeks a year during the fall for budgets and then March for the audit.  For me it provides a lot better work/life balance.  The only thing I miss about public accounting is the enjoyment of 'changing scenery" without actually changing employers.

Accountant

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Re: Opinion on job opportunity
« Reply #12 on: March 07, 2017, 06:39:25 PM »
I have never worked in public accounting so i cant compare the two.  Industry has its good points for sure.  I have made my mark on the financial analysis/data/ processes side which is great but tends to be undervalued by less sophisticated companies.  Technical accountant positions have a lot better chance at finding a good fit, especially in smaller markets. 

Accountant

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Re: Opinion on job opportunity
« Reply #13 on: June 16, 2017, 06:36:23 PM »
Well, nearly 4 months later the offer came and i accepted.  It has been a stressful time weighing pros and cons but decided to go for the better job and money i. Spite of feeling like a job hopper.  I guess maybe i am one, but hopefully one with a good position.  Thanks to all for the help.

 

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