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Hi All,
I’m a second year tax associate in one of the Big 4. I’m currently on rotation in ITS and I have to make a decision pretty soon whether to stay in ITS or going back to my old PE team.
Here’s what I’ve experienced so far:
I get along very well with people on both teams and my reviews from each team are also pretty good. The busy seasons in PE are very focused around 4/15 and 9/15. Whereas ITS has small peaks too but in general evened out throughout the year. It appears a better work-life balance in ITS, but that’s totally personal preference.
PE work is somewhat repetitive, large volume and I feel like I don’t see the big picture unless I make manager. The work in ITS is more interesting, managers do explain to me why we’re doing this so I feel like I understand better. Overall I like the work in ITS more, and I’m leaning towards to stay.
Now, my direct manager in ITS is leaving and that has shaken my decision a bit. She has been an awesome coach and I have grown so much with her help. The team is already understaffed, with her leaving, they either have to find another manager (hopefully a good one) or we would be forced to step up. Not saying it’s a bad thing but it’s a gamble.
I often heard people say one shouldn’t make decisions based on others because people come and go. On the other hand, wouldn’t be suffering if you don’t work well with your colleges?
With that being said, I’d like to get some opinions on what really need to be considered to make the right choice, and pros and cons of each team when it comes to the exit opportunities. I don’t foresee myself leaving public accounting anytime soon, but just so I get a well-rounded perspective.
Any comment is greatly appreciated, thank you!