Need Advice: starting career leading to-Tax Accountant at PE firm.
Hello. Quick background. I've been travelling for 10yrs since graduation, working remotely for a small company as a bookkeeper, and in marketing. I recently got my Masters of Science in Accounting from the University of Illinois. I am currently preparing for my CPA exam.
My end goal is to become a Senior Accountant (focusing on tax) at a PE Firm. *Or as 'senior' as I can be while working remotely (as I have no interest in ever returning to the US).
My question is what kind of post-CPA exam employment should I be seeking first, to ultimately reach (or get as close as possible to) this goal in 10-15 yrs? I have no interest in working in a non-remote position. I know that will hurt my salary, advancement, etc. I don't care.
...Should I just be looking for basic entry-level CPA tax accountant positions at Big 4 / National / Large Regional firms, and seeing who offers fully remote employment?
I should mention that I'm also happy to get a cheap MBA, if it will help in a significant way.
Thank you very much in advance for any help whatsoever!
I really don't know a ton about the big-time financial world. But I have seen many PE firms posting well-paid fully remote positions for experienced tax accountants. I imagine there will be an increasing amount of such positions over the next decade.
Best,
Reg
Hey Reg,
Based on the most helpful WSO content and insights from the Wall Street Oasis community, here's a tailored roadmap to help you navigate towards your goal of becoming a Senior Tax Accountant at a PE firm, especially with a preference for remote work:
CPA Certification: You're already on the right track by preparing for your CPA exam. Achieving this certification is crucial and highly regarded in the accounting and finance industry, including PE firms. It not only validates your expertise in accounting but also opens up higher-level opportunities.
Start in Public Accounting: Given your background and goals, seeking positions in tax accounting at Big 4, National, or Large Regional firms is a strategic move. These firms often have more structured pathways for career advancement and are increasingly offering remote positions. Your focus here should be on gaining as much experience in tax-related work as possible, especially in areas that PE firms deal with, such as transaction advisory services, tax structuring, and compliance.
Specialize in Transaction Advisory Services (TAS): After gaining some experience, transitioning to TAS within your firm could be a beneficial move. This experience is highly relevant to PE firms as it involves due diligence, which is a critical part of PE transactions. The insights from the "Transition from Big 4 Consulting to PE - Advice needed" thread on WSO highlight the importance of transaction advisory experience for moving into PE.
Remote Work Considerations: While aiming for a fully remote position, it's essential to build a strong network within your firm and the broader industry. Engaging in remote networking opportunities, such as virtual conferences and online forums like WSO, can help you stay connected and informed about remote opportunities in PE firms.
Consider an MBA: While not strictly necessary, an MBA could complement your technical skills with broader business acumen. Given your preference for a cost-effective option, look for programs that offer strong networking opportunities and have a track record of placing graduates in PE firms or related fields. The insights from the "Q&A - Public Accounting to Top MBA" thread on WSO suggest that business development and leadership experiences, which can be enhanced through an MBA, are valued by MBA programs and employers alike.
Stay Informed and Flexible: The landscape of remote work is evolving, and PE firms are increasingly open to remote positions for experienced professionals. Keep an eye on job postings and industry trends to identify opportunities. The WSO community is a great resource for staying updated on these trends.
Remember, your unique path of combining remote work with a career in high finance, specifically in a PE firm, is ambitious but achievable with the right strategy and persistence. Best of luck on your journey, Reg!
Sources: Q&A - Public Accounting to Top MBA, Exiting Big Four (Audit) after 5 years and entering FP&A - Ask me anything, Not Quite Right: What Do I Do?, Accounting vs Finance: Part 1 – Career Paths, Moving Upstream in PE
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