Reflections of an Audit Partner in a Top 20 Firm

We recently caught up with an Audit Partner who Adlestrop Consulting placed at a Top 20 firm, about what they have learned from their first move out of Big 4, their observations and reflections on the guidance we provided as well as advice to audit professionals in a similar position. 

What drove the move initially?

The main driver for me to consider moving away from Big 4 was that the enjoyable elements of the role had been taken away, this was mainly down to regulatory change forcing firms to focus more on the technical side of the audit.

I had previously enjoyed business development, client interaction and developing a team. It was only when I sat back to reflect on my career to date and what I wanted, I realised the enjoyment factor had slowly drifted away, directly contributing to why I was becoming unhappy.

I felt like I was a cog in the corporate machine where I wasn't developing or being challenged.

As a result, I was keen to understand what else was available in the market, where I could utilise my skillset and experience, whilst getting the enjoyment factor back.
 

What has the move meant for you professionally and personally?

I now have a healthy work life balance, splitting my time between being in the office with team, seeing clients as well as working remotely from home. I feel this has allowed me to be a better person.

The relentlessly long hours and working weekends are no longer required due to being a very well-resourced firm and team.

From a professional perspective, I now feel that I am making a meaningful contribution where my experience and knowledge is valued. This has allowed me to utilise a skillset that I have developed throughout my career - leading to an enjoyable and varied role.

I have developed more across the breadth of my role in the past 15 months, compared to the 3 years prior to making a move.
 
 

What has surprised you most about the move?

The mid-tier is a relatively different approach to operating in comparison to the Big 4. There is a distinct difference in creating a true culture across the firm that everyone buys into and wants to be part of, built upon a team of great individuals.
  
The nature of the role is focused back on the elements that I enjoy, and I am strong in. It provides me with freedom and variety - this was realised immediately. I now have the ability to build a business within a business.

The firm is currently in a period of rapid growth; we have similar growth ambitions to that of the Big 4. It is a great time to be part of this firm with the right foundations in place.

 

Would you have made the move sooner if you know what you know now?

Yes, because there is a lack of awareness amongst the Big 4 that these types of roles exist at a mid-tier firm. Especially with the calibre of clients.

There is a misconception in the Big 4 that the client base in the mid-tier is not as big or interesting - this is incorrect.

You will still have the ability to work on and win the large scale, interesting clients. 

What advice would you give to someone in a Big 4 firm who is at a similar position to you before making a move?

I would encourage anyone who is unhappy in their current role and beginning to look at what the next stage of their career might look like, go and explore the entire market and have an open mind.

Don't become distracted by only knowing what you know.