I’m an accounting major. The Big 4 doesn’t recruit at my school, but there are tons of regional firms. I’m more interested in doing private/corporate accounting. Despite not wanting to do public accounting, I still want to get my CPA just to keep my options open. Is the Big 4 really necessary or will I be screwed? I don’t mind not advancing above the senior accountant level as long as I can keep myself employed.
Also, how much could I make as a senior accountant in Houston in the private industry, assuming I have 5 years of experience with a CPA. And how much could I make w/o the CPA?
You should be able to carve out a good career for yourself. I’d suggest that you consider a regional public firm for a couple of years so you can see some different types of companies and get your experience requirement for the CPA met before you take a job in private accounting. If you really prefer to go directly into private company first check the experience requirement with your state board – in some states you can meet the experience requirement if you work in private account but are managed by a CPA.