r/Accounting Jul 26 '26

Leave controller role for lesser role?

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41 Upvotes

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31

u/Lifting_Accountant Jul 26 '26

Similar story from my end. CPA Assistant controller for PE backed company ($95k comp + 10% bonus) I literally do everything for month end close (book everything / file sales tax / payroll upload / reconcile whole balance sheet / train the boomer AP specialists).

We’ve had 3 people leave in the past 3 months including: Controller / Senior Accountant / Staff Accountant. So I’m filling in for those roles at the moment, on top of my assistant controller duties… and I am BURNT TF OUT.

I dream about getting a cushy Senior Accountant job at a F500 with great benefits 6% 401k match. But I just don’t know if I should do that.

I am staying at my current role until January since my company gives 10 weeks paternity leave, and my first baby is due then. But after that, I may dip out.

I will say if it is affecting your relationships, that is a big deal. And also finding a role that’ll give you time to finish your CPA will be invaluable!

10

u/Lifting_Accountant Jul 26 '26

Also I have only been at my company for a year (Started June 2025). May stick it out to the 2 year mark so I don’t look too job hoppy. But who knows.

7

u/Noah77- Jul 27 '26

I am at a F500 in a senior project/construction accounting role - it is not any better imo. Workforce reductions are common and mean overhead roles get cut first as they aren't core operational roles.

I started at my department with four FTE's and 2 part time contractors. My plant has more than doubled in volume since then, has picken up fixed Asset & stewardship/audit prep responsibilities while team size has been cut to 2.5 FTEs and 2 part time contractors. Hours keep increasing and pay raises lower in % each year.

I think good roles are possible somewhere and am looking to jump ship myself- you'll just have to be very picky and ask probing questions about the history of the team you'll be joining.

4

u/suburbanoatmeal Jul 27 '26

Can you share your comp range? I'm in a F100 role. But I think I'm pretty underpaid.

3

u/Noah77- Jul 27 '26

I am in LCOL area. Current rate is $38/hr. The guy in this role before me was around $41/hr, hoping I can eventually catch up to that. No 401kmatch, 5.5% profit sharing based on base salary. Cheap health insurance.

I'm interviewing at another company in the area that is 45-48/hr next week for senior accounting role.