Big 4 auditor looking for part time solution...

[TenCupsOfTea]

Have NC, just in case.....

Am currently on mat leave with dc2, dc1 due to start school in September.

I don't think I will be able to return to my current job, the long hours, commuting and bringing work home isn't going to fit in to my other role as a mum. I have no family help nearby, DH works long hours too and is paid more than me. Also, I've had enough of the corporate BS, and working for a big name is less important to me than my work life balance tbh.

So, any accountants/auditors out there who didn't return to their original jobs, please tell me what you went on to do. I need something part time ( after dc1 I went back to work 4 days a week, which meant I was doing 5 days work and getting paid for 4 basically)..... But something that isn't going to be boring.....

[Knotter]

Have been a part time financial controller for a range of smaller businesses since having dc. However, these jobs seem to be few and far between and involve doing a full time job in part time hours.... Thinking of retraining in something completely different now, but probably won't!

[TenCupsOfTea]

knotter I've had the same thoughts about retraining, but as what?! And I think I would like to go back to finance at some point, so don't want to completely get out of the game.

[Moggy72]

Tencups - I recently came across a recruitment agency that just does part time careers for professional women. They are called Capability Jane. Maybe speak to them about something 4 days a week ?

[TenCupsOfTea]

Ooh thanks Moggy, will do.

[Sleepwhenidie]

Have you talked to them about PT work? I used to work for KPMG, didn't have DC's until a long time after I left but they have been amazing with ex-colleagues still there with DC's, very flexible solution worked out. The size of the firm allows them to be that way, unlike smaller ones. Now that my friend's DC's are in school she works PT but full weeks in term time and all school holidays off. You may want to talk to them/think about it before you jump ship

[TenCupsOfTea]

Bump

[TenCupsOfTea]

Just looked at capability Jane website, brilliant idea but unfortunately thy appear to only cover London and the south east. I'm in the midlands

[SnowBells]

Often, bigger companies are better with PT arrangements than smaller ones. A lot of my friends in the City who are stressed work for smaller companies. Does no one in your company have PT arrangements?

Warning though: going PT means your career will be on ice (as in, probably few movements up) for a while...

[Sleepwhenidie]

I'd agree with your last point snowbells, be prepared to watch junior staf gradually get promoted beyond you if you are PT , seems to be the price you pay .

[TheGreatHunt]

I'm an auditor doing a 5 day (or maybe 7 day) week job in 4

I used to work three days but no career progression so back up to 4.

However am also looking for new roles. Can you switch to a different part of your firm eg assurance then use that to get a job out? Where have others gone when they've left (not just mothers)?

[Jemimapuddleduk]

Hello- I trained with one of the big 4 and worked in the manchester then london office. I left 5 years ago and now work as an Internal Audit manager for a large retailer. It's a v family friendly company and I intend to go back 3 days a week after my current mat leave. Best decision I ever made. Much better hours, no travel and I have progressed fairly quickly too. Best of luck.