The Benefits of Working at a Midsize Firm

Every accounting firm has a unique personality with different advantages and drawbacks. A major factor contributing to each firm’s particular culture is its size. Large firms, like the Big Four, tend to feel very corporate and cold, while small-to-midsize firms are more intimate, with greater opportunities to learn various specializations, get guidance from senior colleagues, and advance your career, as well as better work-life balance.

Diverse Work Opportunities

At larger accounting firms, employees can get pigeonholed into a single area of expertise and find it difficult to branch out. In contrast, midsize accounting firms often require employees to take on multiple roles, which can offer valuable opportunities for professional growth and learning across different areas of accounting.

Learn Directly from Seniors and Partners

You’re more likely to have direct supervision and guidance from a senior colleague at a midsize firm. This can be especially beneficial for those starting their careers, as it provides learning opportunities that may not be available at a larger firm. You’ll also get to know the partners personally and, in some cases, learn from them directly.

Career Advancement

While larger accounting firms typically have established advancement goals with specific timelines, midsize accounting firms place more emphasis on individual qualities and abilities. Advancement in midsize firms is usually based on an employee's performance, willingness to learn, and personal attributes rather than a fixed timetable. Additionally, with fewer levels of hierarchy, it’s easier to get noticed and take on more responsibility.

Work-Life Balance

In contrast to the high-pressure work culture and long hours typically associated with larger accounting firms, midsize firms often offer a better work-life balance due to the smaller workload. Midsize accounting firms also provide more flexible work options and greater autonomy to employees, partly because they have a shorter chain of command compared to larger firms.

If you’re looking for a more varied workload, direct supervision, opportunities for advancement, and work-life balance, a midsize accounting firm may be a good fit for you. On the downside, midsize accounting firms may not be able to offer the same salary packages as larger firms, though this is offset by other benefits.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career development, consider a midsize firm, such as Wei, Wei & Co. Check out our open opportunities here.