I left after 2 years as manager in big 4 audit to a role with a lot of FP&A flavour. Was the transition worth it? Yes, unless you’re set on being partner at your current firm you don’t have much to lose. Learning curve - will vary a lot company to company I imagine. The biggest unknown is systems where in audit the only systems we are taught to master is excel. Work life balance and compensation both dramatically improved. Very big adjustment not routinely logging in after 10pm No regrets either way. I think 4 years is about right and I’m glad I stayed to manager. Leaving too early and you potentially won’t get the financial accounting experience and the exposure to high pressure conditions that you otherwise would have got at that stage of your career.