Entry Level Conundrum
Hey yall,
Recent grad (2024). I have my 150 and plan to pursue the CPA (eventually lol). I currently work as a staff accountant for a small restaurant company and have been in the position for 11 months. Basic responsibilities (AP, Bank Recs, generating Financials and Budgets, etc etc), and I report directly to the CFO, who is a CPA. I've Overhauled most of my responsibilities with excel automation scripts and xlookup formulas, which my boss is very thankful for. Due to internal conflicts, poor management by decision makers, a lack of benefits (no 401k, crappy healthcare, 14 days pto come my anniversary), poor pay (50k), and an hour 30 commute all in, I've begun looking for a new job.
After 2ish months of looking for a new job, after my first interview I've been offered a new position as a staff accountant for a small (6 location) law firm close to me where I would directly report to the firm owners. I would basically be doing the same stuff, but there is a client facing aspect to it where I talk with clients about billing. There is a promise of hybrid (2 day remote) after training, which would be a few months in. They have a matching 401k, seemingly better health benefits (can only go up from rock bottom), and I would be payed 60k annually.
My question is, in yalls experience would I be handicapping my career by accepting a position for a similar role after only spending 11 months in the restaurant company? Should I hold out for a company that has a stronger internal growth track and where I would be learning directly from accountants? I want to make sure I'm doing what's best for my career, that also involves not becoming a flight risk, so I need to be picky.
Posted Mar 5, 2026, 6:06 AM UTC