In-House Tax Staff: You May Get Invite to Big Four Soon

Corporate tax accountants are a hot commodity and are being traded to public accounting firms as part of a wave of outsourcing deals.

The change of employer is billed as a guaranteed job and a good career opportunity. But the switch from corporate to public accounting firms represents a cultural shift for the accountants, many of whom likely started their careers at CPA firms only to leave for better pay and hours.

Duke Energy Corp. became the latest to transfer its tax work. The company announced this month that 46 of its in-house tax employees would be offered full-time positions ...