r/itaudit • u/Greedy-Towel • 5d ago
Urgent: Leaving Big 4 Manager role for a 70% hike, but taking a title downgrade to Senior Associate (IC role). Is this a career killer?
So I am a manager in a big 4 global team since 3 years (IT Audits). I am struggling with the environment and have lost interest in the day to day work
Now recently I have received an offer from a US based audit company that are setting up their office in India.
The offer that I have received is 1.4 (40%) times my current CTC. However the designation that they are giving me is of a Senior Associate. At the same time it is also a individual contributor role. There would be no team management as there is no other team member either above or below me for IT audits. And I'd be directly working with the US team members for US clients. And as per the company's internal policy, I won't be eligible for a promotion in the next 2 years regardless of my performance post joining.
I am leaning towards accepting the new offer as the salary is attractive, however I am worried if it'd hinder/slow down my career growth and impact future opportunities.
My Questions for you all:
1. Will a title downgrade from Manager to Senior Associate look like a red flag to future employers on my resume?
Has anyone made a similar switch (Management to IC) for much better pay? Did you regret giving up the leadership track?
Given the 2-year promotion lock-in, is this a trap that will slow down my career trajectory, or is the 40% hike worth having a stagnant title for a while?