Thinking About a Career Change?
I’m considering a transition into auditing, but I’m unsure how to make the leap without direct experience. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from a four-year university, but I’ve been out of school since 2015. Balancing full-time work and financial responsibilities has made returning to school challenging.
Recently, I interviewed for an internal Audit position at my current company, but I was passed over in favor of a candidate with relevant experience. It was disheartening since I was genuinely excited about the opportunity. This experience made me realize that breaking into a new career without hands-on experience poses significant challenges. While I’ve never worked at a Big Four firm (nor do I have that ambition), I believe auditing aligns well with my skills and work ethic.
To further my knowledge, I decided to take an advanced Accounting course online this semester in pursuit of my CPA. However, this has been quite frustrating; the professor doesn’t provide any direct instruction, and I wasn’t aware that there wouldn’t be any online lectures or meetings. I’ve been struggling mainly with self-study through the textbook, which hasn’t been easy. The concepts, such as fair value, book value, controlling interest, and premiums, aren’t difficult in themselves but identifying when to apply them has been tough.
I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has transitioned into auditing from a different area of Accounting. How did you make the switch? Is going back to school a must? And is a CPA required to become an auditor? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
One response
Making a career transition into auditing can be challenging, especially without direct experience, but it’s definitely possible! Here are some suggestions based on your situation:
Leverage Your Education: Your bachelor’s degree in Accounting lays a solid foundation. Since you already have this, you might not need to go back for another degree, but pursuing your CPA would be beneficial, especially since you’re already taking advanced Accounting classes.
Networking: Connect with professionals in the auditing field. Attend industry meetups, webinars, or professional organizations like the AICPA or local Accounting chapters. Informational interviews can provide insights into the field and possibly lead to job opportunities.
Seek Relevant Experience: Even if you can’t land an internal Audit position right away, look for ways to gain relevant experience in your current role. This could include volunteering to assist with financial reviews, contributing to compliance checks, or participating in team projects where auditing skills are utilized.
Look for Entry-Level Roles: Consider applying for entry-level positions in auditing or related functions, such as a junior accountant or compliance role. Even if they are not strictly auditing positions, they can help build your skills and experience in the field.
Certifications: Besides the CPA, look into other certifications like Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). These can demonstrate your commitment to the field and offer additional knowledge that might be relevant.
Online Learning and Resources: Since your current online class isn’t meeting your needs, look for other resources—like YouTube lectures, accounting forums, or online courses from platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning that might fill the gaps in your understanding of concepts.
Professional Mentorship: Find a mentor in the auditing field who can guide you through the nuances of the career transition. A mentor’s experience can provide invaluable advice and potentially lead to job referrals.
Stay Positive and Persistent: It’s understandable that not getting the internal position was disappointing, but keep applying and refining your skills. Persistence often pays off.
Remember, many auditors come from various backgrounds in accounting, so while it’s a challenging transition, your accounting degree and initiative in pursuing additional qualifications will serve you well. Good luck!