Considering a Career Change to Auditing?
I’m looking to transition into an auditing career but lack direct experience. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from a four-year university, but since graduating in 2015, I’ve found it difficult to go back to school while working full-time and balancing my financial responsibilities.
Recently, I interviewed for an internal Audit position at my current job but was not selected. They chose someone with more direct experience, which was disheartening because I was truly excited about this opportunity. It’s frustrating to be reminded that without experience, making a career shift can be challenging. Although I never aspired to work for the Big Four firms, I believe that a career in auditing aligns well with my skills and work ethic.
To further my qualifications, I enrolled in an advanced Accounting course online this semester in pursuit of my CPA. Unfortunately, the experience has been less than ideal; the professor doesn’t provide instruction, and I was unaware that there wouldn’t be online lectures or meetings. I’ve struggled with the material primarily due to the lack of guidance and have found it challenging to apply certain concepts, such as fair value and controlling interest, without support.
Has anyone here successfully transitioned into auditing from a different area of Accounting? What steps did you take to make the change? Is returning to school essential for this transition? And do I need to be a CPA to pursue a career in auditing?
One response
Making a career change into auditing can be challenging, especially without direct experience, but it’s definitely possible! Here are some steps and tips that might help you navigate this transition:
Leverage Your Current Skills: Since you already have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, make sure to highlight relevant skills you developed in your previous roles. Skills like analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving are invaluable in auditing and can help you stand out even without direct experience.
Networking: Connect with professionals in auditing roles. Attend industry events, join Accounting or auditing associations, and engage with online forums or LinkedIn groups. Sometimes, a recommendation or referral can be more valuable than formal experience.
Consider Certifications: While not always necessary, certifications like Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) can enhance your credentials. They demonstrate a commitment to the field and can often make you more competitive, even without direct experience.
Seek Smaller Firms: Consider applying to smaller Accounting firms or companies that may be more willing to hire someone without extensive experience. They often value enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
Volunteer or Participate in Projects: If feasible, look for volunteer opportunities or projects related to auditing. This could be within your current job or through non-profit organizations. Hands-on experience, even if informal, can be a great way to build your résumé.
Online Education Resources: Since you’re finding your current accounting course challenging, consider looking for other online resources or platforms that offer more structured learning with additional support, such as video lectures and forums where you can ask questions.
Feedback from the Internal Audit Interview: Obtain feedback from your internal interview, if possible. Understanding what specific skills or experiences they were looking for can help you target your learning and development.
Stay Positive and Persistent: A career change can take time, and it’s normal to face setbacks. Keep your goals in mind and don’t be discouraged by obstacles. Staying passionate about the field can help you overcome challenges.
While it’s not strictly necessary to be a CPA to work in auditing, having that credential can open more doors and provide a significant advantage. Continue to work on your CPA journey, as it will only add to your qualifications.
Best of luck in your career transition! It can be a rocky road, but with determination and strategic steps, you can achieve your goal to move into auditing.