Considering a Career Transition to Auditing
I’m looking to switch careers and venture into auditing, but I’m unsure how to navigate this transition without direct experience. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from a four-year university and have been out of school since 2015. Balancing a full-time job while supporting myself has made returning to school quite challenging.
Recently, I interviewed for an internal Audit role at my current job but wasn’t selected due to a lack of relevant experience. They chose a candidate with a more robust background, which was disheartening because I was genuinely excited about this potential career shift. It made me realize that breaking into a new field can be tough without the requisite experience.
I’ve never worked for a Big Four firm, nor have I had the desire to, but I truly believe that auditing aligns well with my skills and work ethic. To enhance my qualifications, I enrolled in an advanced Accounting course this semester online, with the intention of pursuing a CPA. However, the experience has been frustrating; my professor doesn’t provide much teaching, and I wasn’t aware that the online format lacks interactive lectures or meetings. I’m finding it challenging to grasp certain concepts solely through reading the textbook.
I’d love to hear from anyone who has made a similar transition into auditing from another area of Accounting. How did you successfully navigate this change? Is further education essential for making this shift, and is obtaining a CPA a requirement to become an auditor? Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated!
One response
It’s great that you’re considering a career change into auditing, especially with your background in Accounting! Many people successfully transition into different areas of finance and Accounting, and there are definitely ways to make this shift even without direct auditing experience. Here are some steps and suggestions to help you navigate this change:
Leverage Your Existing Skills: Since you have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, you already possess foundational knowledge essential for auditing. Highlight relevant skills on your resume, such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills that are crucial in both accounting and auditing roles.
Networking: Connect with professionals in the auditing field. Attend industry seminars, workshops, or networking events to meet auditors and learn more about their experiences. Joining professional organizations such as the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) can provide valuable resources and networking opportunities.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to people in auditing roles (including those who work at your company) and ask for informational interviews. These can provide insights into what skills are valued, any tips they might have for breaking into the field, or possibly even leads on job opportunities.
Consider Entry-Level Audit Positions: Look for entry-level positions or internships in auditing or accounting that may not require direct experience. Sometimes, smaller firms or companies might be willing to train candidates who show potential and a willingness to learn.
Online Courses and Certifications: If your current advanced accounting course isn’t meeting your expectations, consider looking for more engaging online courses or platforms that offer great materials (like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or others). There are also certifications like Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) that focus specifically on internal auditing and could give you an edge.
CPAs vs. Non-CPAs in Auditing: While having a CPA can enhance your qualifications and may be required for certain auditing positions, it’s not always mandatory, particularly for entry-level or internal Audit roles. However, pursuing the CPA is a great idea as it demonstrates your commitment to the field and can open more doors.
Stay Persistent: It can be disheartening to face setbacks like the job interview, but persistence is key. Each experience, whether successful or not, contributes to your career growth. Stay positive and continue to seek opportunities to learn and improve your candidacy for Audit roles.
Gain Relevant Experience: Even in your current role, seek out opportunities to get involved in audit-related tasks or projects. This could be shadowing someone in the audit department or volunteering for related duties.
Remember, many professionals transition into auditing from varied backgrounds. It may take some time, but with determination and strategic planning, you can successfully make the transition. Good luck on your journey!