Considering a Shift to Senior Accountant: Is It the Right Move for You?
As professionals in the finance and auditing sectors, many of us reach a crossroads in our careers where we contemplate the potential benefits and drawbacks of pivoting to new roles. One such decision point is the question of whether to transition from a senior auditor role to that of a senior accountant. If you’re in the midst of such contemplation, you are not alone. Here, we explore whether this switch might be the right choice for you, examining the nuances of each role and comparing them in terms of predictability, routine, work-life balance, and compensation.
Your Current Situation
Having acquired both your CPA and CIA, you’re already well-equipped with valuable credentials. With three years of experience in external Audit and two years in internal Audit, you’re currently practicing internal Audit at a bank. You treasure the work-life balance that this position affords. However, the nature of audit work—constantly moving from one project to another, feeling frequently out of your depth, and needing to present to knowledgeable stakeholders—can be overwhelming and unsettling.
Is a Senior Accountant Role the Answer?
The role of a senior accountant can potentially offer more stability and predictability. Generally, the work involves routine tasks that can make day-to-day activities more consistent, unlike the ever-changing landscape of auditing. You might spend your days on financial reporting, budgeting, and ensuring compliance, which may provide a more structured environment.
In terms of hours and salary, senior accountant roles typically offer comparable work hours to audit roles, though this can vary by industry and organization. It’s worth investigating specific opportunities to ensure the terms align with your expectations.
Exploring the SOX Auditor Role
Alternatively, a Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) auditor position might strike a good balance for your needs. While some describe the work as monotonous, it is known for its predictable and stable nature. It involves testing controls over financial reporting, often with less dramatic shifts between assignments compared to general operational audits. This role might provide that sense of routine you’re yearning for while maintaining compatible work hours with your current position.
Conclusion
Making the switch from a senior auditor to a senior accountant—or considering the role of a SOX auditor—requires thoughtful consideration of what you value most in your professional life. If predictability and a routine schedule are high on your priority list, these roles might indeed be worth exploring. Whatever decision you make, ensure it aligns with your long-term career goals
One response
It’s wonderful that you’ve taken the time to assess your career path and consider what aspects of your job bring you satisfaction. Transitioning from a senior auditor to a senior accountant role, or even considering a SOX auditor position, involves weighing both the nature of the work and lifestyle balance you’re aiming for.
Predictability and Routine:
In Accounting roles, especially in industry, your workdays can be significantly more predictable compared to Audit roles. As a senior accountant, much of the work involves managing financial records, preparing financial statements, and ensuring regulatory compliance. This usually means a structured schedule centered around monthly, quarterly, and yearly closing processes, which can provide a routine that many find comfort in.
Role Specifics and Work Environment:
Unlike Audit roles, which require you to adapt to different projects and stakeholders, Accounting roles are generally more stable. You’ll work with internal teams and data, focusing on consistency and accuracy rather than investigative or project-based assignments. That said, the role still demands a solid understanding of finance principles and the ability to analyze and present data clearly, albeit to a narrower audience compared to auditing.
Hours and Work-Life Balance:
The work-life balance in Accounting can be favorable, though it often depends on the company’s culture and the time of year. Busy periods such as month-end and year-end closings might require additional hours, but typically, the demands are predictable. In contrast, auditing, especially internal Audit roles, can have variable hours dictated by project demands and travel requirements.
Compensation Comparison:
Salaries can vary significantly by industry, location, and company size. Generally, senior accountants might earn slightly less than senior auditors, but the difference can be minimal depending on various factors like company bonuses and financial performance. Internal audit roles, including SOX, can sometimes offer competitive salaries and benefits, especially in sectors like banking and consulting where compliance is crucial.
Considering a SOX Auditor Role:
Switching to a SOX auditor position might align well with your current skills since it combines auditing with a focus on internal control over financial reporting. The predictability here comes from structured testing and reporting cycles. While some might view the work as more repetitive, it offers regularity and focus that you mentioned appreciating. Many find this work to be less dynamic but more stable, fitting well with those who prefer less variative day-to-day responsibilities.
Final Thoughts:
Deciding whether to pivot to a senior accountant position or a SOX auditor role should come down