[Anonymous]

Hi,

I am in Big 4 advisory since last july, but I basically support audits for controls testing. I passed my CPA exam last year. I am getting tired of all the travelling and the controls testing work. I don’t know if audit would be any different either. I feel like I have forgot all the accounting. i don’t know what to do?

[Zaq]

What were your original long-term plans upon entering the profession?

Where do you want to end up?

FAR: 50, 76!
REG: 74... (ouch baby, very ouch), 76!
AUD: 65, 91!?
BEC: 80! Aaaand doneskies!

May 2012 to August 2013. Can't believe it's over.

[Anonymous]

I didn't have any long term plans. Although for short term I would like to be a Financial Analyst. I just got to know today that I got a 4 rating, although I had 3's on all my evaluations, except the last one. I did an internship in tax (didn't like that), now I failed at this. I don't know what to do.

[Anonymous]

Exactly what line of advisory are you in? IT? Risk?

Either way keep your head up man it's your first year! You have tons of options including going to private industry in the form of internal audit or some sort of financial analyst role.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I am in IT Risk. Therefore when I apply to financial/accounting analyst roles, I don't get any responses.

[Anonymous]

Try and work with recruiters from linkedIn and network. Also you'd probably get into a internal audit position pretty easily and from there move to a FA position. Do you want to move to audit?

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I would like to see what audit does, but I don't think now that will be possible with my 4 rating

[ruggercpa2b]

I am in internal audit and have done some IT audits. A few weeks ago I brought up my concern with being in audit and wanting to transition to an analyst role and one of the things my counselor told me was that companies do look to hire auditors because you understand processes. Maybe you can look at what you do at your current role that would help you excel as a financial analyst and try to highlight those skills.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[Anonymous]

Thanks aero and rugger. Would anyone know what is the best way to hunt for a job in the industry?

[thegrinch]

I agree with the advice of jumping to industry in an internal audit role. Sure, you will be testing controls again, but this time they likely will be more than IT, and after a couple years you can transfer to a more financial role. I understand your frustration with the IT audit advisory position. I know a few friends in that practice who did not intend to start in that field but got convinced by recruiters that they could jump around. Well, 2-3 years later, they're still in those positions that they're not 100% happy with.

Explore internal audit opportunities with big companies in your area. A lot of them treat their internal audit department like a “starting point” in the company. After 18 mos or 2 years (or maybe more, depends), you can switch to one of the finance departments if you wish, as long as you've demonstrated competency and a strong work ethic. Make sure that if you take such an IA opportunity, that it is with a company that values their IA department. Some companies don't, and you would just be pigeon-holed there for years. I'm sure you don't want that.

[Author]

Replies