[Anonymous]

Hi All,

I am in a mid-level accounting management position for a large financial institution. I have been thinking about a transition to a different role to broaden/enhance my current skill sets. A position opened up in internal audit (focused on compliance) at the same level. I am considering applying for the position. Has anyone else transition from accounting to internal audit? If so, what did you think after you made the move?

[tbizzle]

@benboy12 I am just seeing this now… I went from public accounting to internal audit five years ago and I am so glad I got talked into internal audit. It offers a lot of constant learning (compliance, finance, IT and operations all in one day and business processes change frequently), there is no month end, I work with all departments (except Marketing), offers more work life balance than other accounting/finance type roles, there are lots of career specialties and if you don't want to stay in internal audit, it's a great launch to other roles within an organization. The only downside I've seen is that internal audit jobs are limited to where there are public companies and/or heavily regulated industries i.e. insurance and banking. So if you like living the small-town lifestyle, it might be tough to find a job. Curious what you decided to do!

[jdub]

I went from a Senior Accounting role to a Staff Internal audit role and my plan was to get my foot in the door and then go back to accounting because I didnt want to be an auditor. I since had to move and am back in an Accounting role.

I loved Internal Audit and miss it a lot. I gave it a chance and it was awesome. I loved not having to deal with close, I learned a ton about the company I wouldn't have otherwise. And I'm kind of nerdy but I actually liked texting SOX controls Haha. It was also one of the most flexible and autonomous jobs I've ever had. If you have the opportunity I would say jump on it because IA is few and far between in my opinion and everyone that I know generally doesnt leave those positions.

[Author]

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