[FutureChicagoCPA]

Hi everyone! Looking for some career advice. Currently I’m an internal audit supervisor for a Fortune 150 and 5 years of experience. I recently obtained my CPA license and was wondering if I should try to make the switch to public? I have a pretty good set – up right now and the pay isn’t terrible. Just wondering if it will hurt me later on my career not having any public experience. Being higher up in our IA department also makes me hesitant to leave as working in public then going back to private at some point I might have to work my way back up the corporate ladder. Thoughts?

BEC - 86
AUD - 78
REG - 79
FAR - 78

[Quinacridone]

How did you feel going through your study material for the CPA? If you found yourself enjoying the subjects, you might enjoy it. I haven't decided yet if I like the CPA related materials (public accounting) more than I love internal audit (I've been working as an internal auditor (Department of Defense) for 4 years). I love the extra freedom I have in my work and that I can make meaningful recommendations. I don't know that I would love external auditing in the same way.

I work with an internal auditor who left public accounting. She did not like it at all (however, internal audit for the DoD is really a lot of fun). I'm getting my CPA, though, because of all of the threats of reducing the civil service and defense. I need to be ready to step into public accounting if I need to. Given the choice though, I don't know that I would ever leave my job. The only problem I have with it though is there is a ceiling as far as how high I can climb. At some point in the future, I may not be happy stuck forever as a GS12 (yes, the money factor could entice me away eventually (salary maxes out around 78K)).

REG - Nov 4, 2013: 88
FAR - Feb 27, 2014: 86
AUD - April 5, 2014: 91
BEC - May 6, 2014: 83

Florida CPA 24 July 2014
(Done in seven months - thank you Jesus!!)

[Quinacridone]

How did you feel going through your study material for the CPA? If you found yourself enjoying the subjects, you might enjoy it. I haven't decided yet if I like the CPA related materials (public accounting) more than I love internal audit (I've been working as an internal auditor (Department of Defense) for 4 years). I love the extra freedom I have in my work and that I can make meaningful recommendations. I don't know that I would love external auditing in the same way.

I work with an internal auditor who left public accounting. She did not like it at all (however, internal audit for the DoD is really a lot of fun). I'm getting my CPA, though, because of all of the threats of reducing the civil service and defense. I need to be ready to step into public accounting if I need to. Given the choice though, I don't know that I would ever leave my job. The only problem I have with it though is there is a ceiling as far as how high I can climb. At some point in the future, I may not be happy stuck forever as a GS12 (yes, the money factor could entice me away eventually (salary maxes out around 78K)).

REG - Nov 4, 2013: 88
FAR - Feb 27, 2014: 86
AUD - April 5, 2014: 91
BEC - May 6, 2014: 83

Florida CPA 24 July 2014
(Done in seven months - thank you Jesus!!)

[fuzyfro89]

It depends. I currently work in an internal consulting capacity in industry and previously worked in Big 4 audit. I like my job now as it is more consultative than assurance. Of the 8 people in my group (staff to director), the director, manager, 1 senior, and 2 staff never worked in public (IA at other companies). 3/8 did work in Big 4 audit.

It's not absolutely necessary, but I will say that having the Big 4 background is respected when I introduce myself to new people in the company.

To your question, no it is not necessary, but may be helpful. With 5 years of experience, however, I don't know how helpful public accounting (I'm assuming you mean external audit) would be.

Maybe you could consider internal audit consulting so you don't have to take a pay cut and/or demotion?

[fuzyfro89]

It depends. I currently work in an internal consulting capacity in industry and previously worked in Big 4 audit. I like my job now as it is more consultative than assurance. Of the 8 people in my group (staff to director), the director, manager, 1 senior, and 2 staff never worked in public (IA at other companies). 3/8 did work in Big 4 audit.

It's not absolutely necessary, but I will say that having the Big 4 background is respected when I introduce myself to new people in the company.

To your question, no it is not necessary, but may be helpful. With 5 years of experience, however, I don't know how helpful public accounting (I'm assuming you mean external audit) would be.

Maybe you could consider internal audit consulting so you don't have to take a pay cut and/or demotion?

[Author]

Replies