“I personally think a CPA certificate > 4.0, 3.0,2.0 GPA. What good is the 4.0 if that person can't pass the CPA exam?”
What good is the CPA exam without the work experience you want? Yes, GPA becomes redundant once you enter the workplace. However, it's a very important piece when you're initially recruiting (preferably during school) and can hinder or help you in that regard. But I digress..
@OP,
You have an advantage in that you already work for the company. In what capacity do you work in? How long have you been there? Do you have a good performance review/work reputation? If so, then I suggest:
1. Reach out to your immediate supervisor, and mention your interest in eventually transitioning into a corporate role within the IA department. It makes sense since it's related to your major and career goals. If they like you they'll vouch for you and help you navigate the transition.
2. Begin the process of taking the CIA or CPA exam. Since you don't have any public experience a CPA is not necessarily needed, but it's definitely beneficial. However, for your situation I think the CIA is more beneficial. It's easier (from what I've heard), there's more immediate relevance in terms of being an entry level auditor, and you already said your company internal auditors don't really have the CPA. If possible, try passing at least one part of the exam before you start the official process of reaching out to people in the company.
3. Depending on how comfortable you feel or what contacts you have, you might want to try and reach out to someone in IA. If you don't know anyone in the department it's a matter of just picking someone you think will be open to talking with you and emailing them. Just ask for 5-10 minutes of their time because you're graduating soon, interested in IA, and would like to ask some questions/pick their brain on their career. Often times it's best to reach our to a Senior or Manager level, as entry level professionals haven't really got the hang of networking nor do they understand the value. So if you email a first year person, they might just flake out and ignore you completely. Also, a good indication that they're open to be emailed is if they're active on Linkedin or you see them at other company-sponsored networking events.
4. Get a good story ready for your low GPA. I'm not gonna sugar coat it and just plainly say that a 2.64 GPA sucks on paper. However, you might have some kind of good reason or interesting story to tell on why it's so low. Whatever you do don't ignore it. If the hiring manager is worth their salt they'll at least bring it up once.
If the above sounds like too much work or you're uncomfortable doing it, then either 1) Go back to school and rise your GPA somehow with a Masters or additional hours of the CPA exam (if needed), or 2) Network heavily in all areas you can think of. Also, take one of the CPA or CIA exams. I think with your grades it's almost a must in order to show an employer that you have the work ethic and ability to focus on something work-related, or 3) Find something else to do.
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