[Anonymous]

I have two potential exit opportunities from public accounting audit but am not sure which would be the best fit for me.

The first is a Transaction & Valuation Analyst doing M&A type stuff, due diligence, etc.

The second is a consulting position with the internal audit risk advisory service line in public accounting. This type of work would entail control testing, operational audits, SOC work, etc.

I am not sure which to pursue. The M&A job sounds more ‘sexy’ but my confidence is crushed as my yearly performance evaluation was one of the lowest ratings, and the partner essentially told me to start looking for a different job outside of external audit with that particular group. I am very personable and have excellent soft skills, but I think where I failed was my technical skills. The partner told me that I wasn’t catching on as quick as I should have and that my work wasn’t always done in the quickest, most efficient manner. I consider myself a more big picture, strategy oriented guy. I didn’t really care for all the details in ticking and tying the numbers, and completing all the compliance related tasks that come with financial statement audits. My biggest fear is failing and not being a ‘high performer’ in the M&A analyst job, and be out on the street looking to try something else..Essentially, I want to make a move now that will put me in a job that I like and am good at…I think I am more interested in the M&A role, but am worried I might not be a high enough performer, whereas I think the consulting job could be ‘easier’, more laid back etc, but also more repetitive (control testing).

What do you guys think?

[Thrawn]

do m&a. thats where the money travel and glory are.

BEC 87 Feb 14
REG 84 Apr 14
FAR 82 Nov 14
AUD 86 Feb 15

[MaLoTu]

The consulting role seems more closely related to what you are doing now. It is basically audit, but more attestation type stuff rather than financial or integrated audit.

M&A is still an assurance line of work, but I think it may be different enough to give you a fresh start. Maybe you will be able to find your niche.

And just curious, why do you think that the consulting gig is going to be more laid back? You listed many different areas that they deal with. I am interviewing for an SOC assurance position and they travel 40% of the time and they have all said that there is a lot of variability in each engagement.

Good luck in whatever you decide. I wish I had a more insightful response for you.

oh, and you cannot let your past failures define you. Move on from your current role and purpose in your heart to be the best at what you are doing in the next role you get.

Almost always from my phone... please excuse my typos!

All 4 passed - 2016

CA CPA

[Anonymous]

I guess what I meant by laid back is that I think with M&A the hours could be crazy at times depending on when a deal needs to go through and the deadlines associated with that…where as with internal audit consulting the hours would be a little more consistent.

Thanks for the advice MaLoTu!

[Anonymous]

Control testing is the worst part of being an auditor. Why would you ever want to change to a SOX testing role is beyond me.

[Author]

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