[Anonymous]

Hi Everyone –

Here’s my current situation: I work for a F500 retailer/wholesaler as an Internal Auditor, I really like the industry and the company. I’m getting exposed to lots of different things (journal entry testing, vendor fund testing, special projects, direct assist work for our Big 4 auditor, traveling for region and retail audits). I previously worked for the same company in inventory management for 1 year. I’m also finishing up my Master of Finance degree and just passed my last CPA section. There are 3 CPAs in the internal audit department so getting my experience signed off on wont be an issue.

I’m wondering what I should do next, I’m currently thinking about staying the department for 3 years (approximately the amount of time to become a senior). Then moving on to another department in the same company, we have a large finance organization (approximately 900 people). Are there particular departments that I should try to get exposure to as I move up in the company? Does 3 years sound like the right amount of time in internal audit?

Thanks for your help!

[Anonymous]

I work in internal audit as mid size public company and I'm in a similar role as you…a lot of direct assistance for our Big 4 auditor, traveling internationally for SOX work and operational audits, among other things. I'm about a year and a half in and I plan on asking for a promotion to senior at the end of this year, once I get my CPA license, which will also mark the beginning of my third year in the department. I am essentially using the IA role as a springboard to the finance department, either in the revenue department, external reporting, or treasury. If that doesn't work out, I'll look elsewhere.

[How many letters do you need]

Being a CFO is all about diversity because there are times you need to zero in on the detail (to an extent and depending on the size of the organization) and then others you need the big picture strategy and you have to be able to move seamlessly between the two. Starting in audit is good..here is how I would plan it if I were you. Add some general accounting to get the monthly close experience…up to a controller position if possible. Once you are there you can try to make the jump right from controller; some can and some cant. If you can't I would then consider a finance strategy role such as a Director of FP&A. By then you should be 15-20 years in and should be prime for a smaller company CFO. Easy! 🙂

MBA,CMA,CPA, CFF?, ABV?

[Author]

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