[Myredstapler]

Does anyone have any experience in an internal audit role at a large company? Are the hours decent compared to the Big 4? I have about 3 years experience at a Big4 and am having trouble deciding on where to go next. As most people I hate public accounting and the hours but I am not too sure If internal audit would be a good move. Experiences and suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I was an intern in the internal audit department for a fortune 500 company. Every person in my department of 15 people came from public accounting except one. Seniors and supervisors worked around 40-45 hours a week. The managers and directors maybe around 45-50. The only time they would have to work more than that is when they were doing fieldwork for an audit. Which is maybe about 4 to 6 weeks spread pretty much evenly throughout the year.

[Mayo]

“I was an intern in the internal audit department for a fortune 500 company. Every person in my department of 15 people came from public accounting except one. Seniors and supervisors worked around 40-45 hours a week. The managers and directors maybe around 45-50. The only time they would have to work more than that is when they were doing fieldwork for an audit. Which is maybe about 4 to 6 weeks spread pretty much evenly throughout the year.”

Almost had the exact same experience. I was an IA intern at a small public company.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[DTBird]

I am an Auditor for Waste Management ($13B Revs 2016) Our Audit shop is about 25-30 people. I work around 40 hours a week, except when traveling. During travel times I am usually traveling, working, or driving for about 70 hours a week. The expectations for travel in my Audit shop are 20-30%. I do not have public accounting experience. My previous job was as a Fixed Asset & Construction Accountant for a Public Real Estate Investment Trust.

AUD - 78
BEC - 77
FAR - 76
REG - 80

Texas CPA

BEC - 77 (5/16)
AUD - TBD (8/16)
REG - 80 (1/16)
FAR - 76 (8/15)

[Anonymous]

I'm in IA at a medium sized, public company. We don't have a large IA group. Our group is just 5 people, but I don't think ive ever worked more than 45 hours in a week. Even when traveling, its still typically a 40 hour week. The work load fluctuates from week to week. At times, during SOX work, I can be almost overwhelmingly busy. But other times, I don't really have much going on. I travel about 15-20% of the time. I've never worked in B4 or at any other public firm, but our manager and seniors all came over from our external audit partner and they keep it pretty lax here. I think they left B4 for a better work/life balance. The biggest complaint ive heard from them is that the pay in industry isn't comparable to what they made at B4. As with any job, each situation is different and the tone is usually by the VP or Director or your direct supervisor. If he/she is a work-aholic and likes to put in 60 hour weeks, then that's probably what he/she will expect from you. Be mindful of the culture wherever you decide to go.

Overall, I've had a great experience with IA.

[Myredstapler]

Thanks for the input guys!

[Author]

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