[Anonymous]

I’m interviewing for an internal audit position for one of the largest and well respected publicly traded companies on the planet. It would potentially allow me to learn controls/procedures on a company which does everything (quite literally).

Does anybody have an opinion on going into internal audit and the career paths that may be possible? I’ve read conflicting opinions on internal auditors, their worth to companies and potential career options. I’m currently in tax and was interested in departing the compliance world into GL accounting or internal auditing.

I would appreciate any advice/insight from the masses.

[fuzyfro89]

Potentially a good transition from tax. Might be good to ease you into some financial reporting/controls/operations as well as give you an introduction to multiple busines areas.

Spending too much time in internal audit is probably not good as the perception can change into you as a career auditor, but of course that's up to you to determine if you want that or not.

The biggest determinant of your happiness/future prospects will likely be how well you network and your relationship with management (direct and indirect). That goes for any function which you end up joining…

[Anonymous]

For the companies I have worked for the Internal Audit function serves as a pipeline into other Managment opportunities within – the job allows you to see the big picture of the company and in turn would make you a great asset.

As far as worth – well, The CEO and CFO have to attest to the effectiveness of the control structure annually per SOX – I can assure you they are not out testing controls themselves to get cozy here, they rely on the audit team for that. When/if it comes time for downsizing, guess who is the last group to be looked at? you guessed it, the audit group, it is a huge value add to an organization (and required if publicly traded.) There is a ton of potential here, and especially at a large publicly traded company.

[Anonymous]

I work in internal audit in a public company and have had the opportunity to travel to Europe three times in a year and a half. I highly recommend IA- I've met controllers and senior accounting managers from all over the world!

[Anonymous]

@Amanda 88 sounds like a fun job 🙂 I really want to do IA and travel I have nothing holding me back.. except getting a job and passing the cpa exam of course

[TNCPA16]

Of course I'm biased, but I love working in IA. I get a lot of exposure to the business, and with that, a lot of exposure to the higher-ups. If I wanted to leave IA, there are plenty of other opportunities within the company. Since we know the polices and the business so well, other departments love to recruit from IA. I also work very closely with our external auditors (and they have tried more than once to recruit me to come work for them…but who wants to work those hours?!) And, because I work for a publicly traded company, we are a necessity…great job security!

[tomq04]

Who do you work for here in Spokane Amanda?

REG- (1) 76
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AUD- (3) 70, (4) 75
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[Anonymous]

@tom- I work at Itron 🙂

[tomq04]

mind adding me at linkedin? http://www.linkedin.com/pub/thomas-quayle/2b/475/999/

REG- (1) 76
FAR- (2) 64, (5)74, (7)83 (Over achiever!)
AUD- (3) 70, (4) 75
BEC- (6) 75

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the feedback. Glad to hear the optimism. I'm really looking forward to the interview and have fingers crossed! I would love to get into compliance and learn processes and controls of this company.

[h0wdyus]

After this good discussion, I want to be in IA after finishing the exams. 🙂

FAR - 81 29th Aug 2013
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REG - 82
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FROM NJ

[Pumpkins]

I'm an internal auditor for a large company, and it's amazing. I'm guessing you'll get to travel all over the world, learn about a huge variety of areas/business processes, meet a ton of important people, and eventually you'll have the opportunity to move into the business.

Most people don't stay in internal audit for more than a few years. After you learn the business and industry, you'll be able to move into another position in the company: Financial Planning & Analysis, Compliance, Financial Reporting, Manufacturing, pretty much anything… We have people move into other positions in the business all the time, it is encouraged.

I have three international audits coming up in the next three months. If you are interested in travelling, Internal Audit for a large company is the way to go.

AUD- 93
BEC- 81
FAR- 1/26/2015
REG- TBD

CIA Exams Passed in March, 2014

[h0wdyus]

How about internal audit in a financial service company to route your self eventually to a respectable position or even to the front desk. Do you think starting in Back Office would be better or starting in Internal Audit, to achieve the objective of Front desk or Controller or better.

FAR - 81 29th Aug 2013
AUD - 84
REG - 82
BEC - 89 29th Aug 2014
Using Yager

FROM NJ

[Pumpkins]

I'm not really sure which option would get you to a controller position faster.. I'm sure there are a lot of variable factors there…I think you'll enjoy your job more though as an internal auditor than you would working Back office somewhere, you'll have more opportunity to network, and you'll get exposure to more areas.

AUD- 93
BEC- 81
FAR- 1/26/2015
REG- TBD

CIA Exams Passed in March, 2014

[h0wdyus]

@pumpkin

True. The only thing is I would have to do is keep moving around quick so that I get a good feel of what is going on in the company.

Further there will never be a gun to your head to meet ridiculous operational deadlines. Good work /home life balance. Opportunity to learn about business would be immense. Hopefully training also will be part of the deal in various aspect of business.

I love everyone on this site. Such a valuable resource.

FAR - 81 29th Aug 2013
AUD - 84
REG - 82
BEC - 89 29th Aug 2014
Using Yager

FROM NJ

[Pumpkins]

Yeah this site is great.

Annnnd I also live in NJ!

AUD- 93
BEC- 81
FAR- 1/26/2015
REG- TBD

CIA Exams Passed in March, 2014

[Author]

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