[Anonymous]

Hey everyone! Seeking some career advice. I’d like input from both sides, and bonus points from those of you that have been in both areas.

A little background: I’ve been in public for about 3 years doing audit, passed the exams, and now looking to move on. I feel as if I’m stuck in terms of intellectual growth as my work has become repetitive.

I have the opportunity to interview for a few jobs towards the end of this week for an internal auditor position (Company A) and a SEC reporting position (Company B).

Both companies are large companies, with A being in the energy sector and B in the financial sector. Both are different sectors than what I work in right now. A provides the possible opportunity to move around within the company after a couple years of experience whereas B offers an entirely new skill set.

Assuming I am offered both positions, which would be the better opportunity? Long term I’d like to be a CFO (like everyone else!), but both seem to be excellent opportunities to grow.

What would you all suggest? Go into internal audit doing similar work as I do now with the hope of transitioning into maybe a financial analyst or manager level role or grab a new skill set in SEC reporting, which may open new windows of opportunity in the future?

Any input is greatly appreciated and sorry this is so long!

[Anonymous]

I've been doing SEC reporting for 3 years now and it gives a great overview of the company. I get to work with all areas of the business from GL accounting, treasury, shared services, consolidations, SOX, AR/Revenue, AP, legal and even marketing. I'm a little bias when it comes to Financial reporting, but if your ultimate goal is to become a CFO, I would take the reporting job.

Many SEC reporting jobs combine either consolidations or SBC type of roles. So you might even get a chance to actually work with an accounting system, which is invaluable since you're coming out of audit.

Also, I think SEC reporting gives you the clearest pathway in your goal to become a CFO.

SEC Reporting –> SEC reporting manager –> Director of Reporting/Assistant Controller / Controller –> CFO

[Anonymous]

Club300 – Thanks for the information! I had no idea all of that was involved with SEC reporting. I knew consolidations, SOX, and reporting (obviously), but didn't know it would involve GL accounting, treasury, legal, etc.

Thanks for laying out the career path from your SEC perspective. I always imagine the Controller transitioning to a CFO and didn't really see the path for a Director of Reporting to transfer to the CFO position.

[Author]

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