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Hi all!
Just looking for some career advice.
Currently working as an accountant in a practice so dealing with small limited companies and sole traders.
I’m 22 and graduated 2 years ago so only just starting out on the career ladder I suppose.
I’m just over half way through ACCA exams, but now that I am no longer at uni I am struggling to find impartial career advice!
I would like to go into external audit or forensic accounting ( I appreciate this might not happen for a veeeery long time) but I have no idea what the best route would be?
I have been advised to stay in practice and eventually get a job in a practice where they offer audit services and try to push my way in. I’ve been told once you move into management/internal accounts it will be hard for me to get into external audit.
Has anyone got any tips/ideas?
Thanks,
MagsExternal audit should not be hard to get into because the turnover is very high. Try applying during peak times and you may get lucky as they are usually short-staffed. If you get into the Big 4, it will look good on your CV, but due to size and structure one GENERALLY learns less than in 2nd tier, plus the sleazy politics may also detract from gaining actual technical skills. So pros and cons kind of thing. From external audit one of the natural progressions is of course, forensics. Can get interesting, but you do realise it can be a risky career choice depending on the assignment? As in, risky to your physical wellbeing, if you get my meaning…have you watched The Accountant? 😉 (I’m only half-joking)
I think, having an audit experience is a good foundation for you and will certainly look good on CV. It is a good way into forensics, yes that’s true. You do need to get into the right department. Keep an eye on job openings, doesn’t have to be big 4 really. Just get into audit first and get the skills tucked under your belt and maybe 2-3 years then transition to forensic accounting internally or elsewhere.
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