So you got a degree in accounts and are looking for a job? With an accounting education, there are many opportunities for people to start their careers. From consultation to management and audit, there are so many options out there.
If you are thinking about becoming an auditor, a long-lasting career path is waiting. However, it doesn’t mean all unicorns, rainbows, and daisies are waiting ahead. It can be rewarding but with a bit of a flaw.
Today, we talk about all the good and bad of auditing as a career so you can make a satisfying and worthwhile decision.
Pros of Auditing as a Career
These are the most common perks of choosing audit as your full-time career:
Make Decent Money
When choosing a career, people look at how much it pays. You can earn a decent salary by establishing a stable career in audit. Now, it doesn’t mean that you will earn six figures when you start your first job.
The average salary starts from $70k a year and can go up to as much as $500k (or more). If you get an offer from a good company with a professional setup, join without expecting six figures at the start. It will eventually improve and make you a delighted man.
People living in cities with low expenses can easily afford a decent lifestyle and save money for future use.
Challenge Your Skills and Abilities
Being an auditor means that you are working with professionals and experts. It challenges your knowledge and allows you to push yourself and gain elevated experience. Also, time restraints and pressure are part of an auditor’s everyday life. You will learn to remain focused and manage your lifestyle better.
We recommend joining the top accounting firms that know professionalism and maintain a healthy environment for auditors to challenge their skills and abilities. This efficiency helps you become a refined person in your professional and personal life.
It also opens doors to joining different organizations.
Deal With Difficult Clients
As an auditor, you never know who your next client will be. Some people are quite cooperative and understand your needs and work requirements. On the flip side, it is possible to come across a challenging client who is unappreciative and does not value you.
Instead of taking it to heart, auditors learn how to deal with people in this scenario. You will learn the skill to resolve conflicts and complaints. Initially, people do complain about this annoying and frustrating habit. But look at the brighter side; you become more professional and vigilant.
Push your boundaries and get out of your comfort zone to become a better auditor.
Auditors Get to Travel
If you have a thing for going out and exploring new places, becoming an auditor can provide a kickstart. Working with a professional company with multiple clients means that you get to travel and explore different areas.
Since IFRS has globalized its accounting standards, countries can hire overseas auditors who charge less money. This is a win-win situation for the company and you, who always have a knack for traveling.
Many global platforms might invite you to share your career if you become an audit specialist. So, we can say that auditing as a career might fulfill your dream of traveling.
Long-Term Career Security
We watch so many brands and companies being introduced to the world every day. For consumers, it might be a favorite product or a service, but for auditors, this means career security.
Companies need to submit their audit report to stakeholders, which means they are always in need of one. You can become an internal auditor with a regular job to manage a company or become a part of a firm providing third-party audit services.
All-in-all, the need for auditors is growing, which means that you won’t be out of job due to a lack of opportunities. Having a poor and non-professional attitude is exceptional.
Cons of Auditing as a Career
Not everything in the world of audits is good. Being an auditor, you might have to go through some challenges, especially during the early days of your career. Here is a list of some potential drawbacks:
Spend Long Hours on the Job
Firstly, being an auditor means you are constantly exerting. You might have to pull an all-nighter now and then. This can be a bit frustrating for people who do not want to dedicate their evenings to work. Also, it can be difficult for some people to stay up and focused.
If you want to become an auditor, prepare for the challenges ahead. We recommend keeping a can of coffee by your side to cope with the long hours. You will get used to the strain eventually.
Having a Degree is Compulsory
The majority of mediocre-level jobs are available to people without a degree. However, to become an auditor, you need to have a degree in accounts as a major. You might work harder but earn the same as someone without a degree. Don’t feel bad. This is only temporary. With patience and hard work, you can improve your position in the company.
If you look at the brighter side, a degree opens many career paths. You will progress much further with an accounting degree and open many doors in the future.
Requires Vigilance at All Times
As an auditor, you must always stay focused and vigilant. You are not supposed to miss anything compromising the quality of your audit opinion. It can be a bit of a drawback, primarily if you cannot focus on one place.
Final Thoughts
Auditing is an excellent professional with a lot of exposure, allowing you to build a stable and long-lasting career for yourself. It pays you good money once you become a professional.
Becoming an auditor allows you to travel around and work with many people. You can build your professional career and challenge your analytical skills all the way.
So, if you are ready to work for long hours and vigilance, auditing might be the best way to serve your finance degree.