difference in roles within an audit department?

T

trainee

Guest
I’m going to start working in the audit department of an accounting firm later this year. The department roughly comprises of three groups:
1. financial sector 2. consumer business and 3. technology sector

Does anyone have an opinions on the pros and cons of the particular groups?
 
In my experience there isn't a huge amount of difference between the sectors. You're really only dealing with different products at the end of it all. If you can I would try and get exposure to all three sectors, but it isn't like you will be pigeon-holed into one sector for the rest of your life. Most of my audit experience was not in the same sector that I now currently work in (ie. since I left practice).
 
re:

I think finiacial services would be considered more specialised than the other groups. Not sure if this would mean you would end up being pigeon-holed though.
 
Re: re:

If you have a choice, you should probably go for the finance audit group. It is more specialised and potential employers may restrict their shortlist to people with financial services audit experience.

I have not come across any employers restricting the shortlist to people with any other audit background.

But, as Dowee said, try to get a bit of all three - and even a bit of small business accounting and audit.

Brendan
 
.

After qualifying are positions in financial services generally better paid than those in industry?
 
re:

From the perspective of working abroad would financial services experience in Ireland allow you to work in other countries such as the US, UK and Australia?

Also, what would be a typical career route for a new qualified ACA (with financial services audit experience) wishing to remain in Ireland be?
 
Re: re:

to be "allowed" work in the US or Australia, you have to comply with work permit requirements. Irish chartered accountants are very employable, if they are allowed in.

I don't think that there is any typical path for an accountant in Ireland. They have gone into many different roles

Accounting in industry or finance
Self employed in public practice
professional golfer
government minister
journalist
homemaker


etc., etc.,

Brendan
 
In Australia

Very easy get work if your an Irish accountant ...ACCA or
ACA or CPA or CIMA.
 
re:

Ok, being a bit more specific: say you were to move from practice to one of the big banks (BOI, AIB, UB, Anglo) what position would a newly qualified ACA with financial services audit experience get in these banks? And assuming they were to remain working in a particular bank what sort of progress in terms of job position and salary could they expect after, say, 5 and 10 yrs respectively?
 
Visa

Is it hard for an Irish accountant to get a work visa to Aus or New Zealand?
 
It sounds like a small/medium firm.
So say no to Financial Services - as FS means big clients with regulatory requirements, and they remain the big4 domain.
Other two depends on what u like
1. Consumer - if u like talking to people, a bit outgoing, like seeing things physically rather on paper - then this is the way to go. So more of stock taking, visiting factories/retail outlets.
2. Tech - more of system testing, checking system controls. Specialisation in IT would be that great u know.


I'll say go for consumer as it's exciting (also TEch specilisation is no big advantage)
 
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