From audit to finance consulting: a career switch for more impact and autonomy

External audit is an engaging field, offering the opportunity to quickly build a strong foundation in finance and bookkeeping. You can also develop your analytical skills and have the chance to work with a variety of companies across different sectors.

However, many external auditors find that their work lacks creativity and proactivity. Verifying numbers prepared by others and completing extensive checklists for controls can eventually lead to the feeling that you're not making a real impact on the companies you work for.

Is it time to change careers and work as a finance consultant?

From auditor to financial expert

In external audit, your task is clear: verify the accuracy of the provided figures. This work is essential for a company’s financial integrity, but it can also feel limiting. You’re bound by rules and materiality thresholds that determine which discrepancies are significant.

As a finance consultant, on the other hand, you have the opportunity to set your own direction. You’re responsible for the figures, advising companies on how to improve their financial processes, or creating the reports that inform strategic decisions as a controller.

Flexibility to shape your own career path

One of the biggest differences between external audit at a Big Four company and consultancy at TriFinance is the career structure. In audit, your career path is laid out for you: you start as a junior, progress to senior, and then to manager. Everyone follows the same trajectory, with the same growth in responsibilities and salary steps. This predictable path is clear, but it offers little room for personal input, detours, or crafting your own growth path.

As a finance consultant at TriFinance, you’re at the helm of your career. You have the freedom to choose your own path, depending on your interests and ambitions. Bookkeeping, controlling, finance & people management, data analytics, risk management—you name it! Together with the internal BaseCamp team, you take the time to reflect on your short and long-term ambitions and seize opportunities to achieve them through projects that align perfectly with your growth trajectory. This way, you build a dynamic career that can be more fulfilling.

Taking control of your work-life balance

The workload in external audit can be extreme, especially during the 'busy season.' With workweeks of 50 to 70 hours being more the norm than the exception, there’s often little time left for activities outside of work. The sudden drop in workload during the summer months brings the challenge of using your work time meaningfully. This rhythm is, to say the least, challenging.

Every job in finance will have peaks and dips in workload, but these are less intense and better distributed throughout the year. Think of month-end closings, reporting deadlines, or project deadlines. As a project consultant, the settling-in period at a new client is often more demanding, but with an average project duration of 6 months to a year, these busier periods occur less frequently. This allows you to have more control over your schedule both at work and outside of it. Starting or resuming exercise, making time for family, friends, or your partner—all of this fits back into your schedule and will undoubtedly increase your happiness.

From necessary evil to valued consultant

Auditors are undeniably necessary and play an important role in the business world, but they are unfortunately not always well-liked. Since external audit is mandatory, clients often see the auditor as a necessary evil and a burden. This makes it harder to find satisfaction in your job.

As a finance consultant, you provide support to companies seeking help with their specific challenges. The client team is eager to welcome your assistance and insights. This position not only makes the work more interesting, but also ensures that you receive more appreciation for your efforts.

In-depth client relationships and focus on quality

Another advantage of a job as a finance consultant is the opportunity to focus entirely on one project or client at a time, and for an extended period. In audit, you often work for multiple clients simultaneously, with tight deadlines and a backlog of work. This can compromise the quality of your work and your own job satisfaction.

As a project consultant at TriFinance, you offer long-term support to the client, allowing you to dig deeper and make a more significant impact.

Interested in making the switch?

Apply now and let’s talk about your ambitions!