Do people move from auditing into consulting roles?
I did accounting in undergrad but feel I could kill it in strategy or similar consulting, I sat in on a few MBA classes on a whim and everything was so intuitive and easy.
Just want to see paths that may be possible?

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1) yes, you can, I did.
2) I have met some audit folks who think similarly to you and have no conception of what they’re talking about, and I’ve met other audit folks who are very capable and bring a fantastic POV to consulting.

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I did, made the change from an audit background. It’s an extremely difficult path though... best option is to try and pivot to a role at least somewhat related to accounting (finance transformation and m&a were the two paths that were options for me)

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FYI - I came to consulting as a new manager. No level demotion. There was growth and demand for the industry skill set I had. I found some of my skills to be heavily lacking (ppt) and others were much stronger than my consulting colleagues.

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It’s difficult, you could probably either do MBA and recruit for consulting or try to get into an advisory type role (cyber, tech IFRS, etc.) within your current firm and lateral to a more strategy focused position.

If you’re speaking like Big 4 Audit to Consulting its very arduous and not worth the time or effort (1-2 year process). If you’re a manager level I’d say go to top mba and pivot. Be better usage of 2 years. Alternatively, go to industry F500 in a more strategic role / try to recruit at other consulting companies although accounting experience won’t be a huge selling point.

I did

People can and do move from audit to consulting. It is a rare path, and it will be even harder for you. All of the people I've seen make the switch did so at the associate and senior associate levels, but you are a manager. Whereas A/SA levels are told what to do and can make slides/spreadsheets, it is very unlikely that they will let an audit manager manage a consulting engagement. That means you may take a demotion in title or at least responsiblity. Or they just don't give you the chance at all.

Your best bet is getting an MBA and recruiting for consulting. That clears your baggage, and may even give you an advantage, as companies know you can manage people, handle slides, interact with clients and work with numbers.

If you really don't want to get an MBA, a few paths are:
1. Audit -> IT Audit -> IT consulting
2. Audit -> Risk (or Controls) Advisory -> Consulting
3. Audit -> Transactions / Diligence -> Consulting
You may need to specialize in an industry or function for credibility. Something like Finance/CFO functions might be easiest.

Thx GT highly considering an MBA recently

This is possible. I did and I make seven digits now so don’t let obstacles stand in your way. You have learnt a lot about client service, operational excellence and will need to pivot to core consulting skills. Key is to ensure consulting is your passion which means you love to solve complex problems and help vs checking in audit. As a manager your probably have 25 years ahead of you so maybe you get promoted a few years after your peers in audit. Agree FT and deals is an easier transition than technology or digital.

Thx KPMG ! I do have prior operations experience too, would u say having a CPA has any, minimal or no impact on landing a role in FT /deals?

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