Why Many Finance Majors Like to Do Auditing Work
For many finance majors, a career in auditing is often one of the first choices after graduation—and for good reason. While some may assume auditing is just about “checking numbers,” the reality is that auditing offers a dynamic, challenging, and highly rewarding career path that aligns well with the skills and ambitions of finance graduates.
In this article, we explore the top reasons why many finance majors are drawn to auditing work, from career progression and professional development to exposure, prestige, and transferable skills.
1. Strong Foundation for a Finance Career
Auditing is widely considered one of the best entry points into the finance and accounting industry. It provides a comprehensive understanding of:
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Financial reporting
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Internal controls
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Business operations
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Compliance and regulation
Finance majors who enter auditing roles gain a front-row seat to how companies are run financially. From the start, they’re exposed to balance sheets, income statements, cash flow analysis, and risk evaluation — all the core areas they studied in school.
This solid foundation gives them a versatile base from which they can move into financial analysis, management accounting, risk management, or even investment roles later in their careers.
2. Exposure to a Variety of Industries
One of the biggest draws of auditing is the diverse client exposure.
Auditors, especially those in external audit roles at public accounting firms, often work with companies across various industries, such as:
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Financial services
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Manufacturing
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Retail and e-commerce
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Technology
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Construction
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Healthcare
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Non-profits and charities
This breadth of exposure allows finance graduates to learn how different industries operate, understand industry-specific financial practices, and discover which sector they enjoy the most. Few entry-level finance roles offer such variety so early in a career.
3. Fast Career Progression
Auditing is known for its clear and structured career path, making it ideal for finance majors who are ambitious and goal-oriented.
A typical progression looks like this:
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Audit Associate (Year 1)
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Audit Senior (Years 2–3)
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Assistant Manager (Years 3–4)
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Manager (Years 4–6)
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Senior Manager / Director / Partner (Years 6+)
Promotions are based on performance and exams (if pursuing a professional qualification like ACCA or CPA). This merit-based system appeals to high achievers who want to climb the corporate ladder efficiently.
Moreover, auditors gain managerial responsibilities early, including client interaction, team supervision, and deadline management—giving them valuable leadership experience.
4. Access to Professional Qualifications
Finance majors who pursue auditing typically also aim for professional certifications such as:
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ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
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CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
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CA Singapore (Chartered Accountant of Singapore)
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CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)
Most audit firms support and sponsor these qualifications, offering:
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Study leave
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Exam fee reimbursement
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Mentorship programs
Obtaining these globally recognised credentials enhances employability and opens doors to senior finance positions across the globe. Auditing provides a structured environment that encourages and supports lifelong learning and advancement.
5. Opportunity to Work in the Big Four Firms
The Big Four audit firms—PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG—are globally renowned brands. Working in one of these firms is considered a prestigious start to a career in finance.
Finance graduates often aspire to join these firms because:
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They offer strong training and mentoring
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Clients include Fortune 500 companies and listed corporations
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International secondment and travel opportunities are common
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The brand name enhances future job prospects
Even after a few years in a Big Four firm, finance majors often find they’re highly sought after by banks, MNCs, and government agencies.
6. Skill Development in Key Areas
Auditing builds critical hard and soft skills that are valuable across any finance-related career:
a) Technical Skills
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Understanding of accounting standards (SFRS, IFRS)
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Risk assessment
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Financial statement analysis
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Use of audit and ERP software
b) Soft Skills
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Analytical and critical thinking
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Time management and multitasking
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Communication and interpersonal skills
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Teamwork and leadership
Finance majors who work in auditing often find that these skills make them well-rounded professionals, capable of thriving in diverse roles like financial planning, consulting, and operations management.
7. Strong Demand and Job Stability
In Singapore and globally, audit professionals are in constant demand, especially as financial regulations become more stringent and corporate governance continues to be a top priority.
With the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) mandating audits for certain companies in Singapore, and public companies requiring audited statements, auditors play a non-negotiable role in the financial ecosystem.
This demand translates to job stability, a wide range of opportunities, and career longevity—important considerations for finance graduates.
8. Opportunities for Global Mobility
Many finance majors are attracted to auditing because it opens up global career paths. With qualifications like ACCA or CPA, and experience in a multinational audit firm, auditors can easily relocate to:
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Australia
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UK
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Hong Kong
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Canada
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UAE
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Europe
Audit standards such as IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) are globally adopted, making the skills of auditors highly transferable across borders. For finance majors who dream of working abroad, auditing is a natural launchpad.
9. Gateway to Other Finance Careers
A career in auditing doesn’t have to be lifelong—many auditors eventually transition into:
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Finance manager or CFO roles
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Risk and compliance roles
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Internal audit or corporate governance
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Investment banking or private equity
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Forensic accounting or tax advisory
Employers value candidates with an audit background because they’re seen as detail-oriented, trustworthy, and financially savvy.
For finance majors who want flexibility and options, auditing serves as a gateway to a wide array of finance careers.
10. A Sense of Purpose and Impact
While auditing may appear technical on the surface, it carries a deeper significance. Auditors play a vital role in:
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Maintaining public trust in financial markets
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Detecting fraud and irregularities
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Promoting transparency and accountability
For many finance majors, this gives auditing a sense of purpose. They are not just working behind spreadsheets—they are guardians of financial integrity, helping businesses operate ethically and sustainably.
Conclusion
Many finance majors gravitate toward auditing because it offers the perfect combination of learning, growth, and opportunity. From early exposure to different industries and fast promotions to access to prestigious qualifications and the ability to pivot into multiple career paths, auditing serves as a powerful launchpad for long-term success.
Whether it’s in a Big Four firm or a boutique audit practice, auditing offers finance majors a way to apply their academic knowledge, develop core skills, and make a real-world impact—all while laying the foundation for a prosperous career in the financial world.
