whats a better career move...Internal or External Auditor or just a plain Accountant?

Question

I want to make more than 90K after a minimum of 5 -7 years of experience. I read that it is better money in Auditing, but you travel 50% of the time. I have two kids. If i choose auditing, and have to travel, may I bring my family along, do most employers assist with the expense or no, probably not, but it wouldnt hurt to ask. So whats better, internal or external auditing or plain accountant...leading to controller.

Answer 1

External auditor

Gives relevant experience to qualify for CPA/CA
CPA/CA qualification usually required to move to controller (and often for internal and in-house accounting jobs)
Definite job path (5-7 years is "manager", where 90k is in the realm of normal, depending on what city you live in).
Better salary/benefits
Specific training for entry level accountants

Worse hours (very heavy hours during "busy season")
Some travel (usually not 50%, closer to 5%, but it depends on which firm you work for - and no, firms don't pay for families as they can't charge it to the clients).


Internal audit and "plain" accountant is much more stable. But can be deadly boring and slow promotion scale.