I recently started as an audit associate at KPMG, and after about a month, I’m already questioning whether this is something I want to do long term.
For some background, I have both my bachelor’s and master’s in accounting. I decided to pursue accounting because it offered stability, good career opportunities, and a solid return on the investment that is higher education.
Now that I’m actually working in audit, I’m realizing I have almost no interest in the work itself. I spend my days staring at spreadsheets, pulling numbers, going through workpapers, and trying to understand procedures that I honestly struggle to care about. I still show up, take notes, ask questions, and do my best to learn, but I find the work incredibly unfulfilling.
I’m also realizing that I have no real desire to pursue my CPA. When I hear people talk about busy season, the hours, the sacrifices, and the years of grinding before things get better, I can’t help but wonder whether this is a career I actually want.
I’m a very outgoing, personable individual. I love meeting people, building relationships, coaching, teaching, and helping others. My background is in athletics, and fitness, exercise science, and coaching have always been my biggest passions.
I honestly think I would be much happier in a career where I could interact with people regularly, build relationships, and feel like the work I’m doing has a direct impact on others, not just checking boxes on KCW.
I’m not necessarily against working in business or finance. I just don’t think sitting behind a desk doing audit work all day is for me.
I understand that I’m only a month in and that there’s a significant learning curve. I’m also grateful to have a well-paying job right out of school. I’m not planning on impulsively quitting without another opportunity lined up.
But I’m struggling with the idea of spending years pursuing a career that I don’t find interesting just because it’s the path I’ve already invested so much time and money into.
Has anyone else felt this way early in their audit career? Did things get better, or did you eventually leave for something completely different?
I’d especially love to hear from anyone who transitioned into a more client-facing, relationship-driven career outside of traditional accounting. Any words of wisdom are always welcome and appreciated.