top of page
Suzanne, Sr Internal Auditor at Compass Diversified: Advize Career Interview
A senior internal auditor at Compass Diversified offers a fascinating career path, balancing technical accounting skills and a CPA license with crucial "soft skills" to navigate audits smoothly.
The role involves working independently on multiple subsidiaries, fostering collaboration with a supportive team, and embracing the autonomy of remote work.
While maintaining professional skepticism is challenging, the work provides opportunities for travel and observation of businesses firsthand.
A fulfilling career in internal audit combines a proclivity for numbers with personal interaction, offering a better work-life balance than external audit.
The interviewee's journey highlights the importance of networking, adaptability, and a willingness to change direction, ultimately leading to a long and successful career, proving that career success is not solely defined by rapid advancement and that initial career plans can evolve into something unexpectedly fulfilling.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Suzanne Couch
Sr Internal Auditor
Compass Diversified
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina Master of Accounting
Biology & Related Sciences
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
None Applicable
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path Of A Senior Internal Auditor At Compass Diversified
Suzanne, a Senior Internal Auditor at Compass Diversified, focuses on "four or five" subsidiaries, often geographically dispersed, working on specific processes like "financial close" or "order to cash." Each year involves process walkthroughs, risk identification, control testing, and ultimately, helping subsidiaries maintain "clean and by the books" financials before external audits.
Main Responsibilities of a Senior Internal Auditor at Compass Diversified
Suzanne, a senior internal auditor working remotely, describes a flexible workday largely spent independently on audits, punctuated by weekly team meetings and occasional calls with subsidiaries; the role offers "a lot of autonomy," allowing for focused work, though Suzanne acknowledges the occasional loneliness of remote work.
A Day in the Life of a Senior Internal Auditor at Compass Diversified
A senior internal auditor at Compass Diversified revealed that while technical accounting skills and a CPA license are essential, "soft skills are equally as important," emphasizing the need to build rapport with colleagues during audits by acknowledging their work and making "an effort to acknowledge the fact that this is a disruption." This human approach, the interviewee stated, makes the audit process smoother and more effective.
Most Important Skills For A Senior Internal Auditor At Compass Diversified
Suzanne's favorite aspect of her Senior Internal Auditor role at Compass Diversified is the strong collaboration with a supportive team, describing her colleagues as "so easy to work with and so willing to help." Travel to subsidiaries, allowing observation of businesses "in action," further enhances the enjoyment of the role, although this has decreased due to COVID-19.
Biggest Challenge of Being a Senior Internal Auditor at Compass Diversified
Suzanne's greatest challenge as a Senior Internal Auditor at Compass Diversified is maintaining "professional skepticism," especially given the development of strong relationships with management teams over time. The need to consistently "poke holes" and demand proof, rather than giving "the benefit of the doubt," is crucial to fulfilling the role's auditing function.
What It Is Like Being A Senior Internal Auditor At Compass Diversified
Suzanne's career path in internal audit, spanning over 20 years, reflects a preference for "combining...proclivity for numbers" with "affinity for personal interaction," unlike the demanding hours of external audit. This career choice has allowed a better "work-life balance," enabling Suzanne to successfully juggle motherhood and a fulfilling career at Compass Diversified, a company prioritizing family-friendly policies.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Finance Industry as a Senior Internal Auditor
Suzanne, a Senior Internal Auditor, highlights the importance of technical skills and attention to detail in the industry, stating that "it's not all about the numbers, it's not all about the deadlines." However, the most impactful element for career success, according to Suzanne, is a "human touch," emphasizing empathy and care for colleagues to navigate challenges more effectively.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Internal Audit Industry According To A Senior Internal Auditor At Compass Diversified
Suzanne's career path unexpectedly shifted from zero to 60-70% travel after a subsidiary sale, creating a "challenge" balancing work and motherhood. This experience led Suzanne to prioritize work-life balance, intentionally foregoing promotions to maintain a fulfilling career and family life, resulting in a 14-year tenure at Compass Diversified, demonstrating that career success is not solely defined by rapid advancement.
What A Senior Internal Auditor At Compass Diversified Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Audit Industry
Entry-level internal audit roles typically involve internships or staff auditor positions after graduation; however, Suzanne emphasizes the value of networking, stating "there's no shame in getting some help getting in the door," as industry professionals often understand the challenges of starting out and are willing to assist.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Accountants
Suzanne's most significant career lesson is that "it's okay to change directions," a realization that led the biology/psychology major to a fulfilling career in accounting, proving that initial career plans need not be definitive. This flexible approach, embracing "going with the flow and doing what works," ultimately resulted in unexpected career happiness.
College Experiences That Helped A Senior Internal Auditor At Compass Diversified Succeed
Suzanne's most significant career lesson is that "it's okay to change directions," a realization that led to a fulfilling career path in accounting despite initial expectations of pursuing a biology/psychology major. This highlights the importance of adaptability and openness to unexpected opportunities.
Advizer Personal Links
bottom of page