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.
Work-Life Balance, Career Progression, Travel Expectations, Internal Audit, Work-Family Conflict
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
Video Highlights
1. The transition from a stable role to extensive travel (60-70%) after a subsidiary sale was unexpected and challenging, especially with young children. This highlights the importance of considering career flexibility and potential changes in roles, especially in corporate environments.
2. Suzanne prioritized work-life balance by intentionally avoiding promotions to manage her responsibilities as a mother. This shows that career progression isn't always linear and that prioritizing personal well-being can be a successful strategy.
3. Title and rapid career advancement weren't high priorities for Suzanne. Job satisfaction, compensation, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance were more important. This underscores the possibility of fulfilling careers without strict adherence to traditional career ladders and the importance of defining one's own success criteria.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
My entrance into the industry was different than the average person's. I was hired by Compass from one of their subsidiaries and didn't really know what I was being hired into. The parent company wanted me to work for them, so I agreed.
At first, I was working 100% for the subsidiary that hired me. I was their internal auditor, had my own office, and everything was great. Then, after a few years, we sold the subsidiary. This meant I had to travel to work, which was a challenge, especially with a three and five-year-old.
I went from 0% travel to 60% or 70% travel. Thank goodness I had a very helpful and understanding husband and friends who were willing to pick up the slack while I was gone. I enjoyed the work, but being a working mom means feeling torn between home and work.
Very early in my career, I let management know I wasn't looking for advancement. I was content doing the testing and didn't need to move up the management chain. I felt stretched thin enough between motherhood and work at that point.
It's worked out well for me. I've been with the company for 14 years and am now a senior auditor. Many people achieve this title in their first two years, even before working for Compass. However, title has never been a big thing to me. As long as I like my job, am well-compensated, interested in the work, and still have time to be a mom and feel like I'm doing a decent job at that, it's a win.
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