Travelling for Internal Audits: Opportunities and Challenges for Chartered Accountants

As a Chartered Accountant (CA), the opportunity to travel for internal audits can be both exciting and challenging. This article explores the opportunities associated with traveling for such audits and the experiences shared by aspiring and certified professionals.

Traveling for Internal Audits: A Tiring but Fun Experience

For individuals who are enrolled in the Chartered Accountant final exams, traveling for internal audits can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides a chance to gain valuable experience and exposure across various sectors. On the other, it comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when preparing for the final exams. According to an experienced CA, attending outstation audits means missing coaching classes, which can disrupt the rhythm of one's studies.

“Yes, I get to travel for internal audits, and it is quite tiring. Because of my CA Final classes, I have to travel outstation without my wish, which makes me miss my coaching classes. The rhythm of your studies gets disturbed if you miss a single day of coaching class. But when you haven't started your coaching classes, it's a fun travel experience, but afterwards, it becomes a headache to get rid of soon,” shares one Chartered Accountant.

Diverse Opportunities in Indian CA Firms

In Indian CA firms, joining as an article ship can offer a wealth of opportunity for traveling and gaining valuable exposure. Unlike firms that restrict employees to specific types of audits, Indian CA firms provide exposure to a variety of audit types, including internal audits, statutory audits, and forensic audits.

“If you join an article ship in Indian Chartered Accountant firms, you not only get to travel for internal audits but also get exposure in different types of audits across various sectors. The advantage of Indian CA firms is that they do not restrict you to one type of audit. Instead, they give you exposure to different types of audits,” explains an experienced CA.

Article ship opportunities in Indian CA firms are often available in major cities like Chennai and Bengaluru. Aspiring candidates can send their resumes to dakshinaudit@ for these positions.

Working for Independent Audit Firms

Working for independent audit firms can also present similar travel opportunities. These firms often serve multiple corporate clients across different locations, making travel a necessity. As such, the answer to whether you get to travel for internal audits is a resounding yes.

“If you work for an independent firm that provides auditing services, the answer is yes, you do get to travel for internal audits,” states a seasoned auditor. However, it is important to note that having a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification is crucial. An advanced degree in electrical engineering and computer science may not hold as much weight in this context, despite being a valuable asset in other areas.

In conclusion, while traveling for internal audits offers a world of opportunities for gaining experience and exposure, it also comes with the challenge of balancing travel with academic and personal responsibilities. Whether in Indian CA firms or independent audit firms, the journey of a Chartered Accountant is both enriching and demanding.