We recently sat down with two senior finance leaders from a large ASX-listed group to talk through their own transition from external audit into industry, from what changed to what surprised them - we've unpacked in all.
This interview is a 3-part series covering the stories and insights gained from two ASX finance leaders.
Read Part 1 of this interview - To learn about what their career transitions looked like and the adjustments considered before making the move.
Read Part 2 of this interview - To understand more in-depth the skills and traits that made them stand out to recruiters.
Is there an ideal point in time to transition in-house?
There is no universally "right" time to move. The decision should be driven less by tenure and more by personal career goals. Some people move earlier because they're looking for more commercial exposure, while others stay longer because they're still developing technically or enjoying the progression opportunities available in professional services.
The most important thing is to be honest with yourself about what you want from the next stage of your career. For some, that may be greater ownership and commercial involvement. For others, it may be deeper technical expertise, a different career path from Partnership, or improved work-life balance.
What should someone do to prepare for an in-house move?
Firstly, focus on building your professional network and identifying the industries that genuinely interest you. This helps create a clearer view of where you want to go and how your experience aligns with your longer-term career objectives.
It's also important to broaden your experience wherever possible. Seek opportunities to work on technical projects, support internal initiatives, provide training to junior staff or gain exposure beyond standard audit engagements. The broader your experience, the stronger your value proposition becomes when speaking with prospective employers.
Finally, be intentional about the experience you're building. Think about how your current projects, sector exposure and responsibilities support the type of role you ultimately want to move into.
What should candidates prioritise when assessing an in-house opportunity?
The best roles are not always the most prestigious or highest paying. They are the ones that align with your longer-term career goals and provide meaningful learning, development and exposure.
Candidates should think carefully about:
Career progression opportunities
Learning and development potential
Exposure to senior stakeholders
The quality of leadership within the team
Alignment with the organisations’ values
The type of work and technical challenges involved
How the role fits into their longer-term career direction
It's perfectly reasonable to discuss work-life balance during the interview process. In fact, many hiring managers appreciate the conversation as it helps both parties set realistic expectations around workload, pace and team culture.
Wanting a sustainable balance does not reflect a lack of ambition, but rather an understanding of their personal and professional priorities.
If something about an opportunity doesn't feel right, don't ignore it. The interview process is as much about assessing the business as it is about the business assessing you.
How should candidates think about salary vs career development?
Salary is important, but it shouldn't be the sole driver of a first move into industry. Many candidates receive an increase when moving out of public practice, but it's important to understand how remuneration works in industry.
Future salary progression may not be as structured or predictable as it is in professional services, and promotions are often driven by business needs and organisational opportunities rather than predefined career pathways.
Candidates should also avoid focusing solely on base salary. Bonus structures, broader benefits and long-term earning potential all form part of the equation.
Most importantly, think about the experience you're gaining. The right role can significantly strengthen your CV, broaden your skill set and create future career opportunities. Often, the role that provides the greatest development isn't necessarily the one offering the highest immediate salary.
If you could give candidates three pieces of advice before making the move, what would they be?
1. Be clear on your “why”
Understand what you're looking to achieve and how a move into industry supports your
longer-term career goals. Don't make career decisions based solely on what your peers are doing.
2. Know your value and think beyond salary
Understand the skills and experience you bring to the table, and assess opportunities based on the exposure, development and future opportunities they can provide. Don't be afraid to walk away if a role doesn't feel right.
3. Keep learning and think critically
Technical skills and critical thinking remain your greatest assets. While tools like AI can support your work, they should never replace judgement. Stay curious, continue learning and be ready when opportunities arise.
Interviewer's Thoughts
There is no perfect time to leave public practice, nor is there a single path that guarantees success in industry. The most successful transitions are typically made by people who have taken the time to understand what they want, prepared deliberately and chosen opportunities that align with their longer-term goals. Ultimately, moving in-house should not be viewed as an escape from Audit.
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