Audit or Tax?

If you interview with a public accounting firm, you'll probably be asked if you prefer audit or tax. How can you know if you've never worked in an accounting firm? Besides thinking about which courses you liked best, here are a few characteristics of the audit and tax specialties:

Audit:

• may require substantial travel for engagements
• must have familiarity with business environment
  
• a lot of teamwork and meeting new people

Tax:

• more likely to work alone
• little or no travel
• must be able to keep up with changing tax rules

Choosing audit or tax will be similar to choosing a career or a work environment. You have to consider your interests, personality, and values.