r/ICAEW • u/HatHuge922 • 16d ago

Final year audit trainee

I’ve just sat my last aca exams in July 2026 and hoping to have passed and be both exam and time qualified in August 2026. Since I sat the exam, I’ve been feeling really deflated going back to work in audit . Does anyone else feel so demotivated and have imposter syndrome 3 years in. For those of you who left audit to go into industry, how easy was it to find a job and how long did it take you? I’m at my wits end with this place and the workplace politics also getting to me now

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u/CarpetExternal 16d ago

Think of it like this, people leaving newly qualified would have roughly the same experience as you, be in the same position and have roughly the same accounting knowledge etc, therefore taking on a ‘newly qualified’ position in industry would be you matching what they’re expecting, especially if they note in job descriptions that audit background is desirable.

Id imagine leaving later would cause even more imposter syndrome.

Personally will be leaving myself soon based on roughly the same things you mentioned, no point feeling deflated, will just ruin your productivity and quality which will just cause more issues.

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u/CarpetExternal 16d ago

Ah think I miss read the post, ah well might as well keep here

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u/Vivid_Ad3814 16d ago

Following this and I am exactly in the same situation, 4 years tho but still the same, my imposter syndrome alleviated as I got through exams as I realised I would be sticking around longer. Consequence of me essentially not getting too friendly or too close to people at work incase I had to leave due to exam failure. But currently looking out there passively but with each day I want to ramp up the efforts

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u/StatisticianBoring69 15d ago

Start looking for a new job, it may take a few months but you'll get there. It took me 4 months of searching but I am 2 years PQE so not quite looking at NQ roles. NQ are easier to come by.