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Public finance management vs audit as a career

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Profile picture of Alessa
Alessa
Coach
on Sep 01, 2025
MBB Expert | Ex-McKinsey | Ex-BCG | Ex-Roland Berger

hi there! 

PFM is more advisory-focused: you work with governments on budgets, fiscal reforms and financial systems, often on big reform programs. It gives you exposure to policy impact and international development, with more travel and broader stakeholder interaction.

Audit is more standardized: testing controls, financial statements and compliance. It builds strong technical skills and is a stable career path, but usually less exposure to large-scale reforms or strategy-type work.

So if you want variety, policy impact and international exposure, PFM is stronger. If you want technical accounting expertise and a clear professional track (e.g. CPA/ACA), audit is the safer choice.

best,
Alessa :)

Profile picture of Pedro
Pedro
Coach
on Sep 28, 2025
BAIN | EY-P | Most Senior Coach @ Preplounge | Former Principal | FIT & PEI Expert

These are two very different fields. I am sure you don't need us to explain how the nature of those two careers are significantly different (and if you have questions on what those jobs entail, a quick Google search can easily provide you an answer). 

So what do you need to know that requires a bit more of insight?