Audit Intern Review

When assigned to an engagement, I would work alongside the team on their audit which usually consists of one member either setting me a task to complete individually or helping them with their tasks. This is usually be a junior member on the team so that the tasks did not require complex training. This would normally involve being around a desk to complete tasks on software and attending meetings with the accountants from the audited entities asking questions or recording documents

My software skills have improved by using more of this, especially to improve efficiency and make tasks much easier. Communication is particularly important as the tasks set are normally unfamiliar and so can be quite confusing if you do not ask for clarification of another demonstration. Time management is also a key skill to have so that the audit can be completed on time, which also applies to the day to day roles at each stage.

Yes I did feel that I made a small but yet significant impact in helping each team complete their audit. This mainly depended on the stage of the audit each team was at as if the audit is almost finished then there are not tasks that I can complete. Each piece of work would be checked over but normally would remain as part of the completed audit. I did feel as though I was given responsibility and made a meaningful contribution.

Before we started on each engagement, we were given extensive training and lots of advice from welfare and HR staff. The staff were very welcoming and excellent at taking care of me. They were understanding that this is something new for me and took the time to make sure I was comfortable. They made sure to regularly check up on how I was doing and quick to respond to any concerns and questions I had.

The culture seems very relaxed and welcoming yet hard working. Everyone is nice to speak to but are also very motivated and passionate about what they do. Most of the staff seem young who are understanding of my situation who are willing to give advice and speak to me about their experiences so far. The atmosphere in the office is very nice with a spacious feel and designated areas for discussion and different working spaces to make it comfortable for workers.

I very much enjoyed the internship, it gave a great insight into what the day-to-day experience would be like. The work was a very good reflection of what the graduate role would look like and how career progression would work in the firm. I liked the people who I worked alongside who were very honest and gave me good advice about how to approach the job in future and also what opportunities I could have.

Yes

Be sure to show your personality as they are looking for people who can be comfortable being themselves as this will add value to the firm. It is important to be hardworking but also charismatic, making the work more enjoyable with meaningful discussions and a helpful team. The firm do take their values seriously and is embodied in their staff who try to uphold this and so is important to remember if applying to BDO.