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Joel, Audit Associate at Big 4 Accounting Firm: Advize Career Interview
A winding career path, beginning with international affairs and philosophy, led to a fulfilling career in accounting.
The interviewee's journey highlights the unexpected opportunities that can arise, transitioning from administrative work to a master's degree and CPA certification, ultimately securing a Big 4 audit associate position.
This role offers diverse experiences, including traditional auditing, a burgeoning ESG focus, and significant collaboration with high-performing colleagues.
While demanding hours and continuous learning are challenges, the rewarding aspects—a collaborative environment, constant professional development, and the ability to contribute to solutions for global issues like climate change—far outweigh them.
The interviewee emphasizes the importance of internships, diverse experiences, a proactive questioning approach, and emotional intelligence as key success factors.
A non-traditional background is a strength, not a weakness, highlighting the industry's value for unique perspectives and critical thinking.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Joel Bobe
Audit Associate
Big 4 Accounting Firm
The George Washington University
UNC - Chapel Hill
International Relations & Affairs, Philosophy
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
Took Out Loans
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Career Path Of An Audit Associate At A Big 4 Accounting Firm
Joel's career path was "a roundabout way," beginning with international affairs and philosophy degrees, followed by administrative work at a law firm which unexpectedly exposed Joel to accounting. This led to a master's in accounting, CPA exam completion, and a current role as an auditor at a Big 4 firm, a transition facilitated by the career reevaluation prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Responsibilities Of An Audit Associate At A Big 4 Accounting Firm
Joel's career at a Big 4 accounting firm initially involved "issuing audit opinions on financial statements," including risk assessment and testing procedures. More recently, Joel transitioned to a burgeoning area focusing on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, where responsibilities now include "providing assurance services over reports on emissions" and helping companies meet new reporting requirements while simultaneously building the firm's capabilities in this field.
A Day In The Life Of An Audit Associate At A Big 4 Accounting Firm
A Big 4 Audit Associate's workday is drastically different depending on the time of year; "January through March...are really busy months," involving long hours at client sites performing "substantive testing" and collaborating with colleagues, while the rest of the year offers more flexibility, with remote work options and opportunities beyond audit work.
Most Important Skills For An Audit Associate At A Big 4 Accounting Firm
While attention to detail and data-driven analysis are essential skills in accounting and audit, as noted by Joel, a Big 4 Audit Associate, the ability to "work with people," demonstrating high emotional intelligence and empathy, truly differentiates high performers. This "standout skill" is often overlooked but proves invaluable in a career like theirs.
Favorite Parts of Being an Audit Associate at a Big 4 Firm
Joel's favorite aspect of the Audit Associate role is the collaborative environment fostered by working with "people that are smarter, that have different experiences, different backgrounds," which contributes to both professional and personal development. The energy, hard work, and innovative spirit of the young professionals at the Big Four firm are key components of this enjoyable experience.
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Audit Associate At A Big 4 Accounting Firm
Joel's biggest challenges as an Audit Associate at a Big 4 firm are the demanding hours requiring "sacrificing a little bit of personal life" and the need for continuous upskilling to keep pace with evolving technologies and standards. However, the strong team environment and the exciting nature of constant professional development mitigate these challenges, making the career rewarding despite its intensity.
Favorite Parts Of Working At A Big 4 Accounting Firm As An Audit Associate
Joel, an Audit Associate at a Big 4 firm, enjoys the breadth of "accounting as an industry," auditing diverse companies across sectors, from banking to technology. This experience allows for specialization and, in Joel's case, a transition into ESG, where they find meaning in using accounting skills to address "climate change and the reality of a warming planet," contributing to solutions for a critical global challenge.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Accounting, According To An Audit Associate At A Big 4 Accounting Firm
Joel, an Audit Associate at a Big 4 firm, highlights the value of diverse backgrounds and unique experiences in thriving within the accounting industry, stating that those who "can take in new approaches" and ask "why am I doing what I'm doing?" are most successful. The ability to confidently contribute unique perspectives, even as a less senior member, is vital for success, a perspective informed by Joel's own non-traditional path into the profession.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Audit Associates At Big 4 Accounting Firms
Joel, an Audit Associate at a Big 4 firm, emphasizes the value of diverse backgrounds and experiences in the accounting industry, noting that those who "thrive are the ones that can take in new approaches." This uniqueness, combined with the ability to critically assess tasks by asking "why am I doing what I'm doing," allows individuals to bring valuable perspectives and stand out, even without traditional accounting backgrounds.
Career Lesson From An Audit Associate At A Big 4 Accounting Firm
To be competitive in accounting, securing an internship is key, with the "vast majority of folks" hired previously interning at the same firm. Exploring different internship experiences, whether in accounting, finance, or business administration, allows one to discover the best-suited accounting area and profession.
College Experiences That Helped an Audit Associate at Big 4 Succeed
Joel, a Big 4 Audit Associate, emphasizes the crucial lesson of not being afraid to ask questions, stating that "nobody enters a profession knowing everything." This proactive approach, even regarding questions that might seem "dumb," allows for faster learning and sets one apart from peers, leading to greater career success.
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