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.
Overcoming Challenges, Teamwork, Career Development, Technology, Workplace Challenges
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
Video Highlights
1. Long working hours, especially during peak season, requiring personal sacrifices to meet deadlines.
2. The necessity for continuous upskilling and professional development to keep pace with evolving standards and technologies in the field.
3. The importance of teamwork and positive relationships with colleagues to mitigate the challenges of long hours and demanding work.
Transcript
Q6: Biggest challenge in your role.
What is your biggest challenge in your career?
There are a lot of challenges, which I think is a good thing. This profession is definitely not for the faint of heart. It can be really rough on hours, especially during those months when we're auditing, and we're doing the substantial part of our work after the fiscal year end.
The hours and having to sacrifice a little bit of your personal life to meet deadlines can be pretty challenging. I think that challenge is mitigated by the team that you're on. If you're working with really good people, it's a lot better to be working a lot of hours with people you really like spending time with than working 40 hours with people you just can't get along with.
So, while it is a challenge, it also presents an opportunity to work with some awesome folks. Another challenge would be the demands on making sure that you're constantly upskilling and developing as a professional. It is one of those careers where things are always changing.
Standards are changing, and the way that we do things is changing. We're now implementing AI and using a whole bunch of different technology. If you're not with it, you kind of get left behind. You constantly have to be on your toes and develop as a professional. That can be challenging, but at the same time, it's also very exciting.