Favorite Parts of Working in the Finance Industry as an Internal Auditor
Macartan's favorite aspect of the internal audit industry at Compass Diversified is the strong team camaraderie and the relationships built with colleagues and auditees alike; "it's always nice to be part of a team," and the travel opportunities are a welcome plus, although the challenging work and constant travel are also inherent parts of the job.
Teamwork, Communication, Travel, Problem-Solving, Relationship Building
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Macartan McElroy
Internal Audit
Compass Diversified
Villanove University
N/A
Accounting
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
Video Highlights
1. The strong team environment and camaraderie among colleagues are highlighted, with regular team gatherings fostering collaboration and professional development.
2. Building rapport with individuals at all levels during audits is emphasized, highlighting the importance of interpersonal skills and relationship building in the field.
3. The challenging and dynamic nature of the work, involving critical thinking, decision-making, and travel opportunities, is presented as a key aspect of the role
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your industry?
I really do think it's the people aspect. I work as a team with professional folks who all have unique experiences and backgrounds, and I enjoy them. Recently, we had a get-together; we usually meet three or four times a year.
We all get together, even though we're spread out throughout the US. It's interesting to chat with them about their audits, their experiences, and how they approach different situations. It's a great sounding board to ensure we're thinking about things at the appropriate level.
Sharing a nice meal at the end allows us to get to know each other on a personal level too. It's nice not to be on your own; it's always good to be part of a team where everyone is looking out for each other.
Beyond the people I work with, I also focus on the people I'm auditing. I invest time in those relationships and want to get to know them, regardless of their position. I want to have a nice familiarity with them.
I'm able to go in and ask how they're doing or catch up if they mention their child graduating. Having a more personal relationship makes the travel easier. In a way, I'm going out to visit new friends.
To be fair, the work is challenging. You need to constantly think, consider, observe, and make decisions. As I mentioned, the travel has its pluses and minuses. I get to go to nice places in the US, which I enjoy. Previously, I got to see places I'd never seen before.
Being an internal auditor means you're rarely sitting in an office all the time and not going anywhere. It's all part of our industry.
Advizer Personal Links
linkedin.com/in/mac-mcelroy