A Day in the Life of a Senior Internal Auditor at Compass Diversified
A senior internal auditor at Compass Diversified revealed that while technical accounting skills and a CPA license are essential, "soft skills are equally as important," emphasizing the need to build rapport with colleagues during audits by acknowledging their work and making "an effort to acknowledge the fact that this is a disruption." This human approach, the interviewee stated, makes the audit process smoother and more effective.
Accounting, Auditing, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Professionalism
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Suzanne Couch
Sr Internal Auditor
Compass Diversified
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina Master of Accounting
Biology & Related Sciences
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. A strong foundation in accounting principles is crucial, including the 150 hours required for the CPA exam.
2. While technical skills are important, soft skills like communication and interpersonal abilities are equally vital for building rapport with colleagues and making the audit process smoother.
3. Demonstrating an understanding of and appreciation for the work of those being audited can significantly improve interactions and cooperation and make the experience more positive for everyone involved.
Transcript
What skills are most important for a job like yours?
The most obvious aspect is the technical accounting part. This includes the 150 hours you need to sit for the CPA exam, which is definitely important for this position.
Having an affinity for and an understanding of math and numbers is also key. Many people think accounting requires calculus, but it's not that kind of math. If you can add, subtract, multiply, and divide, that's about as challenging as the math gets. There are many rules, like GAAP, that you have to memorize, but the actual math itself is not highly challenging, especially with computers and calculators.
One thing that surprised me about this career is that soft skills are equally as important as technical, number-based skills. You're entering people's daily lives at their subsidiaries, interrupting their work. As an auditor, there's an inherent stigma when you walk into someone's office.
Having the soft skills to build rapport with people makes them less annoyed by your disruption and more willing to give you their attention. Being friendly is important. You don't have to become best friends, but don't just demand things.
Acknowledge things like a picture on their desk, their children, making yourself seem more human. I always make an effort to acknowledge that I know I'm disrupting their day and that I appreciate them and what they're doing for us. People like to be acknowledged, to know their work is helpful and appreciated.
Acknowledging the human factor makes everyone's life a little easier.
Advizer Personal Links