What an Audit Associate at a Big 4 Accounting Firm Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Accounting Industry
Zachary, an audit associate, wishes they had better appreciated their pre-work free time before starting, as the demanding "busy season" significantly impacts personal time, requiring a work-life balance adjustment. While their internship initially presented monotonous tasks, Zachary's current role involves more "compelling work" and "judgment," showcasing a progression beyond rote tasks to more engaging responsibilities.
Industry Realities, Workplace Challenges, Time Management, Career Development, Work-Life Balance
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Zachary Milano
Audit associate
Big 4 Accounting Firm
Cal Poly
None
Economics
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. The demanding workload during busy season significantly impacts free time, requiring effective time management and potentially lifestyle adjustments.
2. The nature of audit work evolves with experience; initially tedious tasks become more engaging and challenging as skills develop.
3. Internships may not fully represent the day-to-day reality of the job; the complexity and interest level increase with experience and skill development.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
I think the number one thing everyone tells you before auditing is to be ready for how busy you'll be during busy season. I knew I'd be busy, but I don't think I fully valued how much free time I had before working here.
When I'm working, I get in at eight and don't leave until seven or eight. This means my only free time each day is before eight in the morning and after eight at night. This time is for making dinner or getting ready for the day.
You have to either make work your life or make the most of your free time. If I had used my free time better before starting, I think I would have been happier.
The other thing I wish I knew beforehand is that auditing work is more interesting than it might seem if you do an internship. I did an internship and was planning to take the return offer because it was a job, but I was kind of dreading it. I thought, "Oh man, if I have to do all that the entire time, it's going to be terrible."
I don't think the work I did during my internship was representative of what I do now. It's all the same stuff, but things that took me a couple of days during my internship now take me 20 minutes. Now I have more time for more compelling work, things that require more judgment and are more interesting. I'm not just copying and pasting or just looking at journal entries.
Advizer Personal Links