[luckys7n]

Hello. This is my first post. Not sure if I am at the correct place to ask but here is my dilemma –

There’s a seasonal assurance process job opportunity in FL. It’s for 6 months of temp work. Pay isn’t good at all but comes with benefits.

I currently work as an analyst for a public company but this is pretty much a dead-end job and I am going to quit soon.

I was just wondering if the 6 month of temp work as assurance process will add any value or possibly open up some opportunities in the future?

Btw, I’ve graduated 4 yrs ago and currently studying for the CPA exam. I am interested in going into auditing. It seems like a challenging but stimulating field.

[Anonymous]

Couldn't hurt. But you also have to ask yourself some very important questions.

#1) Can you afford to take the pay cut?

Also, nothing in life is a given. I'm sure that it will open up some opportunities but I don't think anyone is in a position to give the definitive answer you seem to be wanting…

[Mayo]

Have some quick questions I think could help get a better response:

-what is assurance process job? Is this a true assurance/audit job, or are you providing support for the audit teams?

-is this for a big 4? The thread title indicates this, but you don't seem to mention it in your thread.

Generally, any opportunity working close to a big 4 would be helpful. If your work is good and you fit in with the firm you might be able to impress the right people enough to get a full time position. Assuming that you are exposed to even a bit of audit work, it's helpful when applying for auditing jobs. At the very least, you might be able to make some contacts for later.

One of the biggest barriers to public accounting jobs (if you don't get recruited as a student) is actual audit experience. You could be a super strain industry, but that means nothing when it comes to audit. Not because it's hard, but because the job entails specific audit knowledge that you're not exposed to in non-auditing accounting jobs.

So yah. Answer those questions, and I might be able to give better answers.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[luckys7n]

– Providing support for the audit teams (this is why i felt uncomfortable, sounds like clerical work to me)

– @PricewaterhouseCoopers

– if it will open up more doors in the future, I am more than willing to take a paycut. Just not sure if this job will give me more opportunities.

I've been applying to a lot of places for accounting/auditing jobs. I haven't gotten any calls yet. I am wondering now if I take this temp gig, will help me at least get interviews in the future?

[Mayo]

Okay that makes more sense. I'm not really all that familiar with that type of position.

The only thing that I'm aware of at my firm is a position where someone will work with an audit team and they will create workpaper templates based on prior year work, perform basic clerical duties (copies, faxes, mail, etc.), and complete very non technical types of duties (think footing and cross footing columns)

At the end of the day, I'm not sure what you'd be doing, so if you apply and get a response, I'd inquire as to what type of duties you'd perform, and if you'd work alongside the audit team at the client site or if you would work from the local office.

If you get to work alongside the audit team, there might be opportunity to network and impress them with your work. Also, it gives you an ability to say you have some knowledge of how an audit file and documentation looks like. You could use that experience to help you get a full time audit position.

However, that's still a long shot, and who knows if you and the team you'd work with would even gel and get along. But hey, if you're job is truly a dead end and you plan to quit, then taking this position is a solid move IMO. Just makes sure you know what you're getting into.

At the end of the day, “PWC: Audit Support” will still look interesting to other smaller accounting firms when considering your resume.

My only other suggestion, is that in a role like that, you want to be continually exceeding people's expectations and looking for more and more responsibility. If they're busy, they might throw you a bone and let you test an account for example….or help tie out stuff. It might seem like small tasks but that would just add to your audit experience.

wow, long ass post for a job you haven't even applied for haha. Keep us posted if you do decide to get it. Sounds interesting.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[luckys7n]

@mayo

I actually applied for the position few weeks ago. I had interviews already.

Duties include doing test of control, tying out balances, prepare docs.

They were wondering why I would quit my current job for this. lol.

I am leaning towards just staying put, make $, get my cpa and maybe Macc and try again next year.

I am still trying to weigh my options and listen to what other people have to say about this.

Thanks your input tho. It's helping me alot.

[Author]

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