[hasy]

I’m currently in an audit internship. I was told that if I perform well, I will receive an offer. But so far, my last two jobs, I don’t think I performed THAT well. My first job, I was so lost. Their accounting was so bookkeeping heavy and I only have an accounting minor (not an excuse, I know). My second job was a little better, I was able to pick up what my senior and manager wanted of me. But I felt like I barely did work, only a couple of lead sheets and more data entry/processing. Again, I don’t think I performed THAT well. Of course, I’ve been looking for jobs and I’ve found a couple of auditing positions. What should I do?

1) Wait until the internship is over and start applying (Con: I’m broke and need to work right away. Also a graduate too.)

2) Apply now (but how would that look? Applying for a new audit position while I’m currently at my internship.)

3) How do I perform better within my last 3 weeks at my internship? We finished at the my second job today and for the next 3 weeks, I’m not assigned to any job. What do I do?

I would kill for any insight right now. I feel like I’m worthless (a little dramatic, yes). But I actually turned down a tax offer for this position and I wonder what went wrong. I won’t regret my decision but I would like some guidance.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved - Helen Keller

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BEC 80 (10/23/15)
FAR 72 (4/2/15); 83 (7/11/16)
REG 52 (4/28/15)
AUD (9/9/16)

Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB

[Ntw6817]

So this may be a dumb question but don't you need to have a pretty strong accounting background in order to do auditing? What was your major?

Also, I think it would be fine for you to apply for jobs right now. You obviously wouldn't need to tell your current employer that you're applying other places. Who knows, if you end up getting two offers, you can have them bid for you.

I wouldn't stress too much about not knowing what to do. You're an intern. You're not supposed to have it all together. Just keep asking questions and show that you're teachable.

[hasy]

I had a major in Economics and a minor in Accounting. Also, I want to say the minor at my school was a joke. But I'm currently taking more classes to refresh my accounting knowledge.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved - Helen Keller

-

BEC 80 (10/23/15)
FAR 72 (4/2/15); 83 (7/11/16)
REG 52 (4/28/15)
AUD (9/9/16)

Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB

[ruggercpa2b]

You really dont need an accounting background to be an auditor. And considering you are an intern they are not going to expect to be able to do everything with flying colors. Even first years are not expected to know what they are doing. I always ask what the learning curve is when I am applying for a job. Because if they tell me 6 months and at 9 months I am still clueless then we have a problem. I have been auditor for 8 years and every job I have had has always had a steep learning curve. Its all about how you approach things. I always try to make sure I do research and try to figure things out on my own before asking questions. But also be careful not to spend an hour spinning my wheels when I could have just asked someone.

As long as you are enthusiastic and whatever tasks they give you put in 110% then you have nothing to worry about. I would apply to different jobs though because you dont want to put all your eggs in one basket. Another thing is to ask for feedback. How did I do? What could I have done better.

I would not spend the extra money to refresh your accounting skills since you already said you are broke. I have an undergrad in finance when I was in school I always viewed audit as an accounting thing. But its not. I have worked with some of the best that were Econ and Math majors. Dont worry about looking as an intern because everyone knows having an internship does not guarantee you a job.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[hasy]

Thank you for all your feedback.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved - Helen Keller

-

BEC 80 (10/23/15)
FAR 72 (4/2/15); 83 (7/11/16)
REG 52 (4/28/15)
AUD (9/9/16)

Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB

[Anonymous]

With 3 weeks left in your internship, any job offer you got would easily be able to start after the internship is over, so I see no reason not to start applying to jobs. It's doubtful you'd even have an offer before the 3 weeks is over, so if you'll get one from the company you're interning with, you'd probably know that before knowing if you'd get any from other leads.

As far as performing well your last 3 weeks, give it your all and prove you're a team player. If you're not assigned to anything, then be the most willing unassigned person ever. Make it clear to everyone that what you may lack in technical skills (not saying you do, but based on your own judgment you think you do) you make up for in hard work and willing attitude. If you have a direct supervisor still who is also unassigned, I'd try to talk with him first thing Monday and ask how you can be most helpful this week or this last 3 weeks or whatever, and if he tells you the most helpful thing to do is scrub floors with a toothbrush, then make those floors shine and ask what else you can do. Prove that you have the teamwork needed to be a good auditor. Then if you get assigned to something and feel lost with it, come home and research it till you go to bed, so that the next day you're working on it, you know more about it.

[TNCPA16]

Don't worry about what they think – you need a job; they haven't offered you a FT job; of course you should be applying elsewhere. Even if they do end up offering you a position, it doesn't hurt to have options. But, it doesn't sound like this place is the greatest fit for you. Would you want to work there FT?

As for your last three weeks, make sure to let everyone know you are available and willing to help with whatever they need and keep a good attitude!

[Author]

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