Renner Careers Blog; July 25, 2022
Understanding what’s required of an auditor can help you decide if you even want to be one.
Some tips from three auditors new to the profession revealed as much.
What to Learn
- First, as in life, an auditor needs to be well informed and constantly hungry for knowledge.
“I would say besides studying the books, (auditors) need to build habits to update themselves constantly with new standards and knowledge of the industry,” said Chau Huynh, who has been working in audit at Renner and Company for about three months. “It’s important to keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date.”
- Next, when deciding on a career in audit — or any field, really — you have to be patient and able to manage your professional life with your personal one. The same will apply once you’re actually working on an audit.
“It’s good to start learning how to balance life while working,” said Danny Lee, an auditor at Renner and Company for the past 10 months.
Since no two audit projects are alike, Lee said auditors need to “have patience and attention.”
He added: “One of my co-workers also highlighted that (you) should have an interesting (hobby) or have a good time with family to relieve stress.”
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
- Lastly, you’ve got to be willing to inquire. When deciding on a career in audit — or once you’re actually working on one — you can’t be hesitant about asking questions.
As Yan Yan Chan, another auditor at Renner, put it, you have to “be brave.”
“You have to ask the clients questions. Asking questions does not mean you are unprofessional,” she said.
After you’ve asked all the questions, done the research and made the decision to become an auditor — you’ll get your degree and choose a firm — and it will be time for your first audit.
Apply What You’ve Learned
So what is it like to work in audit?
- You’ll really apply what you learned in school.
“Audit focuses on testing controls and obtaining evidence to provide an opinion on the financial statements,” Chau said. “We also help clients by giving advice on certain areas of their internal controls that could be improved.”
- You’ll be spending a lot of time out of the office and “in the field.”
Although “the field” may be virtual now, auditors “basically spend more time with clients than any other services,” Danny said.
- You’ll play the long game, running the equivalent of a forensic marathon rather than a sprint.
“Working in audit makes you learn how a company operates,” Yan said. “You need to be scrupulous and patient.”
To learn more about opportunities at Renner, check out our careers page. Follow us on LinkedIn. Read here to learn more about our audit department.
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