The Accounting of Becoming An Accountant (part 2) 📚
... and I became an auditor
This past weekend marked a significant milestone as my daughter transitioned from household chores to donning the hat of a bookkeeping assistant, proudly declaring herself a moneymaker (in her own words). As she inked her first contract (crafted by yours truly with a bit of help from GPT), it sparked memories of my own journey leading to my role as an auditor at EY in Ottawa.
After three enriching years at the accounting department at the university, the time arrived for me to contemplate the next step. Despite the tempting offer of a full-time position from the supportive ladies in the accounting department, I was captivated by the commanding Deloitte auditor, secretly admired for her confidence and feared for her audit requests.
Classroom whispers about office tours, summer internships, and job offers piqued my curiosity. Approaching our auditor for more details, I discovered these tours were recruitment opportunities straight from the university. Swiftly, I signed up for office tours with EY, PwC, Raymond Chabot, and Grant Thornton, among others.
Armed with my first corporate suit (purchased at Suzy Shier – the only attractive find), I dove into interview preparation at the University's Career Center. Nina, an interview coach, patiently guided me through practice sessions, boosting my confidence each time. Bilingualism and accounting department experience became my secret weapons.
As office tours unfolded, the initial awkwardness faded away. EY's recruiting coordinator exuded warmth, making me feel at home. Interviewing for a January start in October was unusual but perfectly aligned with my schedule. To my surprise, a job offer materialized during a conversation with the EY partner. Excitement surged as I received my job offer with a $36,500 Canadian salary (it felt like so much money). I may have yet to learn much about auditing, but joining a Big 4 as a respected CA after five rounds of interview prep was thrilling.
Reflecting on the journey, the universe conspired to guide me to EY. The additional semester added to my degree allowed me to finish in December and start working in January, just when EY needed an additional associate. It was both a blessing and a challenge, skipping the training received by junior staff beginning in October.
The memories of my first audit job are sprinkled with humor and embarrassment. Picture a bustling audit room, a seasoned crew, and one overly strict senior manager. There I was, the rookie among professionals – one associate, two seniors, a manager, and a highly uptight senior manager.
The struggle was real. I had no clue about what I was doing and no proper training – I copied the previous year's working papers in my audit of fixed assets. Enter the senior manager, armed with a critical eye and a knack for dramatic statements. As she delved into my files, the collective gaze on me intensified. The verdict? "Who is the idiot who did that work?" Yep, yours truly. Cue embarrassment, shame, and a hypothetical blush if my skin could manage.
But the lesson? In the face of criticism, I stayed mum. She pointed out my lack of guidance, and all I could muster was a feeble defense about following last year's lead. There are no excuses, just lessons.
A couple of hours later, the manager took pity on me. A crash course in real auditing ensued, and I learned that auditing wasn't a stroll in the park. Checklists, reason, and a truckload of questions became my companions.
So, what's the takeaway? Sometimes, the most dramatic entrances into a new challenge become the cornerstone of your growth. Embrace the chaos, ask the right questions, and you might find yourself mastering the art of auditing – one embarrassing moment at a time.
First EY holiday party.
Now, let's distill some valuable lessons from this EY journey.
Lesson 1: Embrace Opportunities Beyond Your Comfort Zone
Venturing beyond the familiar was transformative. Office tours and interviews, despite initial discomfort, broadened my perspective, unveiling unforeseen possibilities. EY's recruiting coordinator showcased the impact of warmth and hospitality on navigating unfamiliar territory, emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming environment for others.
Lesson 2: Confidence Comes from Preparation
Investing time in interview preparation and practicing with Nina at the Career Center instilled the confidence needed to navigate the competitive landscape. Preparedness became a key ally, underscoring the significance of honing skills to face professional challenges.
Lesson 3: Adaptability and Resilience Are Invaluable Traits
Starting my role at EY in January presented challenges and blessings. The absence of October training required swift adaptation. With its trials and initial embarrassment, the bank audit initiation taught resilience and the ability to learn on the go.
Lesson 4: Seek Mentorship and Ask Questions
Early auditing obstacles highlighted the importance of seeking mentorship and asking questions. The willingness to learn from experienced colleagues proved instrumental in overcoming hurdles and mastering the intricacies of the job.
In essence, this leg of my journey reinforces the idea that success is deeply rooted in adaptability, resilience, and genuine connections beyond the technicalities of accounting and auditing. These lessons continue to shape my professional approach, underscoring the enduring value of personal growth and a commitment to lifelong learning. 🌟
#thebalancedsheets #cpa #cpajourney #auditor #big4
