What Should I Learn Before Starting My Audit Career? Seeking Your Insights!
Hello everyone,
I’m thrilled yet a bit anxious to announce that I’ll be joining RSM in Australia as an Audit Graduate next year! I’ve heard that the journey ahead involves balancing work with studying for the CA, and I can already feel the pressure building.
I would love to gather advice from anyone experienced in this field. Are there particular skills or knowledge areas I should concentrate on before I dive in? For instance:
- Should I familiarize myself with certain auditing software?
- Are there advanced Excel techniques I should focus on?
- Would it be beneficial to begin studying CA materials ahead of time?
I have some background in Accounting and have experience using Xero and MYOB, but I’m new to auditing. I’m concerned about managing training and job responsibilities once I start.
Any tips, recommendations, or insights you could share would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much in advance!
One response
Congratulations on your upcoming role at RSM! It’s completely normal to feel excited and a bit nervous, especially when balancing work and studying for the CA. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
Familiarize Yourself with Audit Software: While it may vary by firm, understanding common Audit software like CaseWare or IDEA can give you a head start. Even if RSM uses specific tools, having a general sense of how Audit software works will be beneficial.
Enhance Your Excel Skills: Proficiency in Excel is crucial for auditors. Focus on mastering formulas, pivot tables, VLOOKUP/HLOOKUP, and data analysis tools. Learning how to efficiently handle and analyze data will be incredibly advantageous in your role.
Consider Starting CA Materials: If you have the time and capacity, starting your CA materials early can be a great benefit. This head start can ease the pressure once you begin your job, allowing you to focus more on your work responsibilities.
Understand Auditing Standards and Procedures: Familiarize yourself with the basic principles of auditing, including the audit process, risk assessment, and key auditing standards (like ASAs or ISA). This foundational knowledge will help you during your training.
Develop Communication Skills: Auditors need to communicate findings clearly, both in writing and verbally. Practice articulating your thoughts and make sure you are comfortable discussing financial concepts with non-finance people.
Network with Others in the Field: Reach out to current audit professionals or other graduates who have been through this path. Their insights could provide valuable context on what to expect and what skills are most vital.
Stay Organized and Manage Your Time: The balance between work and study requires good time management. Consider using planning tools or apps to schedule and stay on top of your tasks.
Maintain your Well-being: With the busy workload, remember to take care of yourself. Building effective stress management strategies now will help you navigate the pressures once you start.
Remember, it’s perfectly okay to feel overwhelmed at times, but take it one step at a time. The skills you build now will serve you well in your auditing career. Good luck on your journey!