What is one thing you wish you knew before becoming an accountant, auditor, consultant, and/or in the taxing career?
#tax #taxing #taxes #accountant #accounting #auditor #auditing #consulting #consultant #consultants
29 answers
Erin’s Answer
Thank you so much for your insight!
Mireia
Matthew’s Answer
Also, knowing how diverse the work can be can assist you in identifying opportunities to diversify your skill-base and/or work focus (much of the foundational knowledge is transferable). That is, starting in one area can open doors for transitioning to other areas once you find your niche and the option to make that change will almost always be available (I can speak from experience in that regard).
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Jasir’s Answer
Thank you for your insight!
Mireia
Vic’s Answer
Sakina’s Answer
Bridgette’s Answer
This is a great question. I wish that I knew how fast past the tax consulting world is and how you are always learning something new no matter how long you have been in the industry. This is something that I realize I like but it was something I did not expect when starting my career. I hope this helps and good luck!
Your insight is much appreciated, Thank you!
Mireia
Chris’s Answer
Maureen’s Answer
One thing I didn't realize, but one of the reasons I love my job, is that I have to critically think through unstructured problems on a daily basis. Making sure I understand the client's overall organization processes and risks to their organization are what help me be effective in providing solutions. This type of thinking is far different than most of my schoolwork which required memorization/recall.
Mark’s Answer
Additionally, an internal auditor audits many departments within their company. By getting exposure to many departments, you see the inner workings of the groups as well as the company in general that most employees don't get. So if a position became available, you're knowledge of the departments you audit is an advantage. My boss always said that internal audit associate and senior positions are temporary and that he loved to see people move into other roles within the company because he knew that the auditors would bring their knowledge of procedures and controls into their new role.
Michelle’s Answer
Jennifer’s Answer
Vincent’s Answer
I would highly suggest you trying to pass your CPA exam while in school. This will help open many doors and will make life much easier when you start working. It will help you know what field you want to get into and will prepare you for your first year! Good Luck!!
Karly’s Answer
Great question! I think the one thing I wish I know before becoming an external auditor is how important your verbal and written communication skills are. When I started studying accounting, I assumed that that being accountant meant that I would sit in a cubicle and crunch numbers all day. In my day-to-day, I interact with client contacts and write about business processes way more than I work with numbers. Overall, I think that the job creates an environment in which you can become a well-rounded professional!
Vito’s Answer
Jason’s Answer
Hi Mireia,
One thing I wish I knew going into my career as public tax accountant is how different it is learning on the job as compared to how you learn in school. The group I work in is very compliance based so we prepare tax returns for our clients to file to the IRS or state tax authorities. Our process starts when we receive various information from the client in order to prepare the returns. While on the job we are creating workpapers and using tools and programs in order to provide support for the information we include in the tax return. Some of what I learn while on a job may not be very tax technical like learning from a textbook in school, but it involves acquiring skills in using programs to create workpapers (such as Excel, Alteryx), and knowing the ins and outs of various tax preparation software. Overall, the process on the job is how to create quality work in an efficient way for our clients, which is quite different than learning tax specific material in your college curriculum.
Amra’s Answer