What is your job about?
As a Graduate Accountant – Audit, my role is to assist the audit team with financial audits. I work with clients from various industries and sectors, including not-for-profit organizations, for-profit companies (including stocktake audits), solicitors, schools, and trusts. For larger clients, I collaborate as part of an audit team, supporting the Manager and senior staff throughout the engagement. I also handle smaller projects independently, such as trusts, solicitors, and census audits. I often work directly at the client's location, allowing me to visit different clients across Victoria. When I'm not at the client's site, I work on client files back at the office. We have flexible work arrangements that sometimes allow me to work from home. Typically, when we start an engagement, we hold an internal planning meeting with the Audit Manager and/or Senior Auditor to discuss the client's background and determine the focus areas for the on-site visit. We then proceed to the client's location and begin the audit by conducting a client meeting, where we meet the staff members who will assist us with the audit information. Afterward, we set up and commence the audit process.
What is your background?
I grew up in Surat, a city in the State of Gujarat, India. I lived with my parents and older sister. I attended secondary school and completed my undergraduate degree in Gujarat in 2018. In November 2019, I moved to Melbourne, Australia, to pursue a dual Master's degree. However, due to Covid-19 restrictions, my study experience at Deakin University was primarily remote. We used the study space in the university library, but the majority of our studies were conducted online. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, I managed to complete my two-year degree in 1.5 years. I graduated in 2021 and joined McLean Delmo Bentleys in May 2022. In December 2022, I had the opportunity to visit my family and attend my sister's wedding after being away for some time. It was a wonderful experience to reconnect with loved ones. Since then, I have resumed my routine in Melbourne, working both in the city and in regional Victoria.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
In my opinion, a role in auditing is best suited for someone with an accounting or finance background. It is crucial to have an understanding of audit standards and a basic knowledge of accounting. Having this background will greatly benefit someone pursuing a career in audit.
What is the coolest thing about your job?
One of the aspects I love about my job is the opportunity to meet new people. Being part of a team, I enjoy the variety of working with different clients. We have a close-knit team that collaborates well, and we often go out for team lunches on Fridays to discuss our week and unwind.
What are the limitations of your job?
Every job has its limitations. In the case of auditing, one limitation is the amount of travel involved. It is important for anyone considering a career in audit to be prepared for the travel requirements that come with the job. Having a driver's license and a car can be advantageous, but we also utilize public transport to reach client locations. Additionally, the audited year has a busy season where we may need to work additional hours. However, the firm keeps track of these hours and takes care of its employees.
What are three pieces of advice you would give yourself when you were a student?