AUDIT INTERN JOB DESCRIPTION

An audit intern learns the craft of public accounting by working directly on client engagements. Short definition, but the scope is not. Sitting inside an engagement team alongside managers and partners, the intern rotates across transaction cycles - cash, receivables, payroll, fixed assets - applying Generally Accepted Auditing Standards to real balance sheets under active supervision. What makes this role genuinely difficult is the dual obligation: meeting the technical standards of GAAS while managing client relationships professionally enough that a senior staff member would trust the work without re-doing it.

As the Audit Intern, you support the execution of audit procedures across multiple client engagements, contributing to accurate financial statement reporting and the identification of control gaps that matter to both clients and regulators. You work within a structured engagement team, receiving direction from senior associates, managers, and partners while building the foundational competencies required for a Staff Accountant or Assurance Associate role.

Career Impact: Completing a public accounting internship with demonstrated CPA-track intent is one of the few early-career moves that meaningfully differentiates candidates in the accounting job market.

Business Impact: The work papers and substantive procedures an intern produces feed directly into signed audit opinions that clients, lenders, and regulators rely on for financial decisions.

Growth Opportunity: Interns who perform well move into Staff Accountant positions with exposure to GAAS, GAGAS, and Government Auditing Standards - a qualification set that compounds in value across a finance career.

Company Value: Firms in this group offer structured mentorship programs, regular feedback sessions, and community engagement activities designed to accelerate professional development during the internship.

• Execute audit procedures on financial statement account balances including cash, receivables, inventory, and payroll cycles.
• Prepare and adjust work papers documenting test results, data analytics, and substantive findings for engagement review.
• Identify potential management letter comments and discuss problem areas with the engagement supervisor.
• Monitor engagement progress against the original audit plan and flag deviations requiring senior attention.
• Research accounting and auditing issues using electronic databases to support accurate engagement conclusions.
• Build productive working relationships with client personnel by maintaining professionalism and responsiveness throughout each engagement.
• Draft compiled and reviewed financial statements, including footnote disclosures, under supervisory guidance.

• Bachelor's or Master's student actively pursuing a degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 0 or more years of formal experience; prior internship, coursework, or part-time exposure to audit or accounting environments preferred.
• Demonstrated academic performance with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in major coursework.
• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Auditing Standards and foundational accounting principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with client personnel.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks against firm deadlines.
• Active pursuit of or intent to pursue the CPA designation.
• Ability to travel to client sites and commit to required engagement hours, including additional hours during peak periods.

• Familiarity with Government Auditing Standards or GAGAS as applied in governmental or nonprofit engagements.
• Prior exposure to financial statement preparation, trial balance review, or internal controls testing in an academic or professional setting.
• Experience with flowcharting tools or process documentation methods used to map client business cycles.
• Demonstrated research skills applied to business and industry trend analysis in support of client proposals or engagement planning.

• Work paper completion rate, measuring the proportion of assigned procedures documented on time and to reviewer standard.
• Management letter comment identification rate, reflecting the intern's ability to spot control gaps independently.
• Engagement plan adherence, tracking deviation frequency between planned and actual audit steps on assigned cycles.
• Supervisor review pass rate on first submission, indicating work quality before senior correction.
• Client interaction score, assessed through engagement supervisor feedback on professionalism and responsiveness.
• Typical tools: Audit management platforms (commonly CaseWare or ProSystem fx Engagement); office productivity suites (commonly Microsoft Excel, Word).

• Base Salary Range: $18 to $25 per hour, depending on location and firm size.
• Bonus: Typically none for internship roles; return-offer signing bonuses common.
• Equity: Not applicable at intern level.
• Health Benefits: Limited; some larger firms offer pro-rated coverage for extended internships.
• PTO: Structured around engagement calendar; limited independent PTO.
• Common Perks: CPA exam study support, mentorship pairing, professional development stipends, firm-sponsored networking events.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background checks are a standard condition of employment for all roles; offers are contingent on successful completion. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process upon request. Candidates must hold valid work authorization in the United States at the time of application.

Embedded within Group Audit, the Intern - Audit delivers support across the full audit cycle, including audit plan preparation and data analytics, while building foundational knowledge of methodology, regulation, risks, and controls. Working closely with an international and diverse team, this role contributes to the execution of projects and initiatives that strengthen the organization's audit function.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the execution of projects and initiatives of relevance for Group Audit.
• Gain insights into data analytics, reporting, and project management.
• Support the team in the preparation of the audit plan and accompany audit execution throughout the year.
• Develop an understanding of audit methodology, regulation, risks, and controls.
• Gain work experience in an international and diverse team.

Required Qualifications

• Enrolled at a state-recognized university as a regular student with at least 4 semesters completed in informatics, mathematics, physics, economics, business studies, humanities, or related fields; orientation internship available for gap-year candidates post-bachelor's or master's degree without enrolment requirement.
• First practical experience in Audit or the financial industry (e.g., internships, experience abroad) is an advantage.
• Interest in Audit and the Financial Industry (e.g., Financial and Capital Markets).
• Very good knowledge of MS Office, especially Excel and Access.
• Cooperative manner with strong analytical skills and affinity for numbers.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

Reporting to engagement leadership, the 2022 - Fall - Audit Intern independently manages workflow across audit, accounting, and tax engagements, taking full ownership of files and delivering complete work on a timely basis. Partnering with client teams and internal staff, this role supports audit plan execution and strengthens client relationships while building the professional foundation needed to grow within the firm.

Core Functions

• Taking responsibility and ownership of files by independently managing workflow and presenting complete work on a timely basis.
• Understanding the client's industry and recognizing key performance drivers, business trends, and emerging technical and industry developments.
• Monitoring the progress of engagement teams against the original audit plan and providing recommendations on changes when needed.
• Identifying and resolving routine accounting, audit, and tax issues.
• Maintaining a positive attitude and desire to excel and grow professionally.

Qualifications & Experience

• Enrolled in an undergraduate degree program.
• Pursuing the CPA designation.
• Strong Excel skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, client relations, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively independently and within a team, with strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Ability to travel to client sites as required.

Sitting at the intersection of audit execution and financial reporting, the Audit Intern shapes work papers, financial statement preparation, and client engagement across a broad range of public accounting projects. Operating across audit procedures, industry research, and consulting assignments, this role builds the practical competencies needed to advance toward a Staff Accountant position within the firm.

Primary Duties

• Performing detailed audit procedures on financial statement account balances and preparing and adjusting work papers from clients' trial balance.
• Identifying potential management letter comments and recognizing potential problem areas in specific engagements for discussion with the engagement supervisor.
• Preparing compiled and reviewed financial statements, including drafting annual financial statements with footnote disclosures.
• Becoming proficient at preparing financial statements using the firm's software programs.
• Researching business and industry trends to develop a point of view for use in assisting with proposals.
• Performing other accounting, auditing, and consulting duties as assigned by supervisory personnel.

Skills & Qualifications

• Junior, Senior, or Master's student actively pursuing a BS/BA/Masters in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, or related field with a 3.0 GPA or higher in major courses.
• Knowledge of GAAS, GAS Yellow Book, and GAGAS is a plus.
• Proficiency in MS Office 365 including Word and Excel.
• Experience with Visio or other flowchart software preferred.
• Cordial and pleasant communication style; expresses ideas effectively orally and in writing using clear, concise language.
• Takes on challenges and sees tasks through to completion; sets priorities according to deadlines and project criticality.
• Seeks and learns from guidance and feedback from senior employees; conducts research and utilizes available resources effectively.

A key member of the engagement team, the Audit Intern delivers audit procedures across business transaction cycles including cash, receivables, and fixed assets, while building client relationships across a variety of industries. Collaborating across staff, managers, and partners on all phases of client engagements, this role enables the firm to maintain rigorous audit standards and foster professional development within its teams.

Duties

• Reviewing and auditing business transaction cycles including cash, treasury, capital expenditures, and other income and expenses.
• Researching audit issues, utilizing electronic databases, and tracking financial information using audit-related software.
• Identifying, assessing, and informing senior staff of audit-related issues.
• Working collaboratively with client team members to build rapport and strong client relationships.
• Working closely with staff, managers, and partners on all phases of the project across a variety of client engagements in varying industries.
• Participating in team-building exercises, community outreach activities, and networking events; meeting with a mentor for regular feedback and professional development.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting with an overall minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.
• Strong technical aptitude and demonstrated project management skills including planning and time management.
• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a complex team environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel to client sites on short notice and work additional hours as needed.

Audit coverage that protects business operations at the organization depends on the Audit Intern, who advances work across control evaluation, data analytics, and formal audit documentation under direct supervision. Based within a team of empowered leaders, this role supports both internal audit processes and coordination with external auditors to strengthen efficiencies and controls across the organization.

Functions

• Assist audit staff in conducting reviews of assigned organizational and functional activities by evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of management controls.
• Prepare work papers documenting results of tests and data analytics performed and write formal audit comments identifying and quantifying the impact on business operations.
• Report opportunities for improved efficiencies and controls to management and make appropriate recommendations.
• Assist in the coordination and implementation of audit work for external auditors.
• Develop knowledge of auditing techniques, accounting principles, and effective business communication through self-study and on-the-job training.
• Complete other assigned projects as needed.

Requirements

• Undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems Audit and Control, or related business studies.
• Intermediate computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills across all levels of the organization.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective time management skills.
• Internship begins September 2022; able to commit to a 20-hour work week with year-round commitment preferred.

As the Audit Intern, this role executes a variety of audit, regulatory, and business process engagements while supporting client teams in meeting financial reporting and compliance requirements. The Assurance practice relies on this work to maintain efficient, standards-compliant service delivery and to foster client relationships that continuously improve satisfaction across all engagements.

Accountabilities

• Participate in the execution of a variety of projects, regulatory-driven reviews, reporting, and general business process and controls advisory work.
• Work in teams under the guidance of more experienced individuals and inform supervisors on the status of assigned work.
• Complete audit processes and perform engagements in compliance with firm and industry standards, including following workplace policies and procedures.
• Interact with client personnel and develop productive working relationships while demonstrating commitment to continually improving client satisfaction.
• Foster an efficient, innovative, and team-oriented work environment through cooperative relationships and open communication.
• Use technology to continually learn, share knowledge with team members, and enhance service delivery.

Professional Experience

• Final year of university education with a strong academic record in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• Substantial MS Office knowledge.
• Results-oriented with keen attention to quality, detail, and accuracy.
• Self-motivated with a desire to exceed expectations and interest in Assurance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Croatian and English.
• Able to work most of the week, ideally until spring; eligibility to travel in accordance with client and job requirements.

Audit Intern guides client service activities across audit procedures, control testing, and substantive procedures while building a working knowledge of audit objectives and engagement methodology. The work directly supports the firm's ability to deliver accurate, well-documented audit engagements and fosters teamwork, integrity, and accountability across all client-facing assignments.

Operational Focus

• Assist in the execution of audit procedures.
• Perform duties including understanding routine data processes, testing controls, and performing substantive procedures.
• Clearly and accurately document the execution of specific audit procedures as defined by engagement objectives, client history, and planned audit approach.
• Demonstrate professionalism and competence in the client's environment while maintaining a strong client focus and developing productive working relationships with client personnel.
• Demonstrate teamwork, integrity, and accountability by assisting and collaborating with team members.

Background & Experience

• Pursuing a bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, or a related field.
• PC proficiency including spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and analytical ability.
• Integrity, maturity, dependability, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.