Just making a quick post while I have the time. This week has been/will be jam packed. I have become that person on the train or bus working on their laptop. On Tuesday was the CPA Career's Evening, on Thursday I attended a Linked In workshop and tomorrow is a series of workshops hosted by Performance Education on Professional business skills and communication in business settings.
Earlier today, I wrote a post on the CPA Career's Evening (just below) but it was definitely worthwhile going. The Linked In workshop was hosted by the Macquarie Accounting Student Association and Performance Education. While I found the workshop entertaining, I'm not sure if I learnt anything new from it. There was pizza at the end though. I really do appreciate the opportunity for events like these.
Tomorrow is going to be the busiest day yet. Firstly, we will be heading to the public school for the election around 8am. Then by 9am, I need to be at the chiropractic clinic for my appointment. Then straight after, I need to rush over to the university where the first session will start at 10 and end at 12. This will be followed by the workshop which will end at 1. Then I plan on having lunch with friends for a little while. At 2pm, the next session starts and ends at 4pm. The workshop ends at 5. When I get home, hopefully I'll be able to start and finish my corporations law homework. So that is what I have planned tomorrow, Sunday will just be filled with trying to get my accg301 and accg308 homework done which realistically takes about a day with church and food prep. Not sure how I will stay zen throughout all this but thank God that it is week 6 next week, and the Easter holiday right after.
Friday, 27 March 2015
CPA Careers' evening
So a couple of nights ago I went to the CPA career evening which was held at Docklands in Darling Harbour and I got to meet Alex Malley! It was also great to see new corporations with flexible, modern cultures that attracted me.
There was a corner where corporate fashion was discussed (note to self: get another blazer) , a corner where a photographer took linked in profile pictures, a resume checking station (which was so beneficial for me), the stalls and of course the book signing area (my main reason for attending the event).
Alex stayed until the very end which was just so admirable of him. The line was pretty much never ending all night and he said that he signed thousands of books. We waited about an hour while the stalls were all packing up (it wasn't too bad, we played eye spy). In the 30 seconds where I was able to talk to him, he really was as charismatic as they said he was. I told Alex how his book encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone more, even if it's just little things like having a conversation with someone new on the bus. There was a warmth about him and he was genuine. The girl who met Alex just before me was crying and I overheard him telling her that she could ask him any question she wanted and he would answer her, in video.
The night definitely ended on a good note and I am so glad that I was able to have met him!
________________________________________________________________________
(Previous posts on The Naked CEO; http://accountingstudentjournal.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/chapter-one.html
http://accountingstudentjournal.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/update.html)
I really need to write a closing post on the book!
Monday, 9 March 2015
Careers Day
So I got back from the careers fair awhile ago and it was pretty worthwhile. Talked to a bunch of employers, some that I had previously considered joining and some that I had not. I did a little research on some companies that I predicted might be there and mentioned a couple names from presentations I had attended. Think I'll save it for the interviews.
Most companies had set programs, like vacationer programs or graduate programs which I was eligible for. Everything was mostly online, I only handed in one (paper) resume. One thing that was reinforced today was the flexibility of working with smaller to medium enterprises, and accounting firms that weren't the big 4. I really appreciated how many graduate programs had rotations and gave you flexibility in where you wanted to go; whether it was taxation, auditing, or advisory.
I am mostly still set on advisory though after talking to a couple friends and people I am more open to also trying auditing and even tax? What I am most interested in, I guess is an experience where I am exposed to all aspects of a business and all aspects of accounting.
I also asked a couple people how big a part experience plays in being selected and I got some different answers. I am hoping that the AEC gets back to me because I think working for a couple days will be a really interesting experience.
I am coming to terms that since this is my last year of uni that job seeking starts now. This can be a fun experience but I would be lying if I said that I wasn't slightly nervous.
Most companies had set programs, like vacationer programs or graduate programs which I was eligible for. Everything was mostly online, I only handed in one (paper) resume. One thing that was reinforced today was the flexibility of working with smaller to medium enterprises, and accounting firms that weren't the big 4. I really appreciated how many graduate programs had rotations and gave you flexibility in where you wanted to go; whether it was taxation, auditing, or advisory.
I am mostly still set on advisory though after talking to a couple friends and people I am more open to also trying auditing and even tax? What I am most interested in, I guess is an experience where I am exposed to all aspects of a business and all aspects of accounting.
I also asked a couple people how big a part experience plays in being selected and I got some different answers. I am hoping that the AEC gets back to me because I think working for a couple days will be a really interesting experience.
I am coming to terms that since this is my last year of uni that job seeking starts now. This can be a fun experience but I would be lying if I said that I wasn't slightly nervous.
Pre-Career Day Jitters
Tomorrow is Careers Day at Macquarie and I'm not quite sure what to expect. I have an outfit planned out and several copies of my resume printed out just in case. But other than that, I can't help but feel a little unprepared. I wasn't sure whether to include this blog in my resume; whether it would help me or whether my complete honesty would be the very reason I get turned down.
I wonder how many organisations will be there tomorrow. I am still going to be somewhat selective of which organisations I approach tomorrow because I will only approach an organisation that I admire or see myself working for (i.e. not an organisation in the tobacco industry).
I really wish I was able to go to that workshop on how to make the most of Careers Day workshop. I wasn't sure if it was worth skipping class for. Apparently anyone who went was able to gain insider information about the day. I can only guess which organisations will be there.
Anyway, those are just my late night thoughts, I have a big day ahead of me and I really need to get some rest. Until next time!
I wonder how many organisations will be there tomorrow. I am still going to be somewhat selective of which organisations I approach tomorrow because I will only approach an organisation that I admire or see myself working for (i.e. not an organisation in the tobacco industry).
I really wish I was able to go to that workshop on how to make the most of Careers Day workshop. I wasn't sure if it was worth skipping class for. Apparently anyone who went was able to gain insider information about the day. I can only guess which organisations will be there.
Anyway, those are just my late night thoughts, I have a big day ahead of me and I really need to get some rest. Until next time!
Friday, 6 March 2015
Long University Update
I am currently typing from a computer lab in uni. The internet at home is down since we're in the process of switching providers and the family is in distress (slightly). So for at least another 8-10 business days we are going to have to stick it out. I have missed blogging, even though it's only on a weekly basis. Blogging, writing, or just getting my thoughts out just has a calming effect on me and basically helps me function.
So uni has started and I am pretty happy with how things are going, still on top of things but it is still week two. It has been busier than I expected though. I tried to make the most of o-week by attending a lot of employer presentations which were mainly about things like what employers look for. Thankfully, they were all of some value to me because I know that all these graduate programs can get pretty competitive and I'm sure that knowing what they look for will give me an edge.
I was more determined to join some clubs since it was my last year of university. I was already a part of the Accounting Students Association, and the Bhakti Yoga club (which never really got back to me). This round I joined the Toastmasters because I thought it would be great to brush up on my public speaking skills and gain more confidence. I also joined the Global Leadership Program (really wish I joined sooner though) and the Food Society since I thought it would be good to meet people outside accounting.
Our team has also officially joined the CIMA Global Business Challenge 2015. We have met up with our mentor and the task is to write a report giving our recommendations based on the case study and scenario given to us. Looking at the case study, it's not for the lighthearted. I will somehow have to find some time out of my overloaded schedule to fully process it before even thinking of the report.
Lots of old friends and some new. Speaking of friends, a friend came across my blog searching accg315, was slightly embarrassed! (Hi Kristen if you happen to be reading this haha)
I am doing my last elective, consumer behaviour and it is refreshing to meet different type of people from the usually reserved accounting students.
I am also doing 'Organisational Planning and Control' and it reminded me; I actually LOVE management accounting. Formulating strategies, thinking about the direction of an organisation and being a part of the action (at least I hope).
For a long time I also entertained the idea of doing marketing, I love how it is multidisciplinary and combines elements of psychology and commerce (along with other disciplines). I never really pursued it because I wasn't really a strong writer. At least not under exam conditions. But lately I've been thinking about it more seriously, giving myself another chance so I chose consumer behaviour as my last elective. If it goes well, I'll take it up as a second major. I think marketing could go nicely with management accounting too. But I definitely want and intend to do advisory (as I had always planned).
Anyway, that is just an update on returning to university. Sorry if it lacked structure!
For a long time I also entertained the idea of doing marketing, I love how it is multidisciplinary and combines elements of psychology and commerce (along with other disciplines). I never really pursued it because I wasn't really a strong writer. At least not under exam conditions. But lately I've been thinking about it more seriously, giving myself another chance so I chose consumer behaviour as my last elective. If it goes well, I'll take it up as a second major. I think marketing could go nicely with management accounting too. But I definitely want and intend to do advisory (as I had always planned).
Anyway, that is just an update on returning to university. Sorry if it lacked structure!
Friday, 20 February 2015
Auditing
University is starting in 3 days and I am a little nervous and excited. I am wrapping up my nutrition course and I am in the process of writing a cover letter to an accounting firm that I have been interested in for a while (but I can only do so much). Today I'll share another reflection from last semester.
1. Describe the work environment as presented by the industry partner.
The work environment of KPMG is challenging with a steep learning curve, however most of the work involves working in a team rather than individual work.
2. Describe the role that a new graduate employed by the industry partner would be expected to play in the organisation
A new graduate employed by KPMG (in auditing) would first be an associate accountant.
According to KPMG (2014), associate accountants have a number of responsibilities such as;
• Assisting with audit working papers and documentation including researching and recording facts and findings
• Recognising and reporting accounting and auditing information to management and partners
• Discovering opportunities to improve in financial performance
• Communicating with clients to confirm that there is mutual understanding between both parties
• Having a working knowledge of KPMG Audit Tools (still yet to get this)
3. Skills & Attributes Required
To work for KPMG, technical skills are a must. Technical expertise is necessary to understand all aspects of client’s business. Analytical skills are what makes a good auditor, being able to make use of the information given, to best serve the needs and interests of your client. Presenting insights, understanding and recognising the client’s needs and wants, are all ways analytical skills can add value to clients.
An associate accountant will need to keep up to date with all new accounting standards, trends and their impact on clients, in time to issue warnings to clients.
Time management is very important as five tasks can be due at the same time. Therefore setting priorities are important, to keep up with deadlines.
Interpersonal skills are necessary as you will be constantly around people on the job, having interactions with clients and management; first impressions and building relationships are very important. As a bulk of the work also involves working with a team, leadership skills are also useful. This means being able to create a balance between people and the task while getting results, and dealing with different personalities on different projects.
Integrity is also an attribute which has become increasingly important not only in KPMG but also in the accounting profession in general. Auditors are trusted with sensitive information in their day to day work life and should act in the best interest of their clients. If financial information is abused through alteration, corruption, loss, misuse, or unauthorized disclosure, this can adversely affect the client’s organisation. (WebFinance,2014)
4. Critique to the extent to which your skills and attributes align with the skills and attributes required to work for the industry partner, formulate a strategy to address areas for improvement.
Interpersonal and leadership skills tend to come more naturally to me as I have experience in the past such as taking charge of group work tasks in university, being a peer support leader, being selected to go to leadership camp.
According to the results of the Prelude Character Analysis (2014), I am an ESTJ (Extravert, Sensing, Thinking, Judging) and tend to be ‘the organiser, of materials, of people, of deadlines making sure tasks are planned and coordinated and that everyone is clear what is expected and what should happen next.’ I also have the ‘ability, to adopt a decisive stance, take charge and get the job done which makes 'natural' leaders whom others will readily follow’.
Integrity is an attribute I value and exhibit in my daily life. I believe that a person is as only as good as their actions and that trust is essential in all relationships, personal or professional.
Time management and technical skills are areas that I am weaker with. While I am competent with the technical side, I still need to improve my analytical skills and the ability to pick up on details that may not be obvious to others.
Completing AFIN253 and ACCG350 should significantly increase my analytical skills. Widening my knowledge about accounting standards and keeping up to date with new accounting standards is also important as my current knowledge on accounting standards is still limited.
To improve with time management, I should get into the habit of being more productive and organised. A first step I could take would be to write my daily tasks in a diary or planner. (Which I am now doing)
References
KPMG 2014, Associate – Audit, accessed 10 September 2014, http://www.kpmg.com/mm/en/careers/pages/associate-audit.aspx
Prelude Consulting Limited 2014, ESTJ Work, accessed 10 September 2014, http://www.preludecharacteranalysis.com/types/estj/work
Webfinance Inc 2014, Sensitive Information, accessed 10 September 2014, http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/sensitive-information.html#ixzz3CcvOHXdS
1. Describe the work environment as presented by the industry partner.
The work environment of KPMG is challenging with a steep learning curve, however most of the work involves working in a team rather than individual work.
2. Describe the role that a new graduate employed by the industry partner would be expected to play in the organisation
A new graduate employed by KPMG (in auditing) would first be an associate accountant.
According to KPMG (2014), associate accountants have a number of responsibilities such as;
• Assisting with audit working papers and documentation including researching and recording facts and findings
• Recognising and reporting accounting and auditing information to management and partners
• Discovering opportunities to improve in financial performance
• Communicating with clients to confirm that there is mutual understanding between both parties
• Having a working knowledge of KPMG Audit Tools (still yet to get this)
3. Skills & Attributes Required
To work for KPMG, technical skills are a must. Technical expertise is necessary to understand all aspects of client’s business. Analytical skills are what makes a good auditor, being able to make use of the information given, to best serve the needs and interests of your client. Presenting insights, understanding and recognising the client’s needs and wants, are all ways analytical skills can add value to clients.
An associate accountant will need to keep up to date with all new accounting standards, trends and their impact on clients, in time to issue warnings to clients.
Time management is very important as five tasks can be due at the same time. Therefore setting priorities are important, to keep up with deadlines.
Interpersonal skills are necessary as you will be constantly around people on the job, having interactions with clients and management; first impressions and building relationships are very important. As a bulk of the work also involves working with a team, leadership skills are also useful. This means being able to create a balance between people and the task while getting results, and dealing with different personalities on different projects.
Integrity is also an attribute which has become increasingly important not only in KPMG but also in the accounting profession in general. Auditors are trusted with sensitive information in their day to day work life and should act in the best interest of their clients. If financial information is abused through alteration, corruption, loss, misuse, or unauthorized disclosure, this can adversely affect the client’s organisation. (WebFinance,2014)
4. Critique to the extent to which your skills and attributes align with the skills and attributes required to work for the industry partner, formulate a strategy to address areas for improvement.
Interpersonal and leadership skills tend to come more naturally to me as I have experience in the past such as taking charge of group work tasks in university, being a peer support leader, being selected to go to leadership camp.
According to the results of the Prelude Character Analysis (2014), I am an ESTJ (Extravert, Sensing, Thinking, Judging) and tend to be ‘the organiser, of materials, of people, of deadlines making sure tasks are planned and coordinated and that everyone is clear what is expected and what should happen next.’ I also have the ‘ability, to adopt a decisive stance, take charge and get the job done which makes 'natural' leaders whom others will readily follow’.
Integrity is an attribute I value and exhibit in my daily life. I believe that a person is as only as good as their actions and that trust is essential in all relationships, personal or professional.
Time management and technical skills are areas that I am weaker with. While I am competent with the technical side, I still need to improve my analytical skills and the ability to pick up on details that may not be obvious to others.
Completing AFIN253 and ACCG350 should significantly increase my analytical skills. Widening my knowledge about accounting standards and keeping up to date with new accounting standards is also important as my current knowledge on accounting standards is still limited.
To improve with time management, I should get into the habit of being more productive and organised. A first step I could take would be to write my daily tasks in a diary or planner. (Which I am now doing)
References
KPMG 2014, Associate – Audit, accessed 10 September 2014, http://www.kpmg.com/mm/en/careers/pages/associate-audit.aspx
Prelude Consulting Limited 2014, ESTJ Work, accessed 10 September 2014, http://www.preludecharacteranalysis.com/types/estj/work
Webfinance Inc 2014, Sensitive Information, accessed 10 September 2014, http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/sensitive-information.html#ixzz3CcvOHXdS
(Note: I wasn't aware that I hadn't posted in a while since I was sure that this post was queued. Nevertheless, here it is now and there will be another post again after university starts.)
Sunday, 1 February 2015
Happy February!
Time really flies when you're busy (or having fun). Lately I've been focusing on my nutrition course which I have been enjoying, watching the Asian Cup and The Australian Open and I have also recently opened my accounting textbooks for revision. I studied Intermediate Financial Accounting in the first semester of 2014 and I will be doing a continuation of that next semester so I really need to brush up on everything to not only stay afloat but to do well. So in the upcoming weeks before uni starts again, I have allocated the more challenging topics to revise and hopefully I haven't forgotten too much.
Also set up my timetable the other day and for the first time I am completely happy with how it is set up. Last semester I had a couple of lectures ending at 8pm which was what I was trying to avoid. I have an equal amount of classes on each of the three days so I won't be going to uni for just one class and I'll be able to attend all lectures. I never like watching lectures online because it gives me chances to procrastinate and to put it off. I find that deadlines and being in public (not alone) motivate and keep me going. I also have enough time in the mornings to hit the gym if I'm not too busy which is nice. Having this timetable almost excites me to get back to uni and get prepared. Next on the list: getting back into a decent sleeping pattern.
Also set up my timetable the other day and for the first time I am completely happy with how it is set up. Last semester I had a couple of lectures ending at 8pm which was what I was trying to avoid. I have an equal amount of classes on each of the three days so I won't be going to uni for just one class and I'll be able to attend all lectures. I never like watching lectures online because it gives me chances to procrastinate and to put it off. I find that deadlines and being in public (not alone) motivate and keep me going. I also have enough time in the mornings to hit the gym if I'm not too busy which is nice. Having this timetable almost excites me to get back to uni and get prepared. Next on the list: getting back into a decent sleeping pattern.
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