The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are seen across all industries, and the field of auditing is no different. Before the pandemic, auditors were known to be out in the field working at clients’ offices every day during busy season. Audit teams would spend most days in a conference room together, collaborating with one another and being included in all team conversations. A day in the life of an auditor has vastly changed thanks to the transformation brought along by the pandemic. In this blog, I will describe my experience as a new generation of audit staff who began working post-pandemic, detailing what I recognize as both pros and cons of a more remote work experience.
Pros of Beginning an Auditing Career Post-Pandemic
Many positive changes came from the quarantine in the early stages of the pandemic, including the use of technology, the need to adapt and learn in more diverse ways and the ability to have more flexibility in your schedule. As a staff accountant beginning a career once the pandemic subsided, I have known nothing other than the largely remote environment in which we currently work. Meeting with my team and clients via videoconferencing is a normal occurrence for me, and the thought of sitting in an audit room all week is completely foreign. Having the opportunity to meet virtually allows all members of the team to work together without physically being in the same place introduces a new style of collaboration.
This ability to work remotely can increase efficiency and allows our firm to easily extend services to locations outside of the Houston area. Through my experience at the firm, I have found that the remote environment we operate in has also challenged me and enhanced my ability to adapt and learn. Many vital training programs and learning experiences have occurred via videoconferencing. This has taught me the importance of being present and focused while on a call. When working remotely, it is easy to become distracted, which poses another challenge of learning how to discipline yourself to pay attention to calls. I often create focus by turning my phone to “Do Not Disturb” and minimizing any additional noises in my environment.
Remote work has presented new learning opportunities. The pandemic encouraged me to become more proactive in seeking guidance because the traditional “over-the-shoulder” support from my team was less accessible. I have learned to take more initiative in asking questions and seeking clarity when needed. I also see the importance of self-motivation and personal accountability, qualities that will always be useful in my career.
Cons of Beginning an Auditing Career Post-Pandemic
Along with the many positives, some challenges have also surfaced. One of the biggest cons is the lack of face-to-face interactions with clients. While the use of video calls is very convenient for quick questions or clients outside of the Houston area, there is an element of familiarity and trust that comes with in-person contact. As a staff accountant starting post-pandemic, I have found that my ability to chat with clients feels stunted. With these interactions occurring less frequently in my experience, I feel less confident meeting with a client without the support of my manager or supervisor.
An additional con is the lack of face-to-face time with the rest of the audit team. It takes longer to receive feedback on work and cuts back on collaborative opportunities. Before the pandemic, the audit team typically spent most days working in a space together where there were open discussions regarding different questions and topics relating to the client. All members of the team were privy to these conversations, which inherently enhanced not only their understanding of that client but the auditing field in general. This also leads to a feeling of missing the typical team dynamic, as the camaraderie and teamwork feel less prevalent. This also creates a gap in communication between different levels of the team, as well as missed opportunities for team building and learning on the spot.
Balancing the Post-Pandemic Experience
Despite these challenges, there is no “better” or “worse” way to start an auditing career—only different experiences. Both pre- and post-pandemic auditing environments offer unique opportunities for growth. The pre-pandemic model, with its face-to-face interactions and constant collaboration, allowed for more immediate feedback, mentoring and relationship-building. For those who entered the profession before the pandemic, these experiences shaped their understanding of the field and fostered close-knit team dynamics.
On the other hand, the post-pandemic environment has introduced a more flexible and tech-driven approach to auditing. The shift to remote work has forced auditors to become more adaptable, self-reliant and technologically proficient. We have learned to navigate new challenges and take advantage of remote work’s flexibility, while also finding creative ways to build client relationships and stay engaged with teams. The tools we use and the skills we have developed will undoubtedly be essential in the future, even as the profession may eventually shift back to more in-person interactions.
Ultimately, the post-pandemic auditing environment requires us to work harder to build relationships, stay connected with our teams and seek out opportunities for learning and growth. However, it also offers flexibility, efficiency and new ways to collaborate that can make the profession more accessible and sustainable in the long run. As we move forward, I believe there is potential to blend the best aspects of both the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic auditing experiences to create a more dynamic, flexible and resilient profession.
