Spending the summer at Accru Melbourne gave me a practical introduction to what audit really involves. Over two months, I moved from learning the language of audit to contributing to live engagements across schools, not-for-profits and foreign subsidiaries. It was fast paced, challenging, and far more collaborative than I expected.
Starting Out in Audit
As part of Accru’s Audit and Assurance team, I worked on external audits for a range of organisations, including schools, not-for-profits and foreign subsidiaries. Across the internship, I contributed to around 10 engagements, which meant regular exposure to different industries, clients and audit issues.
From early on, I was involved in real work alongside full-time staff. My day-to-day responsibilities included meeting with clients to understand their business processes, gathering and testing samples, and preparing audit documentation. One of the most valuable parts of the experience was being trusted to contribute to live engagements within the first few weeks.
Working Across Different Engagements
Because each engagement was different, the internship gave me a broad view of how audit work changes depending on the organisation. Moving between clients meant constantly learning new systems, processes and risks. It also showed me how important it is for auditors to adapt quickly and ask the right questions.
Working across multiple engagements in a short period of time was challenging, but it accelerated my learning. Each job added to my understanding of the audit process and helped me become more confident in approaching unfamiliar issues.
Learning to Tell the Story Behind the Numbers
One of the biggest surprises was realising that workpapers are not just documentation — they need to tell a clear story. Each note, conclusion and calculation must connect logically so that a reviewer can follow your reasoning.
Early on, my work was technically correct but didn’t clearly explain why I had reached a conclusion. Improving this pushed me to think more critically about the evidence and ask better questions. Rather than simply completing tasks, I started to see audit as the process of building and explaining a clear, evidence-based story.
Support From the Team
Another highlight of the internship was the support I received from the audit team. No question ever felt too small, and senior team members were generous with their time and feedback. That made a big difference, especially when I was still developing my technical understanding.
Culture Beyond the Work
My experience at Accru was not only about the technical side of audit. One of the standout moments of the internship was the team’s audit afternoon, where we finished up before lunch and headed into the city for an “Amazing Race”-style activity.
We split into teams and worked together to solve puzzles and complete challenges across the CBD. It was a great way to get to know people outside of the usual work environment, and it made me feel much more connected to the team. It also showed me that Accru’s culture extends beyond day-to-day client work.
Advice for Future Interns
For anyone considering an internship in audit, my advice would be to come in curious. The technical skills develop over time, but the habit of asking why — behind a number, a process or a decision — is what helps you get the most out of the experience.
What made Accru a great place to develop that mindset was the people. From graduates to managers, everyone was genuinely invested in helping me learn. That combination of practical exposure, support and team culture made the internship a valuable introduction to the profession.
