Let’s celebrate #AuditorProud day

What I find rewarding being in the audit space is that it puts me in a unique position where my interests and my understanding of business and the various industries are enhanced. 
 
I take pride in building a good relationship with my clients through daily networking and collaboration. This is also true with my audit team where we share the same goals, ideas, respect and the drive to be the best that we can be, while navigating challenging spaces. As someone who is usually quiet and introverted, being an auditor has challenged me to come out of my shell, showing a different side of who Dereece is, while remaining my  authentic self. 

I find it quite fulfilling knowing that I am in a position where I am able to share my knowledge I have gained during my time in audit with junior auditors who are starting this journey. Being told that I have helped develop and grow someone during their career is something I hold dear. This then proves my motto true, as someone who is small in stature, that ‘big things come in small packages’. 

Gaining a new skill like problem solving is what I find most rewarding. As auditors, we always face various challenges with client issues and have to find solutions. We act like detectives, uncovering discrepancies and ensuring everything adds up according to the standard framework.  
 
Continuous learning is also a big plus. With technology advancing rapidly, the audit field regularly evolves with new regulations and amendments. This constant change keeps the job interesting and provides plenty of opportunities for growth. Plus, our firm offers various training materials that keep me engaged and sharp when performing audit work. The results we achieve are incredibly satisfying. Auditors play a crucial role in maintaining integrity in the financial world, requiring thorough and detail-oriented work throughout the process. It’s very fulfilling to deliver a complete report that complies with legal and standard requirements.  

Lastly, the variety is fantastic. As an external auditor, I get exposed to different client industries, which means I have the chance to learn about various businesses and sectors. This exposure helps me gain a deeper understanding of each business’s nature.  

Being an auditor is such a rewarding experience for me, especially because of the teamwork and constant learning involved. When I’m working closely with my colleagues, I really get to know them and build strong bonds. We stay with each other for most of the hours in the day, building lifelong friendships. It feels like I’m part of a supportive and collaborative family. This teamwork not only makes the audits better, but also helps me form lasting professional relationships. 
 
Plus, the knowledge I gain from auditing is incredible. I get to learn about so many different industries, business processes and regulations. This diverse expertise is super valuable and can be applied in various sectors, which really boosts my career growth. The continuous learning and adaptability needed in auditing keeps me vigilant and ensures I’m always up-to-date with industry developments. It makes the role both challenging and fulfilling. 

At Forvis Mazars, the work itself is super interesting and always keeps me on my toes. I love that there are endless opportunities to learn and grow, which motivates me to keep expanding my skills and knowledge. For me, the best part of working here is definitely the bond I’ve formed with my colleagues. We’re a tight-knit group who have each other’s backs, and being part of a collaborative team is beyond rewarding. 

The coolest thing about auditing is that I’m never bored. My work is flexible and my tasks are always changing. Plus, we get to audit a ton of different companies – everything from construction sites to nursing homes and factories. I love that I’m constantly learning in so many different areas.  

There’s also something extremely satisfying about using my analytical skills to mitigate risks and uncover insights that make a real positive impact on our client’s financial integrity. I really appreciate the critical perspective I’ve gained by examining financial information and business practices. It’s allowed me to question the status quo and look for innovative solutions to problems.  

I’ve developed some super valuable skills, like managing tight deadlines, navigating complex regulations, and exceeding client expectations.  

All in all, I’m always excited to learn new skills, try out new approaches, and meet new people. I feel so lucky that my job offers me the chance to explore new companies and industries, and to constantly challenge myself with new tasks and projects. It’s fulfilling to contribute my thoughts and ideas to help our clients succeed! 

One of the most common misconceptions about auditing is that it’s purely about numbers and compliance. Many people think auditors simply check off boxes and focus on financial statements alone. However, in my experience, auditing is much more dynamic and strategic. It’s not just about reviewing financials, auditors provide insights that help businesses improve their operations, identify risks and make better decisions. We play a key role in shaping a company's future by ensuring it upholds ethical standards and remains financially sound. 

Another misconception is that auditing is rigid or monotonous. In reality, no two audits are the same. Each engagement brings new challenges, industries and people, which keeps the work fresh and exciting. Auditors must adapt quickly to different business environments and find creative solutions to complex problems. 

Lastly, some believe auditors are there to find mistakes or point fingers. In truth, our goal is to support businesses in being the best versions of themselves by providing clarity,  assurance and guidance for growth. 

The auditing profession is often subject to misconceptions that limit its true scope.  

One common myth is that auditors only focus on checking financial records for errors. In reality, auditing involves much more, including evaluating risk management processes, ensuring regulatory compliance and offering strategic insights.This makes auditors crucial to the overall health and sustainability of any organisation.  

Another misconception is that auditing is repetitive or lacks creativity. In fact, the profession requires a high degree of critical thinking, problem-solving and adaptability, as each audit presents unique challenges across various industries. 

As an auditor at Forvis Mazars Morocco, I embody the diversity and complexity of this profession. My role requires sharp analytical skills, but my passion as a DJ and pursuit of a career in music reflects the creativity I bring to my work. Balancing two seemingly different worlds—finance and music—demonstrates that auditors are not confined to rigid, traditional roles. We are multifaceted, capable of combining precision with innovation, whether in financial analysis or creating music. This unique blend of talents challenges the stereotype that auditing is a purely technical, one-dimensional profession. It shows that auditors like myself are dynamic individuals who bring diverse skills and passions to both their work and personal lives. 

Always seek mentorship and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow as a professional auditor while enjoying what you do. I believe that where I am today, and the auditor I have become, is largely due to the invaluable guidance and support I received from my mentors, both in the past and even up to this day.  

I am grateful to those who guided and pushed me to strive for excellence. Their mentorship has been instrumental in shaping me as an auditor, and that is why I am committed to pay it forward by mentoring others as well, for them to also realize their own potential.  

To all my mentors, I hope this message reaches you and know that you made a meaningful impact in my career. And to aspiring auditors, I sincerely hope you too will find  mentors who will inspire and elevate you on your own audit journey.

Make an effort - it is important to make a positive impression, especially at the beginning. Learn extra outside of work and take your tasks seriously. Connect with experienced auditors and peers. They can provide valuable insights, share lessons learnt, and offer guidance on career advancement. 

Be brave - when you start looking for a job, you may be overwhelmed and intimidated by the experience and knowledge that the employer expects. Keep in mind that in the beginning of you career, your ability to adapt and cooperate with your team will be more important than knowledge itself, especially if you are applying for a job that involves teamwork - such as auditing. If you have the desire and are ready to put in the effort, you will learn quickly. 

Understanding of acquired knowledge - in my opinion the most important thing. If something is not clear it is okay to ask colleagues for clarification more than once. A strong technical foundation is essential for credibility and success in audit work. Stay updated with new regulations, standards and best practices to provide accurate and up-to-date knowledge.  

My advice to aspiring auditors is to always stay curious and embrace a mindset of continuous learning. Auditing is a profession that is constantly evolving with new regulations, technologies and industry standards shaping how we work. Keeping up with these changes is essential for making a meaningful impact in the field. Being proactive about learning, whether it’s about new auditing tools or industry trends, will keep you ahead of the curve. 

Equally important is the human side of auditing. It’s not just about analysing numbers, auditing is about people and the relationships you build. Strong connections with clients and colleagues are crucial to delivering value beyond the audit itself. Understanding the unique needs of your clients and providing insights that go beyond the basics is what really makes a difference. 

In today's fast-paced business world, auditors have the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the financial health of organisations. By staying curious, continuously learning and building trusted relationships, you can have a lasting impact on both the profession and the businesses you work with.