getting better

Don't want to jinx myself, but I think I realized yesterday why I'm starting to get used to this job, and it's not just the stockholm syndrome and the recession. Okay, maybe those are the primary factors. But the funny thing about this field, is that the higher you advance within the firm, the less you audit. For instance, say I see an asset balance of a few million. Usually, it would mean choosing the significant balances, asking the client for invoices, making sure it matches the balances, verifying that it's been paid in certain instances, etc. etc. etc. On top of that, I'd have to foot the darn schedule. Now, all I need to do is say this: "This is what I'd like you to do"...walk him or her through it..and be done. It's a beautiful thing.

A partner once asked me three years ago if I liked it so far. After essentially saying no, I decided to turn the tables and ask him since I wanted to get off the hot seat. He said he tolerated it. Another manager once told me he hated auditing, but loved accounting. Obviously, back then, I was a little confused as to why they were still doing this. Now, I'm starting to understand that you can still dislike auditing but not mind being an auditor. What should we call this? The ladder theory? The audit illusion theory? And for those who love what they're doing as staff associates. Well, good for you, and I hope to have you in our team.