In this edition of Beyond the Numbers, Bernadette Grattan, Founder & Recruiting Director at The Resource Link, is joined by Austin Morse, Internal Audit Manager at Zillow.
Learning from Every Industry: Advice for Early Career Accountants
When asked what advice he’d give to his younger self as a staff or senior accountant, Austin emphasized the importance of being a sponge – but with a twist.
“Everyone says be a sponge, and they’re totally right. It’s your first adult job, and you don’t really know how business works.”
However, Austin adds that it’s crucial to absorb knowledge not just about the job itself, but about the industries you encounter.
During his three years in public accounting, Austin worked with over 19 clients across diverse sectors including manufacturing, retail, banking, tech, aeronautics, and mining. This broad exposure provided him with unique insights into how different businesses operate.
“You get such an intimate view of how companies operate… When you can do that across all sectors, people look to you as a subject matter expert on best practices for businesses.”
Why Internal Audit? More Than Just Number Crunching
For those wondering about the appeal of internal audit, Austin’s enthusiasm is contagious. He describes it as an opportunity to learn how businesses operate in all facets, unlike more specialized roles.
“If you go into finance or financial modeling, that’s all you’re doing. In internal audit, I get to learn what that is, plus how to manage inventory, how we pay our vendors, how we select our vendors – everything.”
Austin particularly enjoys what he playfully calls his “podcast season” – the walkthrough phase of audits where he gets to interview directors and department heads about their processes.
“For three months, I get to talk with directors and be like, ‘So Jeff, how do you do your job?’ You get to develop that interview skill as well.”
A Day in the Life of an Internal Auditor
For students considering their career paths, Austin breaks down the role of an internal auditor. The work typically involves:
Unlike the repetitive nature of general ledger accounting, internal audit offers variety and continuous learning opportunities.
“People are willing to share with you things that they would never tell their external auditor,” Austin notes, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the role.
Keys to Career Advancement
When it comes to getting promoted, Austin advises against a single-minded focus.
“Don’t focus on just being the top producer. Don’t focus on just overworking yourself… Try to be as well-rounded of a person as you can.”
While there’s currently a shortage of accountants, promotion requires more than just putting in extra hours – it requires understanding how the business works.
The Hidden Gem of Accounting
Internal audit might be a “hidden little department,” but it’s perfect for those who enjoy learning, understanding processes, and interacting with people.
“It’s a total secret that internal auditors are pretty social folk who like talking to people and getting to know how they do their jobs.”
For those considering their career path in accounting, internal audit offers a unique combination of analytical work, continuous learning, and relationship building. As Austin’s experience shows, it’s an excellent choice for those who want to understand the bigger picture of how businesses operate while making a meaningful impact on organizational success.
ABOUT Austin Morse: Austin is the Internal Audit Manager at Zillow and has over six years of experience in audit, risk management, and financial controls.
Starting his career as a Staff Accountant at Meritage Homes, he gained expertise in general ledger accounting and financial reporting. He then joined KPMG, advancing from Associate to Senior Associate in Internal Audit and Risk Management, where he led SOX compliance and operational risk assessments for over 20 companies across technology, real estate, retail, and aeronautical sectors. At The Coca-Cola Company, he served as Senior Financial Auditor before joining Zillow, where he progressed from Senior Internal Auditor to his current role as Internal Audit Manager.
Austin holds a B.S. in Accounting from Arizona State University.
Learn more, or reach out to Austin at: https://linkedin.com/in/austin-morse-789176121/
ABOUT Bernadette Grattan: Bernadette is the Founder and Accounting & Finance Recruiting Director of The Resource Link, Inc., a specialty search firm she started in 2002. Bernadette takes a personalized approach to understanding the hiring manager and job seeker’s needs. This enables her to make long-term placements in accounting, finance, and executive roles. The Resource Link distinguishes itself through high-touch customer service, candid insights, and ensuring an excellent match by connecting top talent with companies aligned with their career passions.
If you are looking to hire or considering what is next, learn more at theresourcelink.com or https://linkedin.com/in/bernadettegrattan
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