Audit Anywhere, Succeed Everywhere: How to Excel in a Virtual Environment
By Samantha Hirsch, Senior Audit Associate, and Benjamin Dotson, Audit Associate
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, hybrid and remote work became common; a trend that persists in many fields even after the pandemic’s end in 2023. This is particularly true in the accounting industry, with 12.7% of full-time employees working from home and 28.2% working in a hybrid arrangement in 2023. Recent graduates with an accounting degree, who are keen on pursuing a career in auditing, can now embrace the opportunity to work primarily or even entirely from home. While a virtual work environment offers a plethora of advantages, it also presents distinct challenges for those entering the professional world without the traditional in-office experience. Drawing from our own journeys as auditors who started careers in fully remote roles, we’ve compiled essential advice to help you navigate this new landscape with confidence.
Is Remote Work for You?
For many recent graduates, the prospect of working from home is undeniably appealing – and for good reason. Remote work offers flexibility, eliminates commute time and often allows for better work-life balance. Additionally, it can provide opportunities to work for firms outside your immediate geographic area, expanding your career options. Many professions find that remote work enhances productivity by reducing office distractions and allowing for more focused, independent work.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to evaluate whether a remote position aligns with your personal work style. Think about the type of environment in which you thrive. Do you excel in collaborative, in-person settings, or do you find that you concentrate better in a quiet, independent space?
You may also want to reflect on whether you’ll miss the casual interactions with colleagues, like coffee breaks or impromptu hallway chats, and whether you feel comfortable building professional relationships virtually. Self-motivated individuals who prefer independence often find remote work to be a great fit. Additionally, thriving in a virtual role requires qualities like personal accountability, strong communication skills, independence, and effective time management.
Take the time to evaluate which work environment – remote, hybrid, or in-office – will best support your transition from academic life to the start of your professional career. If you’ve determined that remote work is right for you, the tips below will help you make the most of this exciting opportunity.
1. Get to Know your Coworkers
Starting your first job in auditing can feel overwhelming, especially when there’s so much to learn on the job. Building strong connections with your coworkers early on can help make this transition smoother, even in a remote environment. While working from home might appeal to those who are more introverted or reserved, it’s still crucial to establish professional relationships that can support your growth and development.
Connecting with coworkers in a virtual setting may feel challenging at first, but small, intentional actions can go a long way. When introducing yourself during team meetings or firm-wide calls, consider sharing a personal detail—such as a hobby or an interest—that can spark conversations and help others find common ground with you. Make it a habit to actively participate in meetings and team chats to ensure your name becomes familiar to others.
Additionally, take the time to learn your teammates’ communication preferences. Some may prefer quick instant messages, while others might lean toward phone calls or emails. Adapting to these preferences not only makes communication more effective but also encourages natural, casual interactions. It’s always better to overcommunicate rather than undercommunicate—acknowledging emails, using reactions in chat tools, and following up on tasks are simple ways to demonstrate reliability and engagement.
Volunteering for firm-wide initiatives or cross-department projects is another excellent way to broaden your network. Engaging with coworkers outside your immediate team can help you feel more connected and open doors to new learning opportunities. While building these relationships may feel more natural to some than others, the effort to stand out as approachable and eager to learn will ultimately work in your favor.
Remember, visibility is key in remote work. Colleagues and management are more likely to recognize and support those who make themselves known. By focusing on effective communication and making genuine connections, you’ll create a solid foundation for your career and set yourself up for success in the virtual workplace.
2. Invest in Strengthening your Technology Skills
As a recent graduate entering the auditing field, prioritizing your technological skills is essential to personal and professional success. In today’s fast-paced, digital work environment, the ability to effectively use software applications and tools is not just an advantage - it’s a necessity. Research shows having strong computer skills significantly enhances productivity, particularly in remote auditing, where efficiency and accuracy are critical.
Auditing has evolved to rely heavily on advanced technologies, such as data analytics, automated tools, and specialized software to analyze financial data and assess risks. Building proficiency in these tools will not only boost your performance but also make you a more competitive candidate in the job market.
In addition, leveraging collaboration technologies such as Teams, Zoom, Outlook, and Slack can profoundly influence your productivity and streamline interactions with your team. These applications can provide opportunities to build rapport among team members, assign tasks, track project statuses, and engage in many other activities. It is essential to recognize that these tools serve as your primary means of collaboration within your organization, and investing the effort to use them to their fullest potential is highly beneficial.
To maximize your effectiveness in this dynamic field, take advantage of any IT training sessions your employer offers. These often cover practical topics such as data management, cybersecurity, and the use of specific auditing software, equipping you with the knowledge you’ll apply daily to your work. You can also expand your expertise through Continuing Professional Education (CPE) courses focused on technology and advanced computer skills, keeping you informed about the latest industry trends and tools. Additionally, self-directed learning is a powerful way to develop your skills. Online platforms provide resources such as tutorials, webinars, and forums where you can learn at your own pace. Engaging with these materials will not only enhance your technical capabilities but also cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement and adaptability—qualities highly valued in the auditing profession.
By investing in your technological development, you’ll set a strong foundation for success in your career, improve your productivity, and position yourself as a vital contributor in a rapidly evolving field, ensuring you stand out even if you’re hundreds of miles away.
3. Cultivate a Productive Workspace
Starting your first remote job is exciting, but one of the first challenges is figuring out where you’ll actually work. Setting up a dedicated workspace—separate from your living or relaxation areas—is critical for staying focused and productive. In auditing, where attention to detail is essential, distractions can seriously impact your performance. Having a defined workspace helps create a clear boundary between your personal and professional life, making it easier to switch into “work mode” when needed.
Your workspace doesn’t have to be fancy; it just needs to work for you. Start by finding a quiet, well-lit area with minimal distractions. A good chair and desk can make a big difference in comfort and focus, especially during busy periods when long hours may be required. Organize your space with the tools you need, such as a reliable computer, strong internet connection, and any other job-specific materials.
Studies show that having a dedicated workspace improves focus and prevents burnout by making it easier to mentally “clock out” at the end of the day. Creating this boundary helps maintain your work-life balance, which is essential in a remote environment. Additionally, designing a workspace that’s comfortable and personalized—think small plants, a motivational quote, or good lighting—can boost your mood and productivity.
Remember, your workspace is more than just a physical location--it’s your foundation for success in a remote job. Putting thought into this setup will pay off, helping you stay organized, efficient, and ready to thrive in your new auditing role.
4. Maintain a Work-Life Balance
Establishing a structured routine is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance in a remote work environment. According to a study on remote employees’ well-being, creating a structured routine helps individuals maintain a separation between work and personal time, which is crucial for reducing stress and avoiding burnout (Liu et al., 2021). This begins with setting designated work hours, taking regular breaks, and carving out time for personal activities. A consistent schedule not only promotes effective time management but also boosts productivity and focus throughout the workday. Without a structured routine, the lines between work and personal life can blur, leading to overwork and exhaustion.
While certain times of the year, like ‘busy season’, may require flexibility with work hours, it’s still important to incorporate small, intentional habits that prioritize your well-being. Physical activity, for instance, can provide a mental reset and improve your overall health. Even something as simple as a short walk or a quick workout can make a significant difference in reducing stress and re-energizing you for your tasks.
Social connections are another vital component of maintaining balance. Engaging with friends, family, or hobbies outside of work helps prevent feelings of isolation and ensures your personal life stays fulfilling. Without a structured routine, the lines between work and personal life can blur, leading to overwork and exhaustion.
During intense work periods, keeping up with your routine may feel challenging, but even small efforts to stick to your boundaries—like logging off at a reasonable hour or setting aside time for self-care—can help you sustain your energy and motivation. Ultimately, creating a balanced and sustainable routine is key to thriving in a remote role and making your work-from-home experience both effective and fulfilling.
By following these tips, recent graduates can navigate the challenges of remote work with confidence, building strong connections, honing their technical skills, creating productive workspaces, and maintaining a healthy balance between personal and professional life. Remote auditing offers unique opportunities for flexibility and growth, but not every company fully embraces this approach.
In an era when many organizations are reverting to hybrid models requiring frequent office attendance, Williams Adley stands out by continuing to champion telework opportunities. According to the Flex Index, nearly 43% of U.S. companies now implement structured hybrid policies, a significant rise from just 20% in early 2023, as reported by the Journal of Accountancy. For many employees, this shift has meant long commutes and extended workdays during busy season. At Williams Adley, however, remote work remains a core part of the auditing and assurance department’s culture. With employees spread across the nation, the firm ensures that in-person requirements are reserved for purposes that provide meaningful value to our clients, as well as exciting domestic and international travel. These opportunities have taken our teams to six continents and over 60 countries, where they have delivered exceptional financial and cybersecurity risk management services.
Williams Adley’s mission is to be the “firm of choice” for high-quality financial management and cybersecurity risk management services and the “employer of choice” for talented professionals seeking a rewarding workplace. With a robust telework program as just one of many great benefits, Williams Adley offers a supportive and innovative environment where auditors can thrive. For more information, check out our Job Openings and Culture pages, as well as our LinkedIn.