Audit InternAt — Wright Ford Young & Co.

The Audit Intern will support the Audit & Assurance team in delivering high-quality audit services to a diverse client base, including small and mid-sized businesses. In a firm of approximately 100+ employees, interns gain meaningful, hands-on experience and work closely with engagement teams, partners, and clients. This role is ideal for students seeking real-world exposure to public accounting in a collaborative environment.

Tasks:

The Audit Intern will assist audit engagement teams in performing financial statement audits for a variety of small and mid-sized clients. Tasks include preparing audit workpapers, testing transactions and account balances, organizing client documentation, and assisting with internal control and substantive testing under the supervision of audit seniors and managers.
The intern may also assist the ERISA audit team by supporting audits of employee benefit plans. This includes helping with plan document review, participant data testing, verification of contributions and distributions, tie-outs of plan financial statements, and preparation of supporting schedules in accordance with ERISA and Department of Labor requirements.
Additional responsibilities may include assisting with audit confirmations, data analysis using Excel and audit software, participation in engagement meetings, and performing general accounting or administrative tasks related to audit engagements as needed.

Training:

The student will receive structured training designed to support learning and professional development in an audit environment. Training begins with a mandatory general employer orientation, covering firm policies, professional standards, confidentiality requirements, workplace expectations, and an overview of audit software and systems.
Role-specific audit training is provided by audit seniors and managers, including an overview of the audit process and explanation of how assigned tasks fit into overall engagement objectives. Interns receive job shadowing opportunities and hands-on instruction while performing audit procedures such as testing and workpaper preparation, using prior-year examples and firm templates as guidance.
Each intern is paired with a mentor and participates in regular one-on-one check-ins to review work, receive feedback, and discuss learning progress. Ongoing coaching, informal skills training, and exposure to real client engagements reinforce academic concepts and promote continuous learning throughout the placement.

Learning Outcome:

-Understand the Audit Process from Start to Finish
Gain exposure to the full audit lifecycle, including planning, risk assessment, testing, and audit wrap-up for small and mid-sized clients.

-Develop Foundational Audit and Accounting Skills
Apply classroom knowledge of GAAP and auditing standards to real-world client financial information through testing, analysis, and workpaper preparation.

-Build Proficiency with Audit Tools and Technology
Learn how to use audit software, data analysis tools, and Excel to document procedures, test transactions, and support audit conclusions.

-Enhance Professional Communication and Client Interaction
Develop skills in professional written and verbal communication by working with engagement teams and assisting with client requests and documentation.

-Learn How a Small Firm Operates
Gain insight into public accounting in a smaller firm environment, including collaboration with partners and managers, multitasking across engagements, and exposure to multiple industries.