By Keiter CPAs
Overview of an internship at Richmond’s largest, local independent accounting firm
What sets Keiter apart from other firms is our people. We pride ourselves on cultivating a collaborative team that is committed to client service, professional development, and community involvement. Many of our employees are more than just team members, but also friends. Because of this, Keiter is a place where we not only work hard, but we also have fun. The Keiter internship program provides a special opportunity for our team to share this fun, firm culture and career opportunities with college students.
We recently wrapped up our summer accounting internship. Our summer internship provides accounting and finance majors an introduction into life as an accounting associate at Keiter. In talking with this year’s intern class, we uncovered what makes our Firm’s internship experience one of a kind. They spoke about being given real world accounting experience, building relationships with fellow interns and Keiter team members, and experiencing the beautiful city that we are proud to call our home.
Summer intern and Liberty University student Gavin Hsu states, “I truly felt like there was a focus on what Keiter can do for the intern. I was prepared to provide Keiter with value, but I truly feel like Keiter provided me with value.”
Real-world accounting experience
When Shavonne Ruffin, Old Dominion University senior, chose the Keiter summer internship, she was unsure of what to expect. Many interns wonder if they will be given work that matters. We pride ourselves on providing interns with meaningful accounting work from day one. Shavonne states, “I loved the associate level work I was able to do rather than just answering the phones or working in the mailroom like I feared.”
A unique feature of the Keiter internship is the opportunity to experience working in both tax and audit. Gavin Hasu states that “meeting with experienced accountants at Keiter provided an opportunity to learn valuable skills in both accounting fields.” Interns spend one half of their internship in tax and audit for the other half which helps students make an informed career path decision. Shavonne recalls what piqued her interest in applying for a Keiter internship, stating “the selling point was the amount of time that I could experience in both fields.”
Performing client work with partners, managers, and associates also allows interns to experience our firm culture. We work in an environment that prioritizes learning and development through coaching and performance feedback. Interns are encouraged to feel comfortable asking questions and having honest communications with both Keiter team members and one another. Summer intern and Virginia Commonwealth University student Ryan Reid states “I loved getting experience with Keiter’s culture. I don’t think there are a lot of places that have the kind of culture Keiter has.” Another intern, Valerie Rondi expressed “I loved how many opportunities there were to learn, and the emphasis on having fun while also working hard.”
A focus on relationship building and collaboration
At Keiter, relationship-building and collaboration are two of our core values. We understand the importance of valuing others’ perspectives to be successful. Our dedicated intern workspace provides opportunities for interaction, support, and collaboration. Interns often develop friendships that go beyond the course of their internship. Ryan Reid expresses that being together with the other interns allowed them to create a bond and openness with one another.
Interns are also able to foster connections with members of our Recruiting Department. Additionally, Campus Recruiter Alanna Johnson serves as a point of contact to support interns throughout their journey. She is readily available to answer questions, listen to concerns, and offer guidance.
Living and Working in RVA
The summer internship also serves to introduce students to the benefits of working and living in Richmond, Virginia. Our Richmond location provides team members with the ability to develop their career in a smaller yet thriving city where they can make close personal and professional connections.
Our Firm and team are committed to serving the Richmond community through client service, gifts of time, leadership, and monetary support. Throughout the summer internship, there are opportunities to experience our partnership with Richmond through client field trips, community service activities, and intern networking events. Some of these events include a Richmond Riverfront Canal tour, attending a Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball game, experiencing an escape room, and an event at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. One of the highlights of the intern field trips is the helicopter ride across the city provided by the Firm’s long-standing client, HeloAir. Auburn University sophomore and summer intern, Mae Angus, shares that she “loved the intern bonding activities because they really helped them to become closer.”
Do you want an opportunity to explore a career in public accounting and life in Richmond, Virginia? We are currently looking for spring audit interns and spring tax interns.
About the Author
The information contained within this article is provided for informational purposes only and is current as of the date published. Online readers are advised not to act upon this information without seeking the service of a professional accountant, as this article is not a substitute for obtaining accounting, tax, or financial advice from a professional accountant.