Part VI - Achieving More: An Inside Look at R?dl & Partner’s Internship Program

R?dl & Partner's internship program offers hands-on, practical training. Our paid spring and summer internships allow students to learn both audit and tax. With one full week of training and on-going support and supervision, our interns are set up for success!

This past spring, our interns worked side-by-side with R?dl & Partner staff to gain valuable experience. We asked a few of our spring interns, Katlynn Noneaker (Atlanta), Sara Waddell (Atlanta), and Tate Smith (Houston) to share their experiences about how they made the most of their internship.

Why did you decide to intern at R?dl & Partner?

Katlynn Noneaker: I really enjoyed all of the staff I met recruiting events, and after learning more about the specialty practice at R?dl & Partner, I thought it would be a very unique opportunity to learn the skill sets that people have developed from working here.

Tate Smith: I loved the idea of receiving an "international" work experience in the comfort of my own hometown.

Tell us which department you are interning in, and a little bit about the department.

Sara Waddell: I am interning in the Manufacturing & Distribution department. The department has given me a lot of exposure to auditing M&Ds. Everyone I have worked with in the department has been very helpful in teaching me along the way.

Katlynn Noneaker: I am mainly a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) intern. BPO assists clients with many different accounting problems that foreign inbound operations encounter when coming to the U.S. They review clients’ books or do the books for the client, but they are also in charge of so much more responsibilities that vary from client to client. I got to sit in on calls about U.S. and Austrian GAAP, California payroll requirements, business license filing, and many other business issues that aren't thought about everyday as an auditor.

Briefly describe what you accomplished during your internship.

Sara Waddell: As an intern, I went from barely being able to complete a single test in the first few audits to completing entire sections by the last audit. I have worked on or at least been exposed to almost every part of the auditing process and developed not only new skills in auditing but also new soft skills like writing emails or asking questions to clients.

Tate Smith: My internship focused primarily on audits. Most weeks, I would receive a new client on which I would work through some variation of Cash, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Inventory audit assignments. At the same time, I would aid the other members of the engagement team on a variety of other tasks related to the audit. I did have some work outside of audit, predominantly tax research and a few small tax returns.

What was your favorite part of the internship?

Katlynn Noneaker: My favorite part of the internship was not only getting to experience the work and environment of the firm but being given responsibilities by staff and being trusted with work that kept me busy the whole 2.5 months. I wanted to learn all that this firm would allow me to during my time here. I wanted to be given work and prove myself as a good colleague, and I feel like I was given the opportunities and assignments that allowed me to achieve that. I did not always get something right the first time, but I always tried to learn and ensure I got it right the next time. This professional growth was my favorite part. Now, I feel ready and capable to start in public accounting as a full-time employee.

As an intern, how did you fit into the team at R?dl & Partner?

Tate Smith: Despite being an intern, R?dl & Partner treats you like an associate, which means more responsibility and therefore more learning opportunities. Nevertheless, each one of your coworkers wants you to understand the why and how behind your work and will guide you through any questions or issues you encounter.

How would you describe the culture at R?dl & Partner?

Katlynn Noneaker: I would say the culture is a friendly and encouraging atmosphere. The staff at every-level encourages one another to be their best, to learn every day, and to really think critically about each clients’ situation. This is a place that you can tell hard work is rewarded and people who like the job chose to stay at the firm.

Tate Smith: The firm loves to help you learn. Every individual in any office wants you to be the best accountant you will be, and is willing to spend the entirety of their days helping you become one.

What do you think sets R?dl & Partner apart as an employer based on your experience?

Sara Waddell: R?dl & Partner’s clientele definitely sets them apart. Since they cater to foreign companies operating in the U.S., you get to dive deeper into the challenges these types of companies face. This also creates challenges from an auditing perspective that you wouldn’t get to see every day at a firm that has U.S.-based clientele.

Tate Smith: R?dl & Partner provides a uniquely different internship experience compared to all other Accounting firms. The vast international client base and company workforce means that you will be exposed to individuals from around the globe. This diverse workforce leads to a more diverse learning experience.

What skills can you apply from your internship to school or future jobs?

Tate Smith: It's important to understand your coursework from a workforce perspective. Knowing how a single task or assignment relates to the larger audit picture gives a student a better idea of the significance behind their schoolwork.

What advice do you have for students looking to intern at R?dl & Partner?

Sara Waddell: Don't be afraid to ask questions! If you're still deciding where you want to intern—ask questions to figure it out. If you have already decided to intern here—then still ask questions before and during your internship. No one will ever be upset with you for asking too many questions!

Katlynn Noneaker: Be prepared for a lot of work exposure and the opportunity to work with many different teams. My time at R?dl & Partner was so much more than I ever expected it to be, and I had the opportunity to learn from different departments about many different accounting practices. I definitely recommend anyone who gets an offer to take the opportunity of learning more about what R?dl & Partners can offer!

About us

R?dl & Partner, a leading global professional services firm, provides you integrated audit, legal, tax and business consulting solutions from its 111 wholly owned subsidiaries in 50 countries. You benefit from a single point of contact approach which is designed to meet and exceed the needs of your domestic and globally operating businesses. Since our 1977 formation in Nuremberg, Germany we have grown to more than 4,900 entrepreneurial professionals worldwide working with your success in mind.

R?dl & Partner USA

We have specifically tailored our accounting, auditing, tax and business consulting services to the unique needs of your foreign owned business in the United States of America. For more than 40 years our core practice has been serving the accounting and tax needs of primarily German speaking and other foreign owned companies operating in the U.S. Our headquarters is located in Atlanta, GA. We have six other offices in Birmingham, AL; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Greenville, SC; Houston, TX; and Manhattan, NY. 

R?dl & Partner USA is always looking for dynamic people to join our firm. Are you interested in interning next year? Look for us on campus this upcoming fall, or reach out to firm recruiter, Nicole Himler at [email protected]. To learn more about our firm, visit our website: https://www.roedl.com/us/