Curious about what it is like to work as a working student or assistant accountant in the audit practice of HLB WVDB? An Harinck, former active member of Asset Accounting & Finance and now assistant accountant at HLB WVDB, will be happy to tell you more in the article below!
Could you give a short introduction about yourself?
I’m An and I have been working at HLB Witlox Van den Boomen for 1,5 years now. I started as a working student and I’m currently working as an Assistant Accountant. I live in Tilburg and study at Tilburg University. When I’m not working or studying, I like to go for a run, ride my racing bike or like to go for a drink with friends. Furthermore, I have been an active member of Asset Accounting and Finance during my studies.
Why did you opt for being a working student at HLB Witlox Van den Boomen?
During my Masters I was looking for a place to gain relevant experience while also studying. Through the Career Portal of Tilburg University I found a position for a working student at HLB Witlox Van den Boomen. I liked their client portfolio, which mostly consists of family firms (SMEs) located in the south of The Netherlands who are happy to see us. Another reason for choosing HLB Witlox Van den Boomen was that I was able to start working 16 hours a week, leaving plenty of time for my study. It quickly became clear that your study is the number one priority so a contract of 16 hours is the perfect fit. During the application process I became convinced that this was the right place to work and I started working there with pleasure.
How did you experience being a working student at Witlox HLB Van den Boomen?
Very good! The combination between working and studying was the perfect balance for me. Besides, I liked getting some relevant working experience. The Msc Accountancy is very theoretical so it is nice to also get to know the practical side.
I notice that colleagues find it important for me to develop myself and learn as much as possible. They continue to ensure that I get challenged and really have a personal approach in determining what you need to develop yourself. This allows me to tackle many challenging matters and I feel the company trusts me in doing so.
What kind of work did you do while being a working student?
When I started, I was immediately seen as a full team member. I accompanied the team to clients and my tasks were similar to those of an Assistant Accountant. In general, we work at the client while occasionally spending a day at the office. As a working student you are immediately included in distributing the line items, interviewing clients during the interim audit and you make process descriptions independently. As a working student I worked on an engagement to a limited extent, meaning my progress was a little more gradual than that of an assistant accountant.
“From the moment I started, this expectation was immediately fulfilled.”
How would you describe the atmosphere within HLB Witlox Van den Boomen?
Very good, informal and always pleasant. There are different layers within a team. As a working student, you have the most contact with direct colleagues up to and including the engagement leader. However, the layers above are also very involved and approachable. There is a very open atmosphere. I can ask my questions to everyone and don’t feel any barriers while doing so. If one of the team leaders knows I have had a tough week, they call to ask how things are going or to give a pep talk when necessary.
My expectation was that HLB Witlox Van den Boomen was an informal firm. From the moment I started, this expectation was immediately fulfilled. Colleagues are accessible, the doors are open whenever possible, also those of the partners and there is a lot of personal attention.
What makes HLB Witlox Van den Boomen unique as opposed to other firms?
For me, personal attention is number one. Here at HLB Witlox van den Boomen, you are really the opposite of a number. There is a lot of attention for me, my ambition and my personal development. On the one hand, a lot of attention is given to supervising during engagements, where my level and my needs for personal development are taken into account. On the other hand, attention is also given to my development outside of work. For example, when I started working I was assigned a mentor with whom a monthly meeting is planned. Either for general consultation or work consultation, but also to reflect on my experiences. Various internal events are also organized, both for the entire Audit practice and for each class of the Audit practice. During these events, specific topics are discussed, laws & regulations are highlighted and line items are discussed. Colleagues can come up with ideas themselves to discuss. The topics are always diverse and educational for everyone.
What would your advice be for members of Asset Accounting & Finance?
First of all, I would absolutely recommend being a working student during your studies. I really experienced it as an addition to the Master. You have an advantage over other students as you start gathering work experience earlier. It is also a huge addition to your personal development. For example, you gain communicative skills during contact with clients. Most importantly, orientate yourself in the labor market and investigate which type of organization suits you best. Take a look at what type of clients interest you and what kind of atmosphere suits you. Ultimately, a pleasant working environment together with nice clients is the most important!
Are you interested in the possibilities at HLB Witlox Van den Boomen? Please contact our campus recruiter Tess Rosdorff at tess.rosdorff@hlb-wvdb.nl or +31621 162 819. For substantive questions, please contact An at an.harinck@hlb-wvdb.nl. We look forward to seeing you!
