I'm a trainee auditor at a medium side firm, currently studying ACA. I am an audit senior so I do most of the audit work, before passing the file to a manager for review. As part of this, I am generally on site for around a week.
The thing I struggle with the most is building client relationships. I've always been fairly quite and not too sociable, so to meet someone completely new is difficult for me.
However I know that to be sucessful and move up the ranks you've got to be able to make clients happy with the audit service they are receiving, and this involves building a relationship with the client.
I was wondering if anyone had any tips on how to do this, or some surefire rules I can follow to help me?
I'm looking beyond the things that are obvious, such as 'smile' or 'be courtious' - perhaps things like 'Always do [THIS] as I found it always pleases the client' etc.
Thank you!
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Always leer over any female employees on site.
I find that usually pleases them.
Wolf-whistling will go down a treat!
I'm not sure what advice anyone can give other than be polite and professional.
You're there as an independent, and not to be make new friends.
Audits are usually a necessary evil that the company wants completed as quick as possible.
I know exactly what you mean. When I've been on the receiving end by fielding auditors' questions to my clients, I've always been struck by the courteous nature of the auditors. Of course that makes me want to help them more.
I suspect you are already highly regarded by the people you have to deal with on an audit. If you want some really good tips on dealing with people just buy a copy of "How to Win Friends and Influence people". That will help you with all of your life, not just work.
When you're an auditor you are going to be seen as an [***]. It's just part and parcel of the job - people hate having their routine disturbed.
Recognise that your presence on site is going to cause inconvenience for the staff. Be super-polite and grateful to them - and send them a box of chocolates afterwards!
That might be beenficial and help create relationship if you bring a box of chocolates while you are still on site doing audit.
1) Go to where the invoices are filed. Take one out, note its details, and put it back in completely the wrong place.
2) Request sight of the above invoice, amongst several others
3) When the client cant find the invoice, and asks if you 'really' need it, tell them you're afraid so.
The client will now spend several hours (days?) looking for the invoice. When they finally find it:
4a) If the client has been helpful and courteous to you during the audit, thank them enthusiastically and keep hold of the invoice for a couple of hours before returning it. They will feel so relieved and happy that they found what you were looking for that they will be forever your friend.
4b) If the client has been an [***], take a cursory look at the invoice and grunt 'great, thanks' at them. This works best if you can avoid even touching the invoice, and hardly even look at it. Alternatively, toss it on the desk towards them. They'll hate you with a passion, but it will entertain you on the drive home. Don't accept any more cups of tea for the duration of the audit.
Or just don't get too focused on being loved by what are just a part of work. Put that effort into being loved by family and friends in real life.
If you are a shy person by nature then one tip is to invent a professional persona.
Imagine this new person is confident, outgoing without being pushy and can ask questions without feeling stupid or self conscious.
Each day before you walk into the client's office put on this persona and take it off when you leave.
It sounds odd but it really does work and before long it becomes second nature.
It worked for me anyway!