RSM Richter Chamberland Summer Interns

Éric Chamberland: Cirque Eloize

At RSM Richter Chamberland, they don't care only about our individual work; our teamwork matters too. During my internship, I had the opportunity to participate in a day devoted entirely to teamwork. We went to Cirque Éloize where we learned the fundamentals of circus arts. First, I rode the unicycle. I assure you that this is far from easy! No one was able to ride alone, we all needed the help of two colleagues to move forward. We then participated in the construction of a pyramid. Nobody believed we would be able to build it, but with a good teacher and the cooperation of all, we succeeded. Then it was time to juggle. Again, the bar was set pretty high, as it's truly difficult to juggle. We tried with one ball, two balls and three balls. Afterwards, we climbed onto the trapeze one after another. Circus acts look much easier to carry out than they really are. A small act involves many hours or work. To end the day, we had the opportunity to attend a little show.

Although we learned a lot about the circus arts, we also strengthened our team spirit. To succeed in this workshop, we had to cooperate with our new colleagues. Moreover, as we all looked a little silly, there is no more shyness among the summer students. It was a great opportunity to socialize and get to know each other.

Émilie Lussier-Carrière on her first client mandate

As soon as our initial training was over, I was lucky enough be assigned my first mandate at a client`s right away. That’s when I met two very nice accountants, patient and anxious to teach me more about their profession. I was able to start working immediately. My supervisors always encouraged me to ask questions. I never had the impression of being the annoying newcomer, which I had dreaded. I accomplished hands-on audit work: I even filled more than one section by myself. I also had to ask questions to the client on my own.

I felt that the Firm members trusted me and knew what I was capable of. Without underestimating or overestimating me, they offered me interesting challenges. I was able to work on various sections and learn more about audit procedures. I got to know the new accounting software. I found out that audit work could demand long hours and a lot of work but that the atmosphere always remained pleasant. Concepts that I had not yet learned at HEC were explained to me, using the client as an example.

I was impressed to see how the work is always double-checked: it is reassuring to know that my immediate superior checks my work, which is checked again by another person higher in the hierarchy. It is a good way to ensure consistency in the final product. Furthermore, being able to work for two weeks with accountants who are always ready to listen to me allowed me to learn more about the Firm and about the accounting profession in general. I really enjoyed this experience and I am thankful to the team for their support.

Jonathan Mark on Community Day

Not only was our summer internship packed with traveling to clients for mandates and working in several different departments at the office, we were also able to contribute back to the community in two unique ways. One of these events took place on May 28^th, with more than 300 employees from RSM Richter Chamberland taking time from their busy schedules to help out several different local organizations for our annual Community Day.

About 30 co-workers and I were sent to “La Maisonnette des Parents” where we were responsible for repainting the hallways and rooms of the building. This organization helps out families, parents and children in need by providing daily meals, support, education and by integrating them into the community. The crew started to work immediately by breaking up into five smaller units that combined everyone; from interns and juniors to seniors and partners, all working together in unison to accomplish our goal. The day was filled with fun and laughter as we were able to bond with our co-workers and see them in a different perspective (other than at work). By the end of day, we felt like a more closely knitted group and being able to finish painting a whole building in a day was quite a feat!

I am really happy that I was able to participate in this event as it really shows the values and principles that RSM Richter Chamberland and its employees believe in.

Eric Chamberland on a client mandate in the entertainment industry

During my internship at RSM Richter Chamberland, I was fortunate enough to land an assignment in an entertainment company. This experience was great, since it allowed me to learn the auditor role in a completely different environment. First, I had to do some compliance tests and substantive procedures on three main cycles of the company, i.e. purchases, sales and payroll. These tests are used to verify whether the systems for recording transactions are effective and can be relied upon for audit. Then, I had the opportunity to do sales and purchases cutoff procedures, i.e. to verify whether sales and purchases are recorded in the proper fiscal year. Finally, I had to produce a statement of cash flows, which explains the input and output of money from the company.

These two weeks were much more than work for me, they were an opportunity to learn and put into practice the knowledge acquired in my accounting courses. This assignment made me aware of concepts, such as risk analysis and materiality, that we do not study much in the early years of university.  In addition, the guidance offered in the field really helped me.My colleagues who worked on the mandate took time to explain to me why these tests have to be made and their impact on the entire assignment.