Blog

Meet An Auditor: Zana Ismail

August 2018 Update

Zana - Young Auditing ProfessionalName: Zana Ismail

Current job and location: Assurance Senior, Ernst & Young, LLP, Raleigh, NC

Number of years with the firm: 2 years

Hometown: Rocky Mount, NC

College/Major: East Carolina University/Accounting

How long have you now been employed with your accounting firm?

3.5 years

Briefly describe your current role, and how it’s different than when we last connected.

As an Assurance Senior, I am the first point of contact with the audit client and engagement team executives regarding accounting and auditing issues. I work directly under team executives to design the team’s audit approach and perform audit procedures over the financial statements. Since we have last connected, my role has developed into more of a leadership role and I have become a more experienced advisor to our clients and those within the firm.

What are you most excited about in your current position?

In my current position, I am most excited about teaching and mentoring junior staff members. As they are the future of our firm, I truly believe it is important to take the time and effort in developing and supporting each individual.

Now that you have advanced in your career, is there any new advice that you would offer to undergraduate students who are considering a career in audit?

I would recommend students to obtain their CPA licensing prior to starting in the profession. It is extremely difficult to find time to study while working and managing your personal life.

Finally, what do you most look forward to in your professional future?

I most look forward to building and developing new relationships within EY, our clients and the community. I have been fortunate enough to meet and build relationships with some of the most talented and highly dedicated individuals who have taken me in as their mentee and helped coach me along the way.


Original 2016 Post

ismail_editedName & Age: Zana Ismail, 25

Current job and location: Assurance Senior, Ernst & Young, LLP, Raleigh, NC

Number of years with the firm: 2 years

Hometown: Rocky Mount, NC

College/Major: East Carolina University/Accounting

 

1. Briefly describe your current role at the firm?

I work directly under team executives to design the team’s audit approach and perform audit procedures over complex accounting areas. I mentor and train junior staff members and develop relationships with the company executives we audit on a daily basis.

2. What one personal quality helps you most in your auditing career and why?

Time management helps me most in my auditing career. In public accounting, I serve a variety of clients and work on different teams. To be successful and provide the highest quality of work, you have to manage your time accordingly.

3. What experience as an undergraduate student provided you with the best preparation for your job and why?

Operations Management was the most beneficial course I took as an undergraduate student. In this course, we learned how to use a variety of functions within Microsoft Excel which is essential for me as I work in Excel frequently.

4. What advice, personal or professional, do you have for students considering a career in auditing?

Be sure to network among your peers, professionals in various industries and your professors.

5. What has been the best part of your job and why?

The best part of my job is working with high performing, dedicated individuals every day. The relationships I have built at EY will truly last a lifetime.