My Journey from Intern to Staff Accountant at Meadows Urquhart

Throughout my internship at Meadows Urquhart, I gained valuable experience, particularly in business entity returns for the financial services industry. What stood out to me most was that this internship wasn’t just about filing papers or completing busy work. Meadows Urquhart is truly committed to investing in its interns, offering time, resources, and mentorship to help them grow. I was fortunate to receive a full-time offer at the end of my internship, and after graduating from college the following spring, I began my career in accounting.

The transition from intern to staff accountant was smooth, thanks to the supportive onboarding staff and reviewers. I was welcomed back into the same close-knit, family-like environment that made my internship experience so rewarding.

During my first year as a staff accountant, I had the opportunity to deepen my technical skills in both the financial services and real estate industries and individual taxation. I also made significant progress in developing my time management and problem-solving abilities.

I began my career at Meadows Urquhart with the unique opportunity to gain experience in both assurance and tax. Working in assurance gave me broad exposure to a variety of industries, strengthened my technical expertise in financial reporting, and challenged me to think critically through risk assessment and analysis. At the same time, my work in tax allowed me to build deep knowledge in compliance and planning, sharpen my problem-solving skills, and stay engaged in a field that is always evolving and in demand. Having this foundation in both areas provided me with a versatile skill set that has shaped my adaptability and confidence as a professional. Looking back, the chance to learn and grow in both assurance and tax early in my career was invaluable, and it’s one of the main reasons I chose to continue my career at Meadows Urquhart.

Two of the most rewarding milestones of the year were successfully completing the September 15 deadline and navigating my first busy season. While both periods were intense due to tight timelines, they played a key role in sharpening my efficiency, improving my time management, and strengthening my professional foundation.

I’m especially grateful to my team members for their guidance and support; each one has contributed to my growth and success. As I begin my second year, I’m excited to continue building on this foundation, take on more complex client work, and apply what I’ve learned in impactful ways.

Tips for Interns and First-Year Accountants

1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
   Asking questions builds your understanding of clients and concepts, which is essential for long-term success in accounting.
2. Lean into the firm’s culture
   Take time to learn about your colleagues and clients. Whether you remain in accounting or explore other fields, the ability to connect with others and contribute to a collaborative environment is incredibly valuable.
3. Be open to exploring different areas
   Even if you think you know where you want to specialize, it’s important to expand your knowledge. Gaining experience across multiple areas helps you build a well-rounded “toolbox” for your career.