Académique Documents
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Programme for
Accounting
Students
FOREWORD
For students who are considering a professional career in Accounting, it is advisable that they pursue an
internship programme with a professional firm engaged in providing audit/assurance services. Hence, the
framework detailed in this document intends to provide guidance on areas pertinent to work placement
matters and would be relevant to:
Undergraduates those completing a degree in accounting or related studies
Professional accounting firms - specifically those engaged in audit / assurance services
It is acknowledged that technical and practical competencies are equally important, hence an appropriate
balance of both is essential in the development of a professional accountant. However with the challenges
faced by organisations today, considerable emphasis is placed on Emotional Intelligent Quotient (EQ).
Effective soft skill is the intrinsic quality of EQ and it forms the core of delivering professional and high
quality work.
Included in the propose framework is a supplementary document, i.e. an Internship Programme Toolkit
providing relevant information and guidance to facilitate the implementation of a practical internship
programme. These will serve as reference materials to students and potential employers participating in
the programme.
The main reference section of the framework would be the provision of a 6-month / 24-week Internship
Programme plan with a detailed course outline. The content is formed base on the required competencies
and desired attributes of an aspiring professional accountant. Hence, the programme supports a holistic
structure, i.e. balance development of technical competence, practical experience and soft skill work.
With the appropriate traits and professional behavior infused in the proposed programme, it would
enable students to acquire the basic skills before joining the workforce.
Note: Referring to TalentCorps Structured Internship Programme, it is recommended that each student
participating in the programme shall be entitled to a minimum of RM500 monthly allowance.
WHY START THE EXPLORATION
Practical experience is an integral element in the career development of an accountant, thus joining the
proposed internship programme charts the first step towards the right path. During work placement, the
significance of integrating classroom learning with application of knowledge is actualized. Furthermore
the distinctive aspect of this programme is that the student will gain an insight on the various functions
undertaken by professional accountants in an accounting firm environment.
Classroom
learning
Practical
Experience
Professional
Development
Professional
Accountant's
Capabilities &
Competencies
The work experience and opportunity to interact with potential / prospective employers facilitates the
transitional phase for those who will be applying for permanent employment. Hence, undergraduates are
strongly advised to participate in an internship programme before completing their course of studies.
The benefits of participating in an internship programme are listed below but not limited to:
Technical skills
Mapping over a 6-month time schedule, the tasks and work areas are consciously drafted to provide a
basic understanding and development of knowledge suitable for undergraduate students who could be
taking employment in the accounting profession. The time line is provided along with specific areas of
learning to be completed / accomplished within the defined period.
Soft skills
Whilst the essential attributes of a professional accountant are detailed in Appendix 2, it is generally
expected of an intern to gain a combination of basic soft skills as described below:
Analytical skills
Critical thinking / Reasoning skills inclined towards innovative/creative thinking and problem
solving skills
Communication (Oral and written) / interactive and interpersonal skills
Teamwork
Attention to detail
Time management
Appendix 1
Competencies Technical, Professional Skills and Professional Value, Ethics & Attitudes
These are the required competences to be achieved upon the completion of the Initial Professional
Development (IPD) phase regardless of the intended accounting specialization of the candidate pursuing
a Professional Accountancy route.
A candidate who has completed IPD phase should have acquired the competencies as listed below and
demonstrated the following:
Depth of knowledge
Understanding
Application
COMPETENCIES
Technical
Financial Accounting &
Reporting
Taxation
Economics
Competence areas:
i) Financial Accounting
and Reporting
ii) Management
Accounting
iii) Finance and financial
management
iv) Taxation
v) Audit and assurance
vi) Governance, risk
management and
internal control
vii) Business laws and
regulations
viii) Information
technology
ix) Business and
organisational
environment
x) Economics
xi) Business Strategy and
management
Professional Skills
Intellectual &
organisational
Competence areas:
i) Intellectual
ii) Interpersonal and
communication
iii) Personal
iv) Organisational
Competence areas:
Professional skepticismquestioning mind alert to
conditions /indication of error or
fraud) and
Professional judgment-application of
relevant training knowledge and
experience within context of audit,
accounting & ethical standards making informed decisions /course of
action appropriate in circumstances
of audit engagement
Ethical principles
Commitment to the public interest
Act in the public interest
Note: Scope include commitment to a) Technical competence and
professional skills
b) Ethical behaviour
c) Professional manner
d) Pursuit of excellence
e) Social responsibility
Appendix 2
Desired attributes of an Accountant:
ATTRIBUTES
a) Professional attitude
b) Behavioural skills
c) Broad Business Perspective / Business
Management skills
d) Functional Skills
DESCRIPTORS
Related to professional demeanour/values - due care,
timeliness, courteousness, respect, responsibility and
reliability
Self-management, leadership skills
Strategic/critical thinking, analytical and problem
solving abilities applying to decision making process
Information Technology skills, risk analysis, financial
reporting, auditing, management accounting, taxation,
etc.
e) Technical Knowledge
Supplementary Document
Internship
Programme Toolkit
on Audit Work
Experience
This logbook belongs to :
_________________________________________________ (Name)
_________________________________________________ (College / University)
_________________________________________________ (Students Contact No.)
_________________________________________________ (Tutors Name & Contact No.)
_________________________________________________ Employer / Designated Coach
CONTENTS
The Toolkit: Overview and Section Descriptor .......................................................................................................................... 8
Tips for Intern at work : The Dos and Donts.......................................................................................................................... 9
Part A : Getting to know your internship supervisor ............................................................................................................... 10
Part B : Induction ..................................................................................................................................................................... 11
1) Internship structure ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
2) Internship action plan ...................................................................................................................................................... 11
3) Induction guide ................................................................................................................................................................ 12
Part C : Outline and course details of 6 months Internship Programme ................................................................................. 13
Part D : Supervisor monitoring and feedback .......................................................................................................................... 15
Part E : Learning Log ................................................................................................................................................................ 16
1) What are the areas that impressed you most and/or others that caused disappointment during your internship?
(Note: To include your recommendations/suggestion for improvement) .......................................................................... 16
2) Tasks/goals set by your internship supervisor. What are your involvements? Describe and identify achievements. .... 16
3) What skills/new skills or ways of doing things enabled you to complete your tasks/goals? .......................................... 17
4) What challenges have you faced? How did you avoid or overcome difficulties? Is there anything you have yet to
achieve? ............................................................................................................................................................................... 17
5) What have you learned on functional areas that you have been assigned to? (Note: Include notations of learning from
colleagues and/or peers) ..................................................................................................................................................... 18
Part F : Internship Performance Evaluation by Supervisor / Coach ......................................................................................... 19
First Internship Performance Evaluation (to be completed on the week 8 of your internship) ........................................... 19
Second Internship Performance Evaluation (to be completed on the week 16 of your internship) .................................... 20
Final Internship Performance Evaluation (to be completed on the final week of your internship) ..................................... 21
Part G : SWOT Analysis (Optional for Students) ...................................................................................................................... 22
DOs
Have ready access to the telephone number for your tutor and your internship supervisor where you work.
Take an interest in your employer. Ask for materials relating to its history, products, business activities, etc.
Understand the importance of your job in relation to the responsibility of other employees in your area; other
departments; the organisation as a whole.
Listen carefully when instructions are given. If necessary, take notes. Follow instructions
there may be a reason why a job must be done in a particular way.
Ask questions youre on an internship primarily to learn. Admit if theres something you
dont understand and take responsibility if you make a mistake.
Expect that problems will occur. Know who to turn to if you have problems on the job. Perseverance, patience and a
pleasant personality will help you to overcome, or at least cope with, any difficulties.
Read a quality newspaper every day. How does the national and world news affect your employer? Your job?
Remain alert and energetic throughout your working day.
Dont chew gum
Dont expect special treatment. This only inhibits relationships with others and your supervisor and you can be disciplined for doing so.
Dont use work email for personal messages, even if your colleagues do. Many employers
make this disciplinary offence you can get terminated for doing it.
Dont send an email to anyone important in the organization without getting your supervisor to check it first.
They will know whether office politics demand particular ways of phrasing things.
Dont use the web for personal surfing even if youre told that you can. Your employer might record where
youve visited and if you go to a prohibited site, even by accident, you can be disciplined for doing so.
DONTs
Sir/Mdm/Mr/Ms
Organisation :
Floor No. :
Extension No. :
Contact No. :
Email :
Supervisors signature :
Date :
Notes :
You should establish the expectations and limits of the internship with your supervisor. Try to develop a good
working relationship so you can freely discuss what you are getting or not getting from the internship.
Inform your supervisor no later than 10am if are ill and will not be able to turn up for scheduled meetings. If
you become sick on the job, ask your supervisor for permission to leave.
You should monitor your own progress.
Make it a point to have regular meetings with your supervisor for feedback on projects ahead of time. Keep
yourself visible.
If you need more guidance, discuss it with your supervisor. However, respect his/her other responsibilities
and work schedule let him/her know you need clarification and would like to seek for some coaching
sessions.
Observe your supervisor and your colleagues. What special characteristics do they have that have helped
them succeed? Do you have these traits?
Make sure you present a good impression of yourself. You will be evaluated by your supervisor at the end of
the internship and you might want a reference from them in the future.
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PART B : INDUCTION
1) Internship structure
Example : Complete the following with your supervisor
Name of the department or functional area that you are working in during your internship
List your key responsibilities (this should be completed with reference to programme outline and content
provided in Part C)
By when?
Interns signature :
Date :
Supervisors signature :
Date :
Achieved?
*The details can be extracted from Part C and adapted accordingly to accommodate the necessary and
practical work situation as required.
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3) Induction guide
Receive feedback
Provide
valuable
feedback
to
the Take note on points raised
employer/supervisor/coach and/or MIA on Be open minded and reflect on constructive
the programme.
matters
Seek guidance on suitable approach and
techniques
Be systematic list down areas for discussion
Identify areas that complements and/or
beneficial to be incorporated into the
programme
c) Internship performance measurement
During and at the end of your internship there will be an opportunity to assess your performance together
with your supervisor. At the induction session, together with your supervisor:
refer to evaluation sheets (first, second and final evaluation forms) set meeting dates
get clarification on what you should be doing/how you should be performing to achieve, for example,
a 5 (exceptional) compared to a 4 (good)
consider how the grades will be applied to your internship experience including: completion of work,
work quality, time management, drive, capacity to learn, attendance and punctuality, working with
others, work etiquette and adapting to work life
12
Week 5 to 8
13
Week 9 to 12
Students will be exposed to handle audit assignments with supervision from the
engagement manager. Students are expected to carry out procedural and
administrative tasks on audits of financial statements.
**Employers may expand on this or have a relevant variance to jobs / tasks related to accounting and finance.
14
Supervisor signatures
Date :
Supervisor signatures
Date :
Supervisor signatures
Date :
Week (8) eight : (also fill up the first evaluation form with your tutor / internship supervisor)
Supervisor signatures
Date :
Supervisor signatures
Date :
Supervisor signatures
Date :
*the feedback and monitoring session should be performed until the final week (week 24) of the Internship
Programme
15
Impress with
Disappointed with
Week (1)
one
Reason(s) / Propose areas of improvement :
Week (2)
two *
*the log notes should be recorded until the final week (week 24) of Internship Programme
2) Tasks/goals set by your internship supervisor. What are your involvements? Describe and identify
achievements.
Example :
Week
Week (1)
one
Log notes
Tasks/work areas/goals :
Week (2)
two *
Tasks/work areas/goals :
*the log notes should be recorded until the final week (week 24) of the Internship Programme
16
3) What skills/new skills or ways of doing things enabled you to complete your tasks/goals?
Example :
Week
Week (1)
one
Log notes
Soft skills learned :
Week (2)
two
*the log notes should be recorded until the final week (week 24) of the Internship Programme
4) What challenges have you faced? How did you avoid or overcome difficulties? Is there anything you have
yet to achieve?
Example :
Week
Week (1)
one
Log notes
Challenges encountered :
Remarks (successful counteracts on difficulties reference to advice received , learning points, etc) :
Week (2)
two *
Challenges encountered :
Remarks (successful counteracts on difficulties reference to advice received , learning points, etc) :
*the log notes should be recorded until the final week (week 24) of the Internship Programme
17
5) What have you learned on functional areas that you have been assigned to? (Note: Include notations of
learning from colleagues and/or peers)
Example :
Week
Week (1)
one
Log notes
Social Skills :
Week (2)
two *
Social Skills :
*the log notes should be recorded until the final week (week 24) of the Internship Programme
18
3 = satisfactory
2 = unsatisfactory
1 = poor
For intern
Interns signature :
Supervisors signature :
Date :
Date :
19
3 = satisfactory
2 = unsatisfactory
1 = poor
Interns signature :
Supervisors signature :
Date :
Date :
20
Final Internship Performance Evaluation (to be completed on the final week of your internship)
This evaluation should be carried out together by both intern and supervisor.
Please rate according to scale :
5 = excellent
4 = good
3 = satisfactory
2 = unsatisfactory
1 = poor
On-the-job Performance
Overall Performance (e.g completion of tasks, work quality, time management, capacity to learn, etc.)
Meeting expectations
Interns signature :
Supervisors signature :
Date :
Date :
21
Example:
Formation of SWOT
Based on notation from Part E - Learning Log:
Strengths
Weaknesses
(Points for improvements)
Opportunities
Threats
(Points for further review possibility of seeking
advice from counsellor)
22
Supplementary Document
Position applied:
Current address:
Permanent address:
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Tel:
(Mobile)
Email:
Tel:
(House)
Date of birth:
(dd / mm / yyyy)
Age:
Gender: Male
Female
Marital status:
NRIC no:
B. EDUCATION BACKGROUND (please tick () where applicable)
Name of College / University
Photo
Undergraduate Degree
Major
CGPA
Year One
Year Two
Year Three
Year Four
Other courses pursued:
Are you a sponsored Student : Yes No
From
Subjects
To
Strength
Weakness
STPM Results
SPM Results
____ A
____ B
____ C
____ D
____ E
English
Bahasa Melayu
Mathematics
C. EXTRACURRICULAR ACHIEVEMENTS
Name of
School / College / University
Additional Mathematics
Year
From
To
____ F
Hobbies / Interests:
23
Seldom
Everyday
Bahasa Melayu
English
Chinese
Others:
Most of your reading materials are in: Bahasa Melayu English Chinese Others:
Spoken
Often
Seldom
E. INTERNSHIP INFORMATION
Availability
Date from ____________(dd/mm/yyyy) to ____________(dd/mm/yyyy)
Areas of Interest (please indicate your three preferences (1st, 2nd, 3rd) of areas of interest)
Preferences
Areas
Financial Accounting
Managerial Accounting
Budgetary Accounting
Tax Accounting
Auditing and Assurance Services
Business Advisory / Consulting
Insolvency
Information System
Others (please specify):
Objectives
What are your objectives in undertaking an internship with this Organisation? How does it fit within your career plan?
F. REFERENCE
Details
Personal Referee
Academic Referee
Name
Relationship with Applicant
Contact No.
Occupation / Designation
G. OTHERS
Please ensure that the following documents are to be submitted together with this application form:
a copy of most recent results transcript from your university/college
a copy of your up-to-date curriculum vitae
I hereby certify that all the above information is correct, to the best of my knowledge.
Name of Applicant:
Date:
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