Insights from Sam Beck's Career Journey

Mar 16, 2025

Guest Lecture with Sam Beck

Introduction

  • Speaker: Sam Beck, MSU graduate
  • Host: Professor Joe
  • Topic: Sam's career journey and insights on planning and engagement

Sam Beck's Career Path

Education

  • Undergraduate in Economics from CU Boulder
  • Master's in Professional Accountancy from MSU Denver

Career Journey

  • Started in life insurance and financial planning
    • Found the sales-heavy role unsatisfactory
  • Shifted to accounting after being impressed by CPAs
  • Internal audit experience during MSU Denver master's program
    • Completed an internal audit project on MSU Denver's graduation performance
    • Experience was transformative and pivotal in career direction

Professional Experience

  • Secured internship at a small boutique internal audit firm in Denver
  • Offered full-time role after firm merged with BKD, a national accounting firm
  • Became a managing consultant at Forvis after BKD merged with DHG
    • Forvis is a combination of 'forward' and 'vision'
    • Works with mid and small-sized clients in internal audit

Insights on Internal Audit

Planning and Engagement

  • Planning is integral and should not be a distinct task, but part of the process
  • Shift from 10% to 25% time on planning with agile auditing
  • Importance of understanding client risks and processes
  • Role of planning in adding value and setting scope

Scope and Scope Creep

  • Importance of scope documents in consulting
  • Scope documents outline objectives, included and excluded areas
  • Prevents scope creep by clearly defining audit boundaries

Tools and Resources in Planning

  • Conducting research and utilizing resources like Google, audit reports
  • Creating flowcharts and process maps
  • Performing data analytics and setting Google Alerts
  • Importance of understanding roles and expectations

Advice to Students

  • Career paths are non-linear; it’s okay to pivot
  • Building trust and transparency with clients is crucial
  • Engage in internships and practical experience to find interests
  • Transparency in audit processes builds trust with clients

Conclusion

  • Sam's journey highlights the importance of adaptability and continuous learning
  • Encouragement for students to explore various opportunities in internal audit

Sam's insights on planning, engagement, and navigating a career in internal audit were both practical and inspiring. His story serves as a valuable lesson in following one's interests and continuously adapting to new challenges.

Full transcript