Here's How You Can Navigate Audit Busy Season
The one thing that helped me the most!
Back in the busy audit season, I was juggling multiple workstreams.
IT general controls walkthroughs, IT application controls, testing you name it.
In the beginning, I thought I could power through by rapidly switching between tasks.
I still remember spending one hour on ITGC evidence, the next on application controls, constantly opening and closing different audit workpapers and tools.
I told myself, "I've got this! I'm crushing it by multitasking!"
Here's the thing. My brain was fried.
Jumping from task to task ate up way more energy than I realized. It took forever to refocus on a half-completed task, and the quality of my work suffered.
But then I stepped back and reflected. I had to ask myself:
“Is this really working?”
“Was I really being productive? Or was I just thrashing between tasks, never fully focusing on one thing?”
Let's be honest, multitasking seems like the ultimate productivity hack. Social media bombards us with messages about juggling everything at once.
For me, it was not a 100% yes. So, it was definitely a NO.
Our brains aren't built to multitask in bits and pieces. They crave deep focus to deliver quality work.
In auditing especially, multitasking meant sacrificing accuracy for "getting things done."
When my work suffered, it wasn't just my problem. Remember, our managers and seniors review our workpapers. Low-quality workpapers mean more revisions and explanations for them, which extends timelines for everyone. That's the opposite of efficient project planning!
So, what’s the solution?
Clear communication!
The more you talk to your team, the smoother things run. Let your manager know you're focusing on one task at a time – that actually makes their job easier in the long run.
Ruthlessly prioritizing one audit area at a time. No more working in fits and starts, but giving each task my full, undivided attention.
The results? My work quality improved dramatically by simply...not multitasking.
It's an ongoing journey, but I've learned that true productivity isn't about how many balls you can keep in the air, but how present you can be with the one you're holding.
It's a paradigm shift, but one that's helped me thrive as an auditor.
What's been your experience with multitasking and productivity? I'd love to hear your perspectives!
Until next time,
Signing Off
Chinmay Kulkarni
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