Interviewing The Client

Abstract

This paper examines an assignment where students taking either an introductory auditing students or an accounting communications course interview a client to gain an understanding of internal control and the interview process.  Students document the results of the interview in a memorandum.  The paper provides detailed information regarding the design and implementation of a portion of the internal control system.  The three main objectives of the assignment are 1) to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate, develop, and enhance their communication skills; 2) to convey a realistic picture of the accounting environment; and 3) to familiarize students with a typical responsibility of entry-level accountants.