Featuring Ruth Strange at Poole Audit
In our ongoing series of interviews with our management team, today we bring you insights from Ruth Strange, a key team member who plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of our audit processes.
Work-Related Questions:
- How does Poole Audit ensure compliance with the latest accounting standards and regulations while conducting audits for clients?
Ruth Strange: Our company consistently requests and thoroughly reviews any applicable agreements and contracts. Furthermore, we are actively involved in organizations that establish industry standards and guidelines. We contribute to shaping document revisions and new documents.
- Can you share an example of a particularly challenging audit engagement and how the team successfully navigated through it to deliver accurate results?
Ruth Strange: When auditing an Operator with a large number of wells, we faced numerous challenges in obtaining, organizing, and deciphering the data. Our IT expert found and employed programs to create workpapers, efficiently reorganizing the vast amount of data to ensure all pertinent information was thoroughly reviewed.
- How do you encourage collaboration and teamwork within the company?
Ruth Strange: We foster collaboration through team events and discussions on a wide range of topics, not just work-related ones. This approach strengthens our teamwork and camaraderie.
- Are there any skills or lessons you've learned that you apply to problem-solving or decision-making in your role as a leader?
Ruth Strange: I enjoy a good puzzle, whether it's a jigsaw puzzle or a game with clues. I find that working through some aspects of audits is akin to solving puzzles. Additionally, managing people often feels like solving a puzzle, and I've learned that approach is invaluable.
Social Questions:
- Are there any books, podcasts, or other forms of media that you find helpful in your professional development?
Ruth Strange: Our industry-related meetings and materials, such as COPAS/PASH, are invaluable for professional development. I'm also working towards obtaining my CPA and a Masters, which is a continual learning process.
- Are there any specific hobbies or activities that you enjoy engaging in with your colleagues outside of work hours to build camaraderie within the team?
Ruth Strange: We often celebrate birthdays and accomplishments by sharing meals together, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie.
- Have you ever used your hobbies or skills outside of work to contribute to any charitable or community initiatives supported by Poole Audit?
Ruth Strange: Poole Audit supports charitable work, and I volunteer on the Board of PASH, contributing to community initiatives and the welfare of our industry.
Stay tuned for more insights into our management team's leadership philosophy and our unique approach to auditing.