During my two years at Baker Tilly, I worked as both an Intern and a Consultant in Risk Advisory at their public accounting firm, gaining extensive experience in public accounting and cybersecurity. I played a key role in conducting SOC 1 and SOC 2 audits for numerous external clients, applying my expertise in cybersecurity, business operations, and auditing to help organizations strengthen their security measures and maintain compliance.
One of my primary responsibilities was leading client meetings, where I worked directly with clients to collect critical information needed for the audit process. This allowed my team to assess key controls and report on the findings to ensure clients remained SOC compliant. Additionally, I documented workpapers to verify that all required information was present and that the proper controls were implemented, ensuring thorough audits and effective recommendations.
In addition to my auditing responsibilities, I also worked for six months with BT Prep, a division of Baker Tilly that assists accountants by mapping and preparing journal entry workflows. My role involved comparing clients’ trial balances to their general ledgers, identifying discrepancies, and investigating the issues. By providing insights into potential problems, I helped engagement accountants streamline their searches and save valuable time.
Throughout my time at Baker Tilly, I developed strong communication, problem-solving, and client management skills, all while helping clients improve their security frameworks and business processes.
Mike Vasarella, MS