Bessner Gallay Kreisman Summer Program

Student Experiences:

Summer 2008

My summer at Bessner Gallay Kreisman gave me a taste of what being a chartered accountant is really all about. From day one, I was given challenging assignments and was allowed to work on files. The open door policy at the firm helped me to learn and to get to know everyone. Partners and managers are always available to answer questions and for words of encouragement on stressful days. I got to work on a variety of clients and complete entire sections of files and even prepare small files on my own. I didn’t spend the entire summer working on a cash section or sitting in the office. Bessner Gallay Kreisman gave me the chance to get out in the field and learn - all while having an amazing summer too! I wouldn’t do anything differently and I’m so happy that I was welcomed with open arms by the BGK team.

Samantha Gillespie (JMAS)

 

Summer 2005

It was with open arms that I was welcomed by close to 50 employees. This unique feeling was felt throughout my stage. I could not ask for more; except maybe to be sent out “in the field”! Well, it happened in the first week!!!

Ann Blanchette (HEC)

 

Summer 2005

Welcome all future CA’s! It’s that time of year again. The time when the new crop of accounting students goes through the long and arduous process of finding work for the following summer. I have the pleasure of writing a few words describing my summer experience at Bessner Gallay Kreisman.

It all started with a warm welcome from the staff; it didn’t take long for me to feel like part of the team. My summer consisted of going out in the field where I was exposed to many different areas of audit, such as inventory and accounts receivable. I was not only able to improve my personnel skills dealing with clients and speaking with them on a one to one basis but I was also able to learn about various industries like textile, computer software and car rental. Time at the office was spent working in such accounting software as Caseware/Caseview and Taxprep, in which I contributed to the development of the financial statements and the production of tax returns. My work was challenging and interesting, and never repetitive. My technical abilities and knowledge of accounting and auditing have developed at a rate that surpassed my expectations.

With that said, I would like to mention a little on the personal aspect of my experience at BGK. Part of what made my stay so enjoyable was the little things during the day. It’s nice to see the seniors take the time to pass by just to make sure that all is well and to remind you that, if you have any problems, you should not hesitate asking. When you are having a rough day, there are always countless people who stop by to make a joke. Even if they are not always funny, they still put a smile on my face. I could go on about these little subtleties but I think you can see where I am going with it. The environment at BGK makes the hard days that much easier.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my summer experience. I hope you got the idea of what it is like working at BGK. I wish all of you the best of luck and look forward to meeting you.

Federico Atkinson (JMAS)

 

Summer 2002

Hey there prospective summer student! Ever wonder who was evil enough to place recruitment during one the most chaotic times of the year?!? As though attending seminars, writing the CACEE form, and going to interviews isn’t overwhelming enough; choosing which offer to take can seem like an impossible decision. And who can dispute that; it’s where you first get a flavor of the career that lies ahead. So, in light of this, let me tell you about my experience as a summer intern at Bessner Gallay Kreisman. Hope it helps make your decision a little easier.

What first attracted me to this firm was the sincerity of the entire staff. I was impressed with how interested everyone was to meet the students that were being interviewed and how friendly and close knit the staff seemed. The firm’s interest in individuals who not only had the proper competencies, but who would be the perfect addition to the BGK family was a value I considered appealing. And on my first day of work when I officially met the staff and other summer interns, I was pleased to find that those ideals were truly fostered among the team.

Having heard enough horror stories about interns spending the summer in the photocopy room made me wonder what the work was going to be like. But I couldn’t have asked for a more enriching learning experience. BGK’s philosophy that the best learning happens on the job allowed me to experience all aspects of the profession from starting a file to communicating with clients. Plus, being assigned to work on files both big and small covering clients from a broad range of industries, and dealing with various accounting issues gave me a practical representation of the profession. And everyone from junior to partner was there to answer my million questions and guide me through the process of completing any given task.

My hope for the summer was to learn, have fun doing it, and leave with the desire to return. I never looked back on my decision and now I’m here to stay.

Dana Gheorghe (JMAS)