The immersive experience transforms recruiting from a guessing game into a hands-on, culture-rich audition.

Gear Up for Growth
With Jean Caragher
For CPA Trendlines

 In the latest episode of Gear Up for Growth, powered by CPA Trendlines, Jean Caragher, president of Capstone Marketing, spoke with co-creators of JLK Rosenberger LLP’s innovative student recruitment program, Audit 500, which combines real-world experience with relationship-building to deliver extraordinary results – and some unexpected emotional impact. 

Originally created to address a gap between academic theory and audit practice, the Audit 500 is a fast-paced, three-day simulation that gives accounting students a hands-on experience of what it’s like to be an auditor. From testing cash and fixed assets to engaging with a mock CFO, participants work side-by-side with the firm’s staff, simulating the dynamics of a true engagement team. 

“We get to evaluate students in a much more meaningful way than a traditional interview ever could,” said Ani Zadorian, partner at JLK Rosenberger and co-creator of the program. “At the same time, they get to see our culture and decide if they see themselves growing here."