Graduate Intern - Management Audit (Division Z)

As a Graduate Intern in Management Audit at the New York City Comptroller’s Office, your responsibilities will include conducting detailed research, participating in interviews with City agency officials during walkthrough meetings, and contributing to team discussions about audit procedures. You'll be involved in performing data analysis and preparing crucial documentation such as spreadsheets, memos, and flowcharts to support the audit process.

Candidates for the Graduate Intern - Management Audit position must be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at an accredited college, university, or law school. It’s essential to maintain your status as a student while undertaking this internship, as employment is conditioned on your ongoing enrollment.

The Graduate Intern role plays a pivotal part in achieving the objectives of the New York City Comptroller’s Office. By participating in audits and assessments, interns help identify areas for improvement within city operations and finances, thereby promoting accountability, transparency, and public trust. This ensures that city resources are used effectively where they are needed most.

The Graduate Intern - Management Audit position requires in-person attendance at the office four days a week, specifically Monday to Thursday, for a total of 28 hours per week. The internship period is set from June 2 to July 31, 2025, providing a structured timeframe for learning and contribution.

Interns at the New York City Comptroller’s Office gain valuable exposure to the governance and budgeting fields, paving the way for future careers in public service, auditing, and finance. The experience offers networking opportunities with city officials and professionals, as well as skills that are highly valued in both government and private sectors.

Approach this question by highlighting your research skills and your understanding of the importance of accurate data collection in audits. Discuss methods you would use, including reviewing previous audit reports, interviewing key stakeholders, and analyzing financial documents to build a comprehensive understanding of the operations.

Share a specific instance where you analyzed data, explaining the context and your methodology. Emphasize your analytical skills and tools you used, focusing on how you presented your findings and the impact it had, ensuring to relate this back to the skills necessary for the Graduate Intern role.

Discuss qualities such as attention to detail, strong communication skills, and critical thinking. Emphasize the importance of teamwork and being proactive while conducting audits, as well as the ability to understand complex processes in a governmental context.

Describe your organizational strategies such as using calendars, project management tools, or prioritizing tasks based on deadlines. Highlight how effective organization is essential in maintaining quality and meeting the demands of an internship in a busy office like the Comptroller’s.

Share your motivation for interning with the City Comptroller’s Office, emphasizing your desire to contribute to public service and your interest in government auditing. Discuss how this aligns with your career goals and the learning opportunities it presents.

Provide a concise overview of the Comptroller's functions, including overseeing the city’s financial integrity, managing public funds, and conducting audits. This demonstrates your research capabilities and genuine interest in the office's mission.

Explain your openness to feedback and how you view criticism as an opportunity for growth. Emphasize the importance of applying constructive feedback to improve your performance in a collaborative environment.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to outline a specific challenge involving conflict or differing opinions. Highlight your problem-solving skills and your capacity to facilitate communication and collaboration.

Mention tools like Excel for data analysis, software for project management, and any auditing-specific applications you may have encountered. Discuss your willingness and ability to quickly learn new technologies relevant to the audit process.

Articulate the importance of transparency in building public trust and accountability. Discuss how audits contribute to this by ensuring government operations are conducted efficiently and responsibly, fostering a better relationship between the city and its residents.