The internship report: how to choose a topic? Examples from the field of accountancy

Of course, the way in which you address the topics and issues is very important, as is the standard of your writing, but don’t forget to spend time choosing your topics, as this is a key consideration in the eyes of the examiners.

How do I choose a topic? At what point in the report should I address the chosen topic? These are all questions that students ask themselves...

Here are a few ideas for topics for an accounting work placement report.

Choosing a theme

Tip number 1

Don’t rush into it. Take the time to list your ideas for topics; then you can prioritise them according to your ability to tackle the various subjects. Finally, start noting down your sources of information so that you can explore each topic before making a decision.

Tip number 2

Ask yourself questions. But be careful – it’s not enough to just consider technical questions or purely professional aspects; think about yourself too, and how interested you are in the subject in question. If you don’t like the topic or are only half-convinced by it, the quality of your report will suffer!

The central theme of the internship report

It is most common to address the topic and the issue in the third section of your outline.

Introduction

I) Overview of the company

II) Tasks carried out

III) Observations made during the work placement

 A. Introduction to the topic

 B. Reflection, presentation of the issue, analysis and research

Conclusion

Some examples of topics in accounting

- Social security contributions for company directors versus those for the self-employed.

- The principles of VAT in France (the different rates, etc.).

- Accounting for private individuals: self-employed professionals, farmers, etc.

- Accounting and payroll processing within very large companies: overtime, the 35-hour working week, different types of collective agreements, etc.

- Reforms: the PACTE Act

- Fixed assets and depreciation.

- Budgetary control within an organisation.

- Choosing or changing an IT accounting system.

- Managing a client portfolio.

- (...)

It is important to remember that, although topics may recur across reports and among students, the difference lies in the way you approach your topic and, consequently, the issues that arise from it.

The topic you choose must not be at odds with the work placement you have undertaken; you should find the subject interesting, but it must also be consistent with your own experience and observations. Otherwise, the report will lack critical judgement.