Bridging Theory and Practice: My internship experience at Dativa & Associates.
It was 2021 during the COVID-19 lockdown. I was staying with my uncle at his place of work, which was a missionary school funded by white donors, when the auditor paid a visit. My uncle, Mr. Muhiire Mercy Geoffrey, was the headteacher, and his office, among others, was under audit. It was the panic, desperation, and fear that engulfed him on hearing about the auditor’s visit that particularly intrigued me about auditing, and ever since, I have grown to understand and appreciate the work of auditors.
Fast forward to 2026, with me a final-year student of Business Administration, being accepted at Dativa and Associates felt less like luck, more like a certain destiny. I commend the heads of the firm for the opportunity bestowed upon me, and I promise to carry with me the ethical and professional virtues that I have gained under this mentorship. My uncle is still a headteacher, and maybe I will one day be the reason he gets goosebumps; I look forward to that.
Transitioning from the lecture halls at Kyambogo University into the fast-paced environment of professional auditing has been a transformative milestone in my academic and professional journey. Working with real-world accounting data highlighted the critical importance of analytical precision and professional skepticism. Navigating complex financial statements deepened my technical proficiency in financial statement preparation, from statements of financial position to cash flow analysis, and enhanced my understanding of tax compliance within Uganda’s regulatory framework, governed by the ICPAU. Beyond technical competencies, communicating daily with senior staff and audit teams significantly strengthened my professional composure, problem-solving abilities, and confidence.
A friend who is interning at a bank recently tried to pigeonhole me, saying my scope was limited as an audit intern, and I laughed at the irony of his statements. I went on to elaborate to him the various skills and knowledge I have added to my belt during my internship, namely: financial reporting, taxation, business law, and skills such as vouching, filing tax returns, Excel mastery, and communication, to mention but a few. He was dumbstruck and immediately took back his words.
My time at Dativa & Associates has solidified my career aspirations in auditing and advisory services. The practical experience I gained in substantive testing, URA tax compliance, and report preparation has provided a strong foundation as I prepare to pursue my CPA certification in Uganda and transition into corporate accounting. I am deeply grateful to the entire team at Dativa & Associates; none of this would have been possible without the team’s guidance. The team was open and willing to answer questions and share knowledge regardless of their tight schedule. Thank you, team.
Lastly, I want to appreciate the firm for the facilitation given during my internship, that is, the breakfast which has consistently been provided and the allowance given – that was a lifesaver. In the end, I leave a better person academically, professionally, morally, and socially. Needless to say, the pleasure has been all mine.
Musenze Marvin Elijah
