Graduate Internal Auditor Review

I work in Internal Audit, so on a day to day basis I work with stakeholders from teams within the company, to work on a scheduled audit ensuring that the area of the business is functioning in line with Sage policy. I report on the findings in a formal audit report. My role includes but is not limited to; planning, fieldwork, report writing, testing, engaging with stakeholders.

I have learned a myriad of new soft skills in my role and have been able to develop my technical skills too in line with my interests. Engagement with stakeholders is a very critical skill to my role which I am glad I have been able to develop, with another critical element of my role requiring strong team working skills to get reports completed and out on time.

I enjoy my role, despite it being really difficult at times, as it is very satisfying to be able to complete a long term project and have a tangible audit report as the output. Personally, I find the role really rewarding because of this, as it provides a strong sense of overcoming a challenge.

My Programme is very well structured in line with the Audit schedule. At the beginning of the fiscal year the audit schedule for the year is released including which audits will be carried out in which quarters - through this I know which audits I will be working on through the year. Furthermore, this audit schedule is aligned with a team Gantt chart, meaning I also know the time frame for each audit that will be performed.

I have weekly catch-ups with my 'buddy' to discuss how I am doing and anything I am struggling on, I have monthly catch-ups with my line manager to similarly discuss any blockers to my work and the work that I have been completing the previous month, I also have catch-ups with another manager every other week to discuss progress and any issues.

N/A - I am yet to start the CIA qualification as this starts in May.

N/A - I am yet to start the CIA qualification as this starts in May. However as this is the internal audit qualification, it is highly relevant for performing my role effectively which I have been able to see in my team as lots of my team have also completed this qualification and found it useful.

Sage has a foundation program in which you can complete 5 full paid days of volunteering a year. This is a fun way to get involved with the team outside of the office, which in turn strengthens teamwork. There are also scheduled events within the graduate program among the graduates who meet regularly.

Yes

Sage is a very good company to work for, you get worked hard, but the rewards and benefits are really worth it. Furthermore, the culture at Sage is amazing and it feels really good to be able to contribute to a working environment that you know is performing ethically, which is something that is personally very important to me.

Understand that the roles at Sage will be difficult, but this is a good thing as you are always being pushed to achieve greater things, including external qualifications as an example. As mentioned previously, the culture at Sage is amazing which I think is very important to stay engaged at work and avoid burnout.