Associate- Audit Review

I am an associate in the audit department. My daily tasks vary as I am out at clients the majority of the time. This gives me the opportunity to interact with a variety of people including FD's, FC's and accounts staff. In addition to this I usually work in a team of different level associates including those who are qualified and those who are on training contracts. Generally my tasks vary at a clients depending on your experience and the complexity, but at this stage in my training at GT I have had the opportunity to do most of the audit tests we set. This includes looking at stock, revenue, creditors, bank and cash, Tanigble fixed assets, employee remuneration and much more. There is no set routine due to clients needs and structures being different from week to week.

During my training at GT I am studying for my ACCA qualification which will mean I will be a certified chartered account. In addition to this there is the option at the end of my studies to complete a case study that will enable me to get an Oxford Brookes Degree in accounting. I have learnt so much being at GT, not only learning how to interact with clients but also how to manage them successfully in order to get the audit information I need. I also now have a much better understanding of businesses in general from the exposure we get from doing a variety of audit testing which I had no idea about before I started. We are also able to go on internal courses throughout our training contract, which enables you to develop skills in all areas including basic accounting techniques, to skills needed for planning audits as well as how to be an in charge on an audit.

I really enjoy audit. I like that every week we work with a new team at different levels meaning you learn new things all the time. I also chose audit over another accountancy route as you were client based meaning you weren't stuck in the same office all the time. GT is a great place to work as they believe that as well as working employees need a good balance so we get good holiday allowances and benefits that I don't think are offered in all other firms. This makes it a much more enjoyable place to work. I also like how you are able to interact with those at director and partner level which is very different to other firms where there is a very hierarchal structure. GT exceed my expectations because of the points outlined above and so far I haven't had a day where I have got bored or not liked the role I am in.

The recognition at GT is very good. There is an internal reward scheme where you are rewarded point which have monetary value when you go above and beyond expectations for a particular job or task. Even if you are not rewarded with points managers and in charges normally take the time out to thank you for your work on a job which is good as it helps keep you motivated to do well and try hard.

My induction was great at GT. We had a few days in our chosen office to learn the general routine of that office. We then had the opportunity to attend a national event in London where we joined other peers who had just started. This enabled us to network and get comfortable with GT as well as learning about their core values and motto. We also receive internal training courses when we start so those that may never have done accountancy (like myself) could be taught the basic knowledge so that we were better prepared for clients but also giving us a better start at college. I also had a buddy when I started so any queries or questions I could have answered and although that has now finished any issues I have with training, courses, exams can all be discussed with my line manager or those above you who have already experienced the process. Overall it is a great programme that has a clear career path that can be followed to move towards qualification as well as the necessary support to get there.

Kaplan provide all the help you need for exams. You not only get access to an online portal with various help and tips, exam papers, online tutoring courses you also have the email of the tutor on that particular course who is able to help you with any queries both in and out of college when you are studying for exams.

There is so much support offered by GT. Any issues are discussed with a line manager who can then put you in touch with the right person depending on the support you require.

The salary to start with was reasonable but was difficult to cover costs if you were renting a house rather than living at home. But because GT cover all your training costs, exam fees, tutoring, paid study leave etc the salary isn't as high if you weren't getting these paid for. The second year has seen a better increase in salary which means costs of living, travel, daily costs and social are much better covered and I can enjoy living comfortably and saving money too.

GT have dedicated social and sports team that arrange events and treats throughout the year for the office and this happends nationwide. There is also the opportunity for secondments before and post qualification both internally with GT and also with clients of GT.

Yes

Because I enjoy the job, the support and training is great, the salary is reasonable (bearing in mind age and training fees) and GT offers great exposure at early stages of training due to its size but they still offer a more "family" feel within the office than the hierarchal structures you may get with larger firms.

Make sure to do research on GT and the competencies as this is a key area that is looked at on application. Take time and care to fill out the application as this is the first step towards interviews. Try and do as many activities and hobbies that can be used on your application before applying to show you are an all rounder and enjoy a variation of activities which also will provide the candidate with a variation of skills.