Audit Associate Review

My job title is Audit Associate, daily tasks include completion of audit fieldwork including planning and concluding, assisting with recruitment drives and assisting with pitches. Working with small teams on a daily basis, and teams vary from week to week which gives a great opportunity to work with everyone in your department/ office. Mainly I am responsible for delivering quality audit work on a timely basis. Some days can be harder than others, all depends on client cooperation!

Learnt all about the financial and business world since joining. By going out to different companies almost every few weeks it really gives you a great insight into what goes on and how businesses operate. I am currently nearing the end of my AAT qualification and looking forward to starting ACA, these qualifications have taught me almost everything I know about accountancy and finance. Grant Thornton provides me with great internal training too either in the office or at the national training centre (Country manor in Oxfordshire).

The work life is generally good with the exception of busy season and the odd few clients. The company culture encourages development and hard working whilst still maintaining a friendly and approachable atmosphere. I thoroughly enjoy working for Grant Thornton.

Highly valued member of the team, good recommendation/ rewards system in place. As the company is so large it can sometimes feel like you are a very small cog in a big machine, but that is to be expected within a large corporate company.

Very well structure, your path is laid out from when you start. Beginning on AAT through to ACA, full support is given along the way. Within the work place there is a hierarchy and as the years go by you continue to work your way up gaining more responsibility.

A lot of support is received, Grant Thornton use Kaplan Financial as the training provider. Kaplan have your interests at heart and mainly just want you to pass the exams, tutors are always available to provide support when required.

Study support is generally left to Kaplan with time off given before exams. You are provided with a mentor when you start who, along with your line manager support you and your progression. Great internal training which sets you up well for day to day working. Increased pay from exam passes.

Well remunerated overall. Travel costs, can be high if you live further away from the office as mileage claims will be lower. Time off in lieu is used within the audit department which allows you to work up an extra 12 days holiday on top of your normal allowance. Further holiday can also be brought/ sold through the salary sacrifice scheme.

Plenty of social activities outside of work from football to badminton, with company marketing events and of course the occasional social party/ event.

Yes

Great friendly and supportive place to work. Pretty much Big 4 but with out the ridiculous hours, great graduate and school leaver programmes in place very well structured. Name looks great on your CV and remuneration is good.

Research online and on the Grant Thornton website. Have a good knowledge of the business/ financial world, also show that you have interests outside of work etc.