Audit Trainee Review

I am an Audit Trainee completing the CFAB qualification. Day to day I work on parts of the audit file, providing support to the senior members of the team. I tend to interact with seniors on a daily basis and then higher level colleagues such as managers/partners when they are out at a client site or I am completing work for them in the office. I have gained some great exposure to the clients I have worked on and interact with the client several times a day. I am responsible for getting the work I am assigned done within a reasonable amount of time and to a high standard. After work, I spend some time each day completing my apprenticeship assignments or revising for my upcoming exams.

I am currently working towards the CFAB qualification which is the first 6 modules of the ACA and completing assignments towards my Diploma in Audit Practise after which I will gain a Level 4 Apprenticeship qualification (equivalent to foundation degree). For these qualifications I attend college at BPP where everyone is really helpful and I have been assigned my own assessor who is there to offer support throughout my first 2 years of training. I have attended several internal training courses at BDO, one of which was 2 weeks in Cambridge with the rest of our intake accross the UK which was good to meet all the other new starters! Since starting, I have become much more confident working within microsoft and my personal/professional confidence has improved in general as you get to work in different teams on a regular basis and are exposed to so many different types of people.

I really enjoy working at BDO, the work is hard and you have to put in a lot of time for revision but it is really worth it. You get to work in great teams and everyone is really approachable if you need any help. The programme actually exceeded my expectations because I still wasn't certain when I started what it was going to be like but I have enjoyed everything so far!

Very. Sometimes as new starters you get given the duller tasks to do which seniors simply don't have time for but everyone really appreciates the work you do even the small tasks. On day one you get assigned your own buddy, manager, friend and 2 partners to your intake which means there is always someone to talk to if you need some help and someone checking that you are getting on ok.

Our programme is structured over 2 years at first to complete the apprenticeship part and CFAB. Our exams are spread out around assignments and deadlines are made clear with plenty of time to get yourself prepared.

I have been assigned an assessor from BPP who is always a phone call/email away if I need help and is willing to meet at short notice when I need it. She is very helpful and wants us to do the best we can so makes sure she is always up to date with our progress.

At BDO everyone is really understanding of the position we are in as new starters as everyone has been in the same position. If there is anything you are struggling with someone will make time to talk you through it or give you some time to get things done. Our managers make sure they are up to date with our studying and are willing to make arrangements for us to have time to revise etc if we need it. You have regular catch up/appraisal meetings to discuss progress where any issues can be talked through/resolved.

I still live at home with family so my salary allows me to pay rent at home, pay for my car and insurance and all other outgoings e.g. phone bills. I manage to spend my salary comfortably and still save a large part of it each month.

Each month our office holds a monthly drinks after work where everyone can socialise outside of the office. BDO give you 10 days a year to complete community activities e.g charity work. BPP also offer you the chance to get involved in some of their societies as well.

Yes

It is a great alternative to university and you get qualified a year earlier than you would if you had gone to uni. Everyone is really easy to get on with and the work is enjoyable.

During the application process make sure you relax and be yourself. Keep a track of time throughout the exercises you do because they go really quickly and don't panic about the partner interviews - find something you have in common and talk about that!