Audit Trainee Review

I am an audit trainee. Daily tasks will depend on the job that I am booked to, however, they involve working out at client sites for 1 - 2 weeks at a time, within a team of 2 - 4 other people depending on the size of the client. Responsibilities increase over time spent at BDO & depending on experience. there is no set day to day routine, as all clients are different & thus no day is the same! It varies depending on what job I am booked to. Generally my jobs last 1 – 2 weeks and I am based at the client’s office with other members of the audit team. There nearly always a spreadsheet involved!

Yes - In the process of getting my CFAB qualification, with the view to sign an additional 3 year contract and get the ACA. Internally there are numerous opportunities to attend training courses, e.g. excel training and written communication skills - two courses that I will be taking.

I enjoy what I do. Whilst team members vary, more often than not the teams I work in are good & there is a good team ethos. I am fortunate to get on well with the managers I work with, this really affects whether I enjoy the job I work on. I didn't really come in with any expectations, but, if I did, I am sure they would have been met.

I feel valued by my manager, she is great and the support I get is second to none. More often than not my work within a team is recognised.

It varies. The work is organised and structured. The exams are organised and structured. The BPP apprenticeship modules are not very well organised at all, e.g. they all changed half way through the programme. They do not add anything to my experience, in fact, if they were optional I would not do them.

From BPP, I don't really interact much with them so can't really comment.

A lot from my manager & often with my team members. My manager is willing to listen, provide advise and support wherever she can, if she is unsure she is more than happy to look into something and get back to me.

Very well - I am able to live and save every month.

They are there if I you want to take them - e.g. SCASS events every month or so. We get 6 CSI days a year if we want to do voluntary/charity work. When I'm not working I will study if I have exams coming up & switch off, shop, exercise, etc...!

Yes

There is a good working atmosphere. There is a good number of trainees that are a similar age - they are social and often organise events/evenings out. There’s a mix of people, which is great. There’s a good range of ages & a lot of people have been through the same/similar training process, so they are both understanding and supportive of what you are going through & always there to help. There are generally quite a few social events, with Friday pub lunches most weeks!

Talk to People - first hand experience is fantastic, but when you don't have that, talking to others who have done what you are considering can be just as helpful. Research your options - look into any uni courses you are interested in as well as any school leaver type programmes you are interested in - find out what you would be doing & think about whether you like the sound of it & feel you would be suited to it and the time you would need to invest in it. Think About/ Decide what you want to do - There are some careers that need specific degrees in order for someone to practice in a particular profession, e.g. Doctors, however, if you are considering a career in a profession that does not require this I would advise that you think about what the degree would do to help you, will it add value to your CV? Will it help you get a job? - i.e. Will you be at an advantage when compared to someone applying who does not have a degree? Is it worth the debt? - yes it is likely to be fun, but, you can have fun without going to uni! - on a school leaver programme you join with an intake of recruits. both graduates and school leavers, in addition to your peers, there are those who joined in previous intakes. Attend Insight Days & Uni Open Days - All universities hold various open days, it is worth going to one or two in order to get an idea of the campus, the course, etc... Whilst a lot of people apply and accept without going to see the Unis first, I would say it's safer to see what it's like for yourself before making a definite decision to accept an offer. Attend insight days held by the firms you are interested in, for example, BDO holds several insight days at the office in Southampton - it is a great opportunity to be able to visit the office, meet existing trainees - who you can ask any questions you may have, hear from people working in different departments and get advice on your application & the process should you choose to apply - Showing willingness to attend these events looks good from an employer's perspective.