Associate - Audit Review

I am an associate within the London audit department. My day to day job involves going to client site and conducting external audits, as well as attending college to study towards my AAT qualification.

My interpersonal skills have been built on since my time here - as my work mainly involved client interaction. I attend internal training courses and complete online training modules as well. Alongside my AAT qualification I am completing a Diploma in Business Skills.

To enjoy the people I get to work with and meet in my job role, as well as the general company culture at Grant Thornton.

I feel appreciated by most of the people I work with - there is slight inconsistency in recognition methods and appreciation levels.

My programme is structured, which although provides clear direction, is not flexible to timings or exam preferences.

Kaplan provides my AAT training and I feel supported by them with tutor contact details available to aid me with study.

Other employees are always happy to help, particularly my own peers or previous apprentices. There is still a lack of awareness within management of the exact details of the programme and so it can be difficult to discuss with them.

Living at home - my travel costs are large and in my first year, the job role didn't require as much of me. But in my second year, given the overtime I was working as I gained responsibility, the commute became time consuming, however on my current salary package I cannot move to London.

GT holds many external activities and events which employees are keen to attend, as well as opportunities outside standard job roles - and cross department collaborations.

No

The culture is good however I would recommend Grant Thornton for the Graduate scheme, as the Apprenticeship scheme tends to expect too much from its participants without the same rewards.

Research the culture and opportunities available before hand - so you can demonstrate how keen you are and how well you fit into the culture.