Trainnee Associate - Auditor Review

I am a trainee associate in FS - Asset Management. I work mainly on regulated funds, where I perform basic audit tasks. There is heavy use of excel where my responsibilities are to ensure balances are stated correctly. This is done through various testing methods. I work closely with a senior to ensure my work is done well and have fair amount of client interaction via email.

My excel skills have improved greatly due to the constant use of the program. There have been various training days that have improved my knowledge of the industry and of the software my company uses. Being in a corporate environment I have improved my communication skills and work ethic. I take professional qualifications also which have given me broad and basic knowledge of my role as an accountant.

I very much enjoy working in a corporate environment as I have a strong work ethic. I'm fortunate to work within an industry I am interested in. I on a whole get on well with my teams. There are however individuals which I feel aren't helpful or welcoming, this is to be expected though as it is unlikely to get on with all. The company culture is a healthy balance between hard work and socializing. I do however feel that there are patronizing elements where the company attempts to include all people. This often feels forced due to compulsory departmental meetings.

Within a small team I feel that work done is appreciated and this is supported through feedback received. There are also team events such as lunches where teams are able to bond. On a larger scale it is difficult to feel valued as it is such a large organisation and so individuals are often overlooked.

The programme was structured fairly well. There was a clear induction period with training that helped us gain confidence in the workplace. There are specific support systems in place to ensure all runs smoothly and employee's well being is considered. I however feel there are issues with the different expectations. Different seniors expect different amounts of knowledge and ability, which shows no consistency. Furthermore I feel that the studying schedule for exams does not take into consideration the fact that school leavers have had limited higher education and so are not used to the conditions.

I feel that all the resources expected are provided and with easy access. For more support there are different outlets available, but these do not seem to be well known nor do tutors seem to actively encourage further tutor - student contact time.

There are various support teams available, with some better than others. Support is often best from those who you work closely with. Support from the firm as a whole seems limited in the sense that if someone has issues than they are less concerned with employee's well being than overall work performance.

The salary is fair for the job level, and London prices have been taken into consideration. However there is difficult to save a reasonable amount of money for future purposes such as deposits on homes. This however is a national issue seen in all jobs and not just within the firm.

There are various opportunities available. However I feel that only a few are advertised well and so it is easy to overlook other opportunities.

Yes

Ultimately it is a respected company with fair pay and experience. On a larger scale it is easy to feel undervalued but this is not unique to this firm.

Ensure you behave professionally but are honest in your strengths and weakness so that once joining you are in fact suited to what you have applied for.