Associate Review

Associate, I work mainly on the RBS audit in Edinburgh. I am involved in the GFS team which basically looks at the systems used within the bank.

I have quickly learnt to multitask which is an absolute must, also how to communicate with members of the team and with the client. I have also developed a further understanding of how the systems work in banks. I am currently sitting my ICAS exams to become a qualified chartered accountant of which I have passed 2/2 so far.

The teamwork aspect is very good, you get to meet a lot of new and different people. It is hard work but worthwhile when you complete a long and complex task.

Within my banking team, I feel quite valued. I am often asked to help out with different tasks in order to develop my knowledge further. We often receive correspondence from the leadership team which I feel keeps everyone 'in the loop' which is important.

On paper the structure of the programme seems to be sound. In reality I often have to chase up people to ask when my next exams are and they sometimes don't know. Also I feel that I am very much pooled with the graduates who have completed more exams and have more of a solid knowledge of audit which I don't think is particularly helpful. This is particularly evident in training where the assumed knowledge is unfairly prejudicial against school leavers.

The ICAS team are always on hand to help and can be reached by telephone or email. I contacted one of my tutors before my financial accounting exam and she was extremely helpful.

I have a counsellor and a 'buddy', both of which have helped me greatly in settling in. The managers are very receptive also and keen to help if you have an issue.

personally I think the starting salary is quite poor. For a person that has just left school and perhaps still live at home, its probably adequate. You can claim expenses for trips away and the meal allowances are quite generous.

There are drinks and many social clubs that you can get involved in as well as charity work. The opportunities are there if you wish to get involved.

Yes

Big 4, meet quite a lot of nice people and you can complete your qualification which widens your opportunities in the working world.

Be yourself in the application process and also sell yourself. Don't be shy in telling them why they should hire you. At work, work hard but also enjoy your free time. Don't feel like you should work 24/7 just because you are new.