Assistant Associate Review

Assistant Associate Auditor. On a day to day basis I perform a number of tasks as part of an audit team, such as general testing of a client's financial statements. I communicate with my audit team in order to gain an understanding of how to perform certain testing and when I need advice. In addition, I also enquire into clients to better understand the internal accounting controls that are in place and in case of any details that need to be better explained to me so that I can document it. My responsibilities consist of helping the audit team to complete the audit file within a certain deadline and completing a monthly performance review.

I'm currently studying for my ACA qualification and internally I've completed a number of courses which have helped me to understand audit procedures and how to operate the engagement management system. As I have used a computer every day since starting the job, my IT skills have improved tenfold. Other developed skills include communicating with people in order to gain information that I need, working better and communicating with a team and general organisational skills.

The enjoyment of the work itself is very dependent on the company I'm working for, if their day to day operations are intriguing I often enjoy the work more, I'll also prefer the work if the client is more polite and helpful. The audit teams are always motivating and helpful and are one of the best parts of the job. The company culture is professional when it needs to be but is also very friendly during social time. I didn't expect auditing to be as social as it is so I'm surprised in that respect.

All managers on all jobs I've worked on have always shown support when I don't understand something and are always polite to me. There are a number of internal recognition schemes which I am yet to use but appear to work effectively. Externally there is little opportunity for recognition but this doesn't affect me.

The induction week was particularly helpful at easing me into the role as an auditor and I learnt all of the necessities. However, one particular training program was very unorganised and not incredibly helpful. I've been given an appraiser, a buddy and a mentor so there's plenty of support if I need it. The studying is well resourced when it comes to exam time, however I have to go to college in London which can be a bit tedious. Other than this, the overall programme appears to be organised well so far.

Prior to and during college time there are plenty of resources to make use of for support, including your tutor, revision sessions and a number of overviews and other learning materials. However, the materials can sometimes be a bit overbearing, and the reflective statements aren't particularly helpful. Although, the support is there if you need it.

As mentioned above, I have been assigned a number of seniors (Mentor, buddy, appraiser) that I can turn to if I ever have a problem of any kind. All managers on all audits seem understanding enough to provide guidance when support is needed, and this can be said with all members of all teams I've worked with so far.

My salary is generous enough for me to afford to live at home and drive around to clients and for leisure, it also allows me to afford many luxuries. However, it's not quite high enough to warrant renting anywhere in the town where I work. Other than that, travel costs are always covered and can be claimed back through expenses. The optional bonus is also a nice touch when wanting to purchase extra holiday or another deal.

There are always emails being sent round about numerous clubs and societies that the firm offer, although none particularly appeal to me (Sports clubs, theatre clubs etc.). There are also multiple social events every month such as audit meals, seasonal events and drinks at the local bar/pub. There are also many local community clubs.

Yes

The salary and benefits are great for anyone of my age or even above (18+), you are given many opportunities to show your work ethic and how effectively you can work in a team. The social environment is particularly friendly and perhaps the best part of the job, I'm yet to meet someone that I don't get along with. There are also numerous opportunities to get involved in societies. The support is good in every aspect of the job and you never feel like you're left behind or patronised. You're really treated as an individual here and coming from college it's great to feel a shift in the amount of responsibility I'm given, I really feel like an adult now.

The application process can be quite daunting and intense but with the time, research and the resources the interview process is fine, it's also a great way to learn about interviews in general and the work environment. The interviews can also seem nerve-racking at first but if you prepare enough you might actually find them enjoyable as the interviewer may ask things that genuinely test you or intrigue you. The first few weeks are great when it comes to making connections with people that you'll be working with and also meeting other people your age, however the actual process of signing up can be a bit long-winded. I would like to have been told about the numerous opportunities the job can create and more of what exactly I'd be doing on a day to day basis, I feel like these details can often be glazed over.