Audit Associate Review

As an audit trainee, my job involves working on the audit fieldwork, obtaining audit evidence to support balances. This requires good communication and analytical skills to understand the numbers I am working with. I have moved on to be able to in-charge jobs and attend board meetings to discuss audit findings.

I have developed many new skills such as communication and IT skills. There are regular training events held quarterly and you will be sent to Bradenham Manor for extra training on accounting standards. I work towards the AAT qualification at the moment and will progress to ACA.

I very much enjoy the programme, it gives opportunity to expand your knowledge and you are pushed whilst being given adequate support throughout. The team I work with are young and very friendly andthis creates a good atmosphere to work in.

Grant Thornton continue to push me and provide me with positive feedback on a regular basis. There are easy ways to get in contact with managers and they make you feel valued as your opinions are always listened too. We have a reward scheme where you can win vouchers for going above and beyond.

The programme is well structured, following the AAT for 2 years and then ACA for 3 years with regular training throughout. You will attend college in blocks for ACA and take exams perodically. You are slowly pushed as you move through the programme, taking on ever more responsibility.

Kaplan provide a good amount of support. The online MyKaplan has all the notes required and the tutors are available for contact when required. They will set questions at your ability level to push you.

I have regular meetings with my manager to discuss my progress where I can raise any issues and these will then be actioned. There is support on our intranet where you can get information about the job and advice on what to do. Feedback is always encouraged from all levels.

Salary is very good, however with the amount you are pushed it could be increased as you do a lot of work for not a lot of money. However, they are paying for a qualification so it is to be expected. Travel costs are reimbursed when out of your way and the location of the office is easy to get to.

There are many chances to attend GT social events and SCASS events. These include balls, race days and go karting. Regular events are put on to bring the team together. You have the opportunity to volunteer for 1 day per year which is fully paid. There is an annual football tournament.

Yes

Grant Thornton provides a great opportunity to get into the accountancy profession without working you too hard that you feel undervalued. They strike a good balance with management that really care about you as a person and do not see you as another employee.

Be yourself - most of the interview is seeing how you will fit into Grant Thornton. There is mostly team work and as such they want to see if you will settle in well. Be prepared to understand Grant Thornton and it's vision, it'll help you.