Audit Apprentice Review

My role involves the preparation of statutory accounts in line with the accounting frameworks such as FRS 102 and the Charities SORP. Accounts are prepared using Caseware based on information sent through by the client. My role also involves statutory Audit for a number of different clients in different sectors such as Engineering, Oil & Gas and Farming.

I am working towards the ACA (an internationally recognised award) and study while I work. I have had the chance to attend webinars and online learning activities to help develop skills in Excel, Caseware and accounting software such as Sage and QuickBooks. Smith & Williamson have also given me the opportunity to attend dedicated internal training days that deliver focused training which is relevant to my day to day role. Training sessions have included business writing, audit courses and presentation skills.

I really enjoy this programme as it is incredibly varied and is never boring. I work with a really enthusiastic group of people who are incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to help. Smith & Williamson has an excellent culture which is focused around employees and concentrates on the continuing support and development of everyone in the firm. Smith & Williamson offered a job that would provide real responsibility when I first applied and I has certainly kept its promise, I've worked on a variety of engagements that require a high level of responsibility and accountability to meet deadlines and produce compliant work.

I feel valued at Smith & Williamson as managers are always appreciative of the work that I do. The appraisal system means that we are encouraged to review every job and feedback is given by a manager via a form called a JAF (Job Assessment Form). Quarterly appraisals with a line manager also ensure that I get feedback and suggestions for improvement on all the jobs I complete. I also feel valued as I am given good work that is not too easy for my level and is challenging enough to keep me busy. Across all offices there is an awards presentation every quarter to recognise employee of the month which provides an excellent incentive and added motivation to do well.

The 5 year school leaver programme is very well structured. The first 2 years are spent completing the CFAB qualification through a work portfolio and the certificate level of the ACA. The final 3 years is when the ACA qualification is completed and the ICAEW training file is reviewed and the option to obtain the Audit Qualification is also made available. There is a lot of internal training along the way. The induction completed in the first few weeks of starting, introduces the S&W culture and values and allows you to network with other trainees in the intake. There is continued training along the way: Audit courses from 1-4 are run to improve technical knowledge and practice skills. There are also other specialised courses running to develop skills such as business writing and public speaking. The school leaver programme allows study leave for each exam and managers are very understanding and will try to accommodate holiday requests when used for extra studying. Smith & Williamson have a very friendly, relaxed atmosphere and so it is very easy to seek advice from peers.

Our training provided at Smith & Williamson is Kaplan. We attend college for most of the ACA exams and are provided with textbooks and an online platform for mock tests and further study practice. The support offered by Kaplan is excellent, the tutors are really knowledgeable about the topics and are always available to contact out of hours. Kaplan don't always communicate study timetables in advance and so it is often worth chasing them about this but they are normally quick to respond and helpful when they do.

I receive a lot of support from S&W. Managers are always willing to talk through issues and offer suggestions. S&W have a good attitude to support all of their staff members as they dedicate a lot of time to training and development. There are certain people in each office that are known as "champions" for computer software. These people are the go-to people for any issues with software such as Caseware and can almost always solve the problem. When I first started, I was nervous about exams but after speaking to our HR department they put me in touch with some other students that had progressed up the ranks that had also found the first exams initially daunting. It is this collaboration between departments that makes S&W a really enjoyable place to work.

My salary is around average for a trainee of my level. My salary is reviewed on a yearly basis and pay-rises are often given. My salary is well able to cover my outgoing costs such as going out and travel (although I do live at home so I wouldn't be able to reflect a true opinion without taking into account renting). I think that for some of the locations such as Guildford and Salisbury, the salary should be increased to reflect the rising costs of living in those areas as they are almost as expensive as London. S&W provide bonuses for first time exam passes which is an additional benefit.

There are lots of social opportunities outside of work to attend. Each office has an allocated budget to spend on quarterly social events for the team. Past activities have included Golf days, Go-Karting, Bowling and pizza making. S&W also have trips abroad such as the annual football tournament (held in Amsterdam for the past 2 years) and the Ski trip. S&W also sponsor junior professional events in the local area which encourage young professionals to meet outside work. Most offices are also very social after work too and frequently go out for meals and drinks on Fridays.

Yes

Smith & Williamson is a great place to work and train because it is a supportive environment where you can qualify as a Chartered Accountant and get loads of real, hands on experience along the way. S&W is a fun place to work, the team are very social and there is always lots going on. Managers are really knowledgeable and incredibly supportive and it is great to work as part of such a caring and driven team dynamic. S&W is also really rewarding to work for. They provide lots of recognition of good work through awards ceremonies and feedback forms and also provide great incentives such as the exam bonus.

The interview process is rigorous so make sure you prepare well. Do your research to find out what business line you want to go into (ABS, Tax or investments). Be yourself on the interview days as they are looking for personalities. Prepare well for the interviews, they often ask you to prepare something so make sure you do. During the assessment days use the opportunity to show how enthusiastic you are and make sure to talk to other people as S&W is full of friendly people!