Audit associate Review

I am employed as an audit associate. A normal week in my role is spent out at client offices with a team of my peers. Each individual is assigned a section of work to complete and a timeline to complete it in. The work varies from client to client depending on the nature of the business. Ultimately the role is about gaining an understanding of the clients business through discussion with senior staff members and gaining assurance over figures in the financial statements by testing the figures to supporting documentation or analytical conclusions.

I attend classes regularly at the institute of chartered accountants Scotland where I sit yearly exams to qualify for my CA. There are also internal courses held on regular basis on a variety of subjects to aide in my professional development. I have learnt a huge amount about my clients in a wide range of industries since starting my role.

The programme can be very enjoyable, however there are several negatives. The work itself is mostly enjoyable, I enjoy the problem solving elements in determine the most effective testing strategies, however some of the more basic elements can be quite repetitive The colleagues are a big positive, there is a good, friendly team atmosphere in constantly changing teams. The workload at times can be stressful to meet deadlines and work overtime, as well as studying for professional exams.

I feel valued by Grant Thornton most of the time, sometimes after working hard for several weeks with working evenings and weekends you can be rewarded with a very appreciative manager and a team lunch or dinner to celebrate. Other times it can just be expected of you as part of the job, with little to no recognition or reward.

The programme is pretty well structured, the professional qualification through ICAS is well structured, with the exams spread out over the 5 year programme. The progression through GT is also well structured, the programme is split through 3 different levels with set years/ milestones for a promotion to each level. There is plenty of support for the exams through GT and each person is assigned a people manager who is available for support throughout the programme.

There is plenty of support available through the training provider ICAS. Each lecturer gives out his or her email whilst attending class and make themselves available for any questions throughout the course. Each level has a designated administrator who you can contact for additional support. There is an online platform with learning materials and a portal to ask questions of any lecturers other trainees.

Grant Thornton provide time off to study for exams when required, with more time made available if you need to use your holidays. There is an effort to reduce workload around exam time. There is support available through both team members and your people manager if you are struggling to manage your workload.

The salary package starts low, as expected of a school leaver programme, with designated pay rises each year. After the 2nd year the salary is in line with new graduates. Travel costs for travel to client sites is covered as part of the expenses policy. While on jobs that require staying on location, there is a sufficient daily food allowance.

There are several social events throughout the year organised by GT, e.g. the AGM and Christmas party. In addition to this there is a social committee that organises smaller scale events and a set event every month for last Friday of the month drinks.

Yes

Grant Thornton is a great place to perform your training contract to become a CA. There are plenty of opportunities for learning and professional development in all areas of the business. The people you work with are great and there is a good team atmosphere.

During the application process you will be in contact with several members of GT staff at various levels, make the most of this opportunity to ask any questions in a more casual setting to understand the job role and what it will actually involve. There are several stages to the interview, starting with online tests, then a digital interview, followed by a phone interview and finally an assessment centre.