lying Start Degree programme - FS3 Birmingham Review

Joining in busy season, my day-to-day auditing activities were testing separate financial statement line items, reviewing financial statements which would be published online and on Companies House, liaising with the client on a daily basis to provide evidence for testing, coaching those more junior than me and attending meetings with my team and the client.

I have learned many new skills such as Aura Online and the application, WebEx meetings, Google applications, Excel shortcuts, Word shortcuts etc. In addition, I am more comfortable speaking to those more senior than I am, not just within my team but also clients who had quite senior roles. I can now also skim reading quicker and handle stressful situations.

I believe my programme gives me invaluable experience by doing a placement in industry. It challenges me daily and ensures what I learn in the classroom can be applied to real life scenarios. You mature much faster and have experiences that not many 18 year old do which put you at an advantage.

The programme is structured perfectly in the sense that you are a qualified chartered accountant in 4 years which saves a lot of time. The programme is by no means easy as there is a lack of time due to the placement you must do, however the qualification is 100% worth it.

Support is provided by my employer but to be honest, I haven't required much. This is probably because we join in busy season and I think this will change when I join full-time and there is not much my employer can do when it is busy season. However, for things like Visas etc I have received a lot of support.

The university is incredible at providing support and always have time to answer questions and help you achieve an outcome. They keep in regular contact over placement and in case I need any help/guidance. During our exam period they also go the extra mile and are always available after hours.

The knowledge and practicals that I am taught are the basis for everything that happens in my role and it is a legal requirement to learn the things we do. For example, all of the standards we learn and technical double entries affect the testing we perform on a daily basis.

There are many things to get involved with. For example, getting involved with charity events, having drinks on a Friday, meeting new joiners, attending meetings that are set by more senior personnel in the firm etc. For example, we all decided to do the Edinburgh half marathon as a cohort. Every week there is something going on!

Yes

I think this firm does care about it's employees and there are so many opportunities to be involved with as it is the biggest accountancy firm. In addition, the majority of people who work there are young and your voice will always be heard. It's a modern firm in the sense that is challenges old practices and is on the forefront of innovation.

I think my greatest tip would to be yourself. This firm is great because of all the different types of people who join with different personalities and make a difference. Be clued up with what's happening in the world, read the news, smile, be friendly and positive, and include others as we are one large family.