Audit Trainee Review

I work in audit, this means that I go to clients to review whether the information they provide within their financial statements is materially correct. This involves testing numbers within the accounts and performing recalculations to see if we agree within a reasonable variance with the amounts they show to their shareholders.

I have definitely improved my communication skills and confidence. Before I was very shy and reluctant to talk to new people, in this job you are forced to deal with new people virtually every day. I have therefore become more used to interacting with people of all different levels and job roles.

It is a lot of work...During the busy seasons I have been working 13-14 hour days which becomes very tiring. The majority of the time I do enjoy the job purely due to the people I work with, as the department is very nice and encouraging and always willing to provide support. The apprenticeship programme itself, is a complete waste of time and involves a lot of unnecessary work and stress.

It is not structured at all. I do not feel like the people in charge really fully understand what they are doing or what they are required to do. They do not reply to questions quickly or helpfully and are not clear on information. This has meant the programme at some points has been very confusing

I receive a lot of support from my line manager on my desk as they understand that I have to balance both work and the apprenticeship work i'm required to do. However, those in charge of the apprenticeship side do not really understand that I have a lot of pressure from work and expect things to be done even when I am working long hours.

I have never asked my training provider any questions regarding my qualifications, however I do note the tutors mobile number at the beginning of each college course as they say they would answer any questions we had. I do think this is a very good idea, I just wouldn't be able to comment on the actual success of it.

I do not believe it has really helped me at all. The exam side and completing the CFAB qualification has helped me pick up skills I would need at work. However, all the other skills days I have to attend to get my apprenticeship qualification have taught me nothing and I feel like are not helpful to me at all.

I think there is but people are too busy to do them, having to work till like 7 or 8pm for a large part of the year leaves little time in the evenings to get involved with things such as that. I would imagine if you worked in different departments you could.

No

I would recommend it as a job, yes. But as an apprenticeship programme, no. There is just too much stuff you have to do which is quite frankly a waste of time and unnecessary stress. The tutition provider is very good for exams but the skills days are boring and don't teach you anything new.

Now we've merged with BDO, I don't there is so many issues in relation to apprenticeships as I think their programme is different which is good therefore I would say to 100% apply as the people are nice and it is a nice place to work in general.