Associate Review

Varies a lot day-to-day. I work in audit within BCM so generally testing the controls and accounts of a bank in various different ways, in order to ensure that there are no material misstatements within the financial statements. There are a lot of technical, challenging parts to the job but also plenty of tedious tasks that have to be completed.

It has massively improved my confidence in speaking to new people, and the way in which I conduct myself in a professional manor, which will be useful for any future jobs. The main thing is that it has helped me to maintain a sense of discipline as it is a normal full-time job so I have had to get into a good routine.

It's can be very stressful and for a quarter of the year (if not more) we are working ridiculous hours. However, it can be interesting, the people are mostly very nice and I think it's a good company to work for. It's enjoyable enough to do for now.

Very well organised with plenty of support when it comes to exams. There is a real focus on exams coming first and it's nice to have the college time and exams spread across the years so you're only focused on one at a time and you get a break in between them.

A lot of support, mostly through the counsellor system where everyone is assigned a counsellor who you can go to for any support and queries about work, trying out different clients and exams/college. There are also numerous other people, including your assigned buddy and peer group lead who you can go to for support.

A reasonable amount of support. The college is fast paced but the teachers are excellent and they are always happy to provide help outside of normal class hours. There are also a lot of online resources to help and plenty of practise questions available so you'll never run out.

I think it helps to a moderate extent. Most of what you need to know you pick up on the job and depending on the team/client you work on that can be easily done or not. However, the training is very useful in giving a basis to the accounting knowledge which is definitely a crucial part of the job.

There do seem to be a very large number of networks, socials and organisations which hold a variety of events for anyone to join, however, with exams and working full time (often longer hours), I struggle to see how many apprentices can find the time to take part. But there are certainly available.

Yes

Very difficult decision but I would recommend it to someone who knows completely what they are getting themselves into. It's a stressful job; often long hours and is nothing like university. The pay for the first year is okay, especially considering the work experience and qualifications on top. However, the good thing is, you can join the scheme, try it out and if you don't like it you can leave, with more money, possibly a couple of exams under your belt, work experience at a well respected firm and probably some good new friends.

Try not to take it too seriously during your first year. It can be stressful but just remember that the work you'll be doing is usually not the most important areas of the audit; you are absolutely expected to make mistakes and not know anything; and any mistakes you do make are at worst, going to mildly inconvenience someone who'll forget about it the next day. Also, if you aren't enjoying it, stick it out for at least 6 months because how much you like it massively depends on your team, the work you're assigned and the client which are all things that will change fairly regularly. And also, during busy season, make sure to do some exercise otherwise you'll turn into a potato.