Internal Auditor Review

As internal auditor, my role is to provide independent assurance to Lloyds Banking Group over the highest risks across the organisation. This is done through completing audits on every part of the business, ensuring that processes and controls are completed efficiently. On a daily basis, I communicate with my team members around my testing of controls in an audit and/or any progress made with the audit in order to complete the audit delivery on time. My daily interactions also includes stakeholders, who provide me with the necessary information to conduct my audit. My responsibility involves providing independent assurance to the board by completing my audit work and assessing the business area accordingly.

I have developed my soft skills, including my communication skills. In particular, the skill to engage with team members and stakeholders and how to communicate information effectively and correctly. This skill is fundamental in audit as if you are able to communicate successfully internally and externally, then your audit delivery will be smooth. Another skill that has been developed is time management. This skill has been developed because I have much more work to do, which means I have more capacity to take on more work and hence I am able to prioritise tasks accordingly.

I am enjoying my programme thoroughly because I am getting the support needed by my colleagues; I am comfortable to ask questions and approach my colleagues confidently. This environment allows me to grow and learn from my mistakes, and I can express myself in an environment which can be daunting in other financial institutions. Colleagues take into consideration my lack of experience and knowledge, so are prepared to explain things more slowly in order for me to understand. However, this isn't consistent and some colleagues do not explain to me in a way where I can do the task.

My programme is well-structure but with some limitations. The positives are that our learning sessions in both Lloyds Banking Group and Kaplan are meaningful, insightful and helpful. The sessions allow me learn new things, and help me consider how to apply what I learn into my working life. I am supported in my audit work, and the programme is structured in a way which allows me to feel comfortable to make mistakes and learn through them by my interactions with senior management. However, there are some limitations. For example, I feel that my training provider and my qualification's professional body (IIA) are not working together much because there is a lack of communication from both parties. An example of this is the fact I have an exam in a few months time, yet I have not been provided with any resources or exam material, nor have I been told how to get the material.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. I feel comfortable to ask questions (even if they may sound silly) and approach anyone in my workplace. The fact senior management sit amongst everyone else is very encouraging to see as it removes hierarchal barriers. My colleagues are also very supportive during my audit work, providing me with live-feedback and explaining the next steps in a way which makes sense to me. My employer also supports me by challenging me to develop as an employee and person in order to make a positive impact to the workplace in the long-term.

I would say I receive good support from my training provider when working towards my qualifications. This is because the sessions that my training provider offer are very insightful and informative in relation to my development. For example, workshops around time management and personal branding are incredibly vital for my development. In addition to this, I have a talent coach who oversees my progress in the workplace along with my line manager. I receive targets, meaningful feedback and tasks to do. In my opinion, the support I receive from my training provider as a whole is more useful and associated with my long-term employability skills and my personal development as oppose to my qualifications.

I feel that my qualification (through my training provider) helps me perform better in my role. This is because I have learnt many new aspects of audit which I had not known, for example how to engage with stakeholders, the correlation between an organisation's governance and risk management. Consequently, I am able to build a more audit mind-set, and start to think about what to look for when auditing. For example, in my audits I look at governance heavily, and the qualification has enabled me to learn more about governance, and I am more confident to audit governance.

There are plenty of extra-curricular activities to get involved. In the space of six months, I have been able to participate in many activities which are not linked with my audit work. I have visited colleges for apprenticeship talks and mentoring, attended various apprenticeships fairs and events, involved in events with my employer's charitable organisation and their events (such as walking challenges), sustainability events and a weekly football event. This rich, vast array of activities is incredibly helpful to switch-off work-mode and make a positive impact within society.

Yes

I would recommend Lloyds Banking Group to a friend because they are a 'people' company with a rich culture of diversity and inclusion. The reason I say this is because they care about the people, and understand that if employees are happy then they are able to become a productive workforce. In my short space of time, I have had many conversations with both senior management and immediate colleagues who constantly ensure I am well, both mentally and physically, whilst ensuring I am stretched to reach my full potential. This makes me feel valued, which is important. The company is also very diverse culturally, which is important because everyone is different in their own way and allows for a healthy environment.

My advice for others applying to Lloyds Banking Group would be research the company and understand how you can fit in and make a positive impact. Working for a company such as Lloyds requires you be fully committed, but as long as people are themselves and approachable, then this company is for you.