trainee Review

My role involves working in audit teams to help complete audit engagements. As a low level experienced employee my role entails a lot of time being coached on how to perform certain tests, document results and use new and specific technology. In my role I focused largely on the testing and documenting phase rather than planning or completion which os done so by people more senior. As this was a second placement I worked independently on the most part using excel to document testing completed on FSLIs such as revenue, payroll and other expenses.

My first placement was the primary placement for learning new skills and this placement was more focused on applying what I'd learnt previously on placement and from university. I was still able to learn new parts of the file most prominently revenue, often too complicated for less experienced employees I was able to learn a lot about testing this area of the audit. Developing existing skills is absolutely necessary as you need to be able to maintain prior knowledge to work effectively.

Remote working made some jobs more challenging but on the most part communication was maintained which made life straightforward and enabled me to enjoy placement. It was also enjoyable to be able to work more independently which helped my confidence over the work I completed.

I have awarded a 10 because I believe the the flying start degree programme is the best way to become chartered as it provides a perfect balance between practical learning and technical classroom learning helped by the spread of placements. However, the expectation to revise whilst working full time is often unpractical and would be helped by allowing additional time post placement to give a full performance in exams.

Mixed support is received as there is a very strong peer pastoral network of colleagues that are available for both career development and having friendly ear to talk to. On jobs often we can be left to work too independently though expected to figure things out ourselves. That said the majority of my experience has been hugely positive and often my seniors have been able to offer the technical support i required when i was in need of help.

Have no real opinion of this. Support networks are in place to help when needed but i have not yet felt a necessity to use them.

The qualification is tailor made for the role I have performed with the knowledge learnt directly applicable to the job.

Many social activities are available but due to the remote working forced upon us this placement it has limited opportunities but satisfactory efforts have still been made for virtual events to take place.

Yes

Positive environment to work in and a stable career which is suitable for most hard working people willing to learn.

Apply with an open mind that whether you enjoy the experience or not- you'll meet lots of great people and learn lots of valuable skills so it will still be worth it even if you decide not to stay long.