Audit Associate Review

My role includes various, different tasks. Such tasks include the testing of financial statement accounts, for example, the expenses or cash accounts. As well as this I join internal meetings to discuss my progress on my designated tasks and external meetings to ask the client questions on the evidence they have provided or a query I may have.

I have developed many skills - for example confidence. I feel I am much more confident now, at first I found emailing and questioning clients nerve-racking. However, now, I have more confidence in my own ability and more confidence in articulating my points. I skill I have learnt is prioritizing and categorising - these have come into play when assessing which tasks I should focus on before starting, this builds a clear picture and wastes less time.

I really enjoy the programme I am on. I have met lots of new people and made many friends. The Company culture is second to none - it places a real emphasis on caring for employees with huge importance around mental and physical health. If anything this programme has exceeded my expectations so far.

My programme is very well structures - starting with an introduction from the head of my service line to meeting my buddy and counsellor (both reached out to me before my actual start date which was nice) made my first day great. I have lots of support when training / studying and the seniors / managers / partners are very understanding of the programme I am on and allow me to flexibly work around studying.

I receive lots of support form my employer. I have a catch-up with my buddy every week and counsellor every month. The HR team are great and always accommodate for my holidays / study days. I know if I was to have a problem / query there are many colleagues that I could approach to help me.

I receive lots of support from my training provider in regards to my qualifications. I have an apprenticeship coach and ICAEW representative assigned to me - meaning if I ever have a problem I can ask them. I feel that my training provider wants the best for me in terms of qualifications and will help me with any queries I have.

My qualification is extremely helpful in my day-to-day role as well as providing self-confidence. I have only done one exam so far however I feel what I am learning I am putting into practise. I feel I know more about my industry and why I am preforming certain roles and tasks.

Joining through Covid-19 has meant there are less social activities than normal. However, I have still had the chance to join activities such as Charity Bingo, Quizzes and a virtual Christmas party with different events and a live DJ. However, I am aware of sports teams and networking events that took place pre-Covid.

Yes

The Company culture is great - there's a real emphasis on the employees. The work is enjoyable and the teams you get to work on / people you get to meet are amazing - I work with people who have been / lived all over the world and have really interesting stories. Lastly, I would say because your voice is heard - I have many opportunities to tell managers / partners what I think could be improved.

The main tip I would give to those applying would be make sure you have a plan. Plan out how you want the interview to go and then after make sure you assess how it the interview went and try to improve for the next interview (I had multiple interviews).