Audit Associate Review

My job title is audit associate. This involves carrying out testing on the financial statements of companies, as well as some involvement in the preparation of accounts. This typically means working in teams of 2-5 people on a variety of different size clients. I've had the pleasure of working on both new R&D companies as well as PLCs. Since joining in 2013 I've found that I've been able to take on more responsibility in line with my AAT studies. This means that I've now started to look at the higher risk areas of the financial statements (such as revenue) as well as getting the chance to in-charge on smaller clients.

Grant Thornton have their own internal training facility located in Buckinghamshire. A couple of times a year we get the opportunity to attend training courses to develop new skills and network with colleagues from offices across the country. Working within teams of different people, and interacting with a wide range of clients means that communication and team-working is essential, and I've found that my confidence has really increased over the past 18 months as a result. Completing the AAT alongside on-the-job training has also meant that my general knowledge of accountancy, audit and the inner workings of companies has vastly improved. I think that these are easily transferrable skills that it is great to develop.

The programme certainly has been challenging but generally enjoyable. There are certain periods when the trying to balance the job and training with social life, with the workload occasionally seeming overwhelming. However, there is a strong support network within the company, as everyone would have gone through the same process! I've greatly enjoyed the opportunity to meet and work with new people. There have been an increased number of social events organised over the past year. Not only does this give you the chance to unwind but also to network with people from other departments in the firm.

Appraisals are carried out twice a year. This gives you the chance to catch up with management to express and concerns and also allows them to provide you with feedback. There are also plenty of opportunities to arrange meetings before then if you have anything that requires more urgent discussion. There is also an internal recognition process in place. Reward points are awarded for going 'above and beyond' your expected workload, which can be exchanged for vouchers or other goods. While I feel that this is a good initiative I do think it is often overlooked! Once a year, a satisfaction survey is carried out by National to determine potential areas for improvement.

The course does seem to be well structured, with one day a week usually committed to attending college. I think that running the training and work programs side by side works well, as it allows you to develop knowledge without disrupting client work too much. There is a strong support network, such as mentor schemes or the opportunities to be coached. There are times when managers will really challenge you, but they have your best interests at heart, and they always have the intention in developing your personal skills.

Our AAT studies are carried out at Kaplan Financial. The tutors are always on hand to answer any questions and are all very knowledgeable. I do enjoy getting the chance to go to college each week as I enjoyed my studies at school and think that everything interlinks well with the job. The fact it's a shorter day may also help!

Everyone is allocated a line manager when they join, who is always the first port of call for any queries or concerns. I think that management always have your best interests at heart, and although it can often be a struggle to find a common time to organise a meeting, are always happy to talk to you. There is a buddy system in place for new joiners, where they will be put in touch with someone in the office to talk them through the joining process and answer any questions. While I think this is a good idea, it is something that needs to be more strongly pushed. I have also been lucky enough to have a senior member of staff mentor me. This is someone that I can discuss potential career plans or development with. I think that this is a great initiative, as it shows just how committed the firm is to personal development.

The salary is a competitive, and as a school leaver it cannot be argued that the salary is unreasonable, especially if you continue to live at home. My one concern is whether the salary truly matches personal and professional development. As it often feels that you are not being adequately rewarded for the work that you are carrying out. There is a strong expenses policy in place, with the company refunding any travel costs and professional fees etc.

There are lots of sports and social events organised within each office. In the past year these have included a river cruise, Winter party at a Cambridge college and quiz/curry nights. As we are located in Cambridge there are also lots of other opportunities to network, with talks often organised by college and other professional services firms within the area. Most offices will tend to sponsor a charity for a year too, with one day a year committed to a project for this charity.

Yes

It's a great foundation to build a career on. I think I have been challenged a lot in my first 18 months but have generally found these enjoyable and reasonable. Your personal development is something that is really focussed on, with everyone encouraged to take any potential development opportunities with both hands. From experiencing the interview process at a number of professional services firms, I found Grant Thornton's to be the most personable, feeling more valued here than I did elsewhere.

Research the firm thoroughly before coming to interviews! There is a great website run by associates called Spilling the Beans. This gives more of an insight into the company as a whole as well as opportunities available in different departments. I'd make sure that you look at this before deciding whether or not this career path is right for you.