Audit Associate Review

I audit the financial statements of companies to check they comply with relevant regulations and give a true and fair view of the company’s performance and financial position. I will analyse different accounts and test the balances through different techniques including sampling, analytical procedures, physical verification, testing controls etc

I have learnt different skills relating to the accounting profession and I have also learnt how to deal with different clients. I have learnt a lot about how companies run their financial accounts and also their day to day business. I have improved my people skills, dealing with clients and the audit team daily.

I enjoy it as there is a variety of work and many interesting clients. Despite the long hours, especially during busy season between January and March, it is a rewarding job and the career opportunities after the programme are great. It also combines study and work well so that neither is overloaded.

It is well structured. There is a clear training plan and schedule and there is regular feedback on performance and progress through the apprenticeship programme. There are regular emails from the apprenticeship team and the training at Kaplan has a good structure to help with success in the ACA exams.

I receive regular updates and feedback on my performance and also on my progress through the programme. I can see when my next few exams and training will take place so I can prepare for these dates well. There is also regular training within the practice relating to the job. However, I would prefer to be given more days for self-study leave.

There is time off for college and exams and there is also regular communication from the apprenticeship team about progress through the qualification. There is an assigned coach who can deal with any issues related to the qualification and a counsellor who can give advice and guidance if it is needed. However, I would prefer more days off for self-study.

The qualification through the training provider helps to consolidate the knowledge learnt on the job. It gives me more confidence and also another perspective when carrying out the work. The exams are also spread out well so I am able to maintain the knowledge well and apply is gradually to my work.

There have been calls set up to get to know other people in the office, especially relating to the other apprentices. There are also other activities to get involved in voluntarily. However, due to the current climate, theae activities will be limited and so I expect more to do with this when offices re-open fully.

Yes

It is a good organisation with a clear qualification structure. There is a good salary and the work is very rewarding. There are many opportunities to have after qualifying both inside and outside of EY and EY provides a counsellor to help advise on these matters. There is also regular feedback on the job, which helps to understand how you’re performing.

I would advise ensuring that you are happy with the qualification you have chosen and to ensure you’re willing to work long hours at some points. However, I would recommend it as the job is very rewarding and the qualification you get provides a wide variety of later career opportunities.