Audit Associate Review

I work as an Audit associate. This entails many duties - balancing work, college and a social life all at once. The basis of my job involves going out to client sites and auditing their accounts to give an opinion on whether their financial statements give a true and fair view. I work as part of a team on the different areas of accounting (balance sheet and profit and loss) to ensure the figures have not been materially misstated. However, I also help create financial statements and more. Through team building events and changing audit teams most weeks I have created a strong network within GT but also externally with the new clients I meet on a daily basis.

Since starting at Grant Thornton I have already completed 3 exams within ACCA. I have also attended three internal training courses to aid my development and knowledge of basic account and also details to perfect my role within audit. My personal skills and confidence to interact with strangers has developed - not by training but by being out with a client and you just learn as you work.

I am so glad I joined Grant Thornton instead of going to university. The university life style doesn't suit me - however I am extremely hard working and so working life is fine for me. The days are long sometimes in busy season however, managers appreciate the effort we put in and reward us with dinners events to say thank you. The company culture is very relaxed within GT - the firm is very much a people firm and looking after their employees is one of their major goals. I enjoy the work more than I thought I would and can see myself staying within the firm for a very long time.

Grant Thornton, as mentioned above is very much a people's firm - looking after their employees. We have recognition schemes within the firm to reward each other from any level we are within the firm. I have been involved in many social aspects of the firm including helping to organise events for everyone and also support new trainees as they join and are about to join.

My programme is very organised. Teams within audit normally have a first year, second year and an in charge (third year or qualified) who work out on site. Therefore I have plenty of people to ask if I am stuck and need help. I have regular support meetings with my people manager to let her know how I am doing and also what I would like to do. With studying we go to college during work time and this is all organised for us and put on our timetables. This way everyone knows where we are and there is no confusion. My induction was extremely fun. On my first day all the new trainees went to the office and then we got the train to London to have a 3 course dinner and drinks with all trainees nationally. We then had a series of introductionary talks from more senior staff within the firm before returning to the office to have training on how to use all the softwares.

Our training provider is Kaplan just across the road from our office. They are extremely supportive - We can pop in whenever we need and also use the classrooms for self study is wanted. They are also only an email away if we have any questions we can ask and they will happily help. They provide us with all the materials needed to revise and pass the exams.

My people manager is very supportive having regular catch ups and meetings.

Compared to other accountancy firms school leavers within Grant Thornton are paid very competitively. As a school leaver I still live at home so my costs are rather low, meaning my salary suits my shopping needs very well. Travel costs to the office are quite high (I live a long way from the office) however I still have enough to treat myself and save for a house. For our location I would say they are in line/ higher than expected.

Yes - We have many outings organised (theatre trips, ascott, dinners, go karting, anything you name it!)

Yes

They pay well and look after you. If you want to follow a financial career they are perfect - they are not in the big 4 which means managers put slightly less pressure on you so your stress levels are not too high, but they are large enough to audit/experience large plc's as well as small companies.

Confidence is key - but do not be cocky. The employer mainly looks to see if you are suitable and they would be proud for you to represent the company infront of a client.