Audit Review

My role at Grant Thornton is an associate member of the audit team, my daily tasks range from completing sections of fieldwork at a client to complete our audit work to finalising files and completing work around the company accounts we have created within the office. Within the firm we are able to contact any member of staff such as partner/senior manager/manager/executives or other associates, whilst at a client site we are able to speak to the clients finance team and depending on what task is, head's of departments and even directors of the company. In terms of responsibility, an associate member of the audit team at Grant Thornton receives a very significant amount of responsibility depending on what is needed, one job you could be in-charging and be required to get the entire audit work done and help coach new members of staff, or you could be required to get a specific section of tests completed with concluding procedures.

You will not only develop numerous new skills but also develop existing skills, particularly being around team building and cohesion. At Grant Thornton you get the opportunity to attend internal training courses where you can learn from other members of staff and also receive presentations from staff members that may be in the same position as you.

Although its hard work with long hours the job is very rewarding, the enjoyment factor however differs from person to person, for myself, I enjoy being able to see different aspects of different business' and having the opportunity to discuss the business with heads of departments and understand how the business works. At Grant Thornton, teamwork is a fundamental skill that allows you to not only enjoy your job more, but also become good friends with fellow colleagues.

Valuation depends on person to person but personally I feel valued at Grant Thornton, to be able to have a conversation with the partner of the firm daily and them to remember who you are is a very rewarding feeling. There are numerous internal events that help build a team cohesion and reward members of staff on events that they have performed well within.

The programme is structured well due to being given day release from work to attend study days at the training provider, this allows time for studying and obtaining support from the training provider, inductions are held for each level you attend at the training provider. Each member of staff is assigned a 'buddy' upon joining which allows each member of staff to have a point of call when joining but every member of staff is approachable and can help regardless of the structure of the company.

The support from the training providers is very strong and helps with every aspect of studying, the general attitude towards the students is warming and allows the students to ask for help with ease.

There are people managers and training managers which are easily accessible to obtain support from.

For an individual that has just finished college the starting salary is very sufficient, however in terms of location of the clients, travel costs start to amount up, these costs are rechargeable so you will receive the money back but sometimes travel costs will cause you to be out of pocket until the expense claim has been received.

There are numerous company events throughout the year which not only allow networking with other firms/clients but also to get to know other members of staff better. There are numerous sporting events that members of staff compete in which individuals are able to start to attend and join the team if the sport is something they are interested in.

Yes

Not only do you get on-job experience of audit, but you also understand the fundamentals around accounting and audit, you also get the experience of meeting new clients and understanding new business' as well as receiving funding and time to complete your qualifications whether it be AAT, ACA or ACCA.

Team-work is a fundamental skill at Grant Thornton, not only is it required for day to day work but will also become needed for planning and completing jobs with numerous members of staff to enable you to get all the work done.