Audit Associate Review

Conducting test on an entities TB to see whether the numbers they have provided are legitimate. The day-to-day is picking samples from a ledger provided to use by the client, submitting a request to said client for documentation to support said samples and then filling out the test once provided with the necessary evidence.

Yes, several. My technical analaysis, problem solving & professional scepticism have all improved greatly. I am also now much more proficient at using Excel. I can now comfortably communicate in a formal way - this is essential for the job and isn't something I had much need for at school so I have developed it quickly.

I really like the team I work with - they are all very social both inside and outside of work, and are always happy to help with any issues I have. There is also much less of a divide between managers and associates than I expected, which is nice because it makes the team feel more connected.

My program consists of exams which are to be taken throughout the duration of my 5 year course. I receive periods of study for each exam beforehand so I have enough time to prepare. The training is well structured with good notice being given in advance. The job booking system is also very good and you rarely won't know what to do.

There is a lot of support from m colleagues as most of them have gone through something very similar to what I am doing now, so they understand what it is like. My manager is also very engaged with my program, with have regular meetings to discuss my progress and upcoming submissions I will need to do.

Some of the earlier on exams are taught under self study with no classroom learning. I wasn't a huge fan of this as personally I prefer the traditional tuition approach. You are given a skills coach at the provider to help you ensure you make all submissions on time & are staying on course, which does prove to be useful.

There is no doubt that my qualification is key to my role - in the 6 months I have been here the studying I have undertaken has improved my ability to carry out my job greatly. I now have a much greater understanding of the tasks I am doing, which helps me to complete than to a higher standard & in a shorter time frame.

Yes, we hold monthly social events which help to bring the team closer together. The upper management also attend said social events which, as mentioned, was initially surprising to me. We also regularly go out for meals at lunch together. There are also annual social events that bring the firm as a whole closer together.

Yes

It is a pleasant company to work for - the work flow isn't too heavy, the team members are all very nice. The salary is competitive (with increases given reflecting exam performance). I know that there is support available if I needed it both in terms of work and study.

Research the application process as much as possible - it is pretty standard across most similar firms. Be clear on why accounting as well as why Smith & Williamson in particular. Try to demonstrate as much knowledge about the program in your interview as this shows that you have bothered to put in the effort of researching.