Audit Trainee Review

My job title is Audit Trainee. A typical day would be getting in to the office for just before 9.30am and then checking my e-mails to see if I have any outstanding requests or tasks from jobs I had been on the day/(s) before and replying to any clients who had been in contact with me. I would then get on with these jobs or if I had finished them, I would be in contact with the manager of my next job to see if there was anything I needed to do before the job started. During this time, I would also be speaking to my colleagues around me, asking them about their experiences in their career and with the firm, whilst remembering any useful hints and tips with regards to balancing work, revision and my social life. Having finished a morning of work, I would then go for lunch with some of the other apprentices in my intake and then return for the afternoon’s work, which is often carrying on from what I was doing in the morning. Then, at around 5.30pm, I would pack up and make my way home. Once I get home, I normally schedule in an hour of revision so that I’m always staying on top of the content which is required for my upcoming exams.

I have learnt and developed a number of skills during my time at BDO. New skills I have learnt include how to deal with difficult client situations in a professional manor, how to approach clients and how to perform Audit testing. Skills I have developed include my interpersonal skills - with people at all levels of hierarchy - my confidence, my attitude to work, i.e. diligence, my openness to change and my understanding of the wider financial world.

I thoroughly enjoy the work itself, with each day presenting different challenges and completing these challenges bringing different senses of achievement. The teams in which I work, so far, have all been good teams and have enabled me to continuously develop my Audit skills, as well as being able to interact with people from a wide variety of walks of lives. Company culture is something that is learnt by spending more time in the office and something that becomes enjoyable once you fully understand it because believe me, I was so nervous on my first day that I didn't want to enjoy anything too much in case I done something wrong! The programme exceeded my expectations by quite a stretch, I never thought I'd have the opportunity to travel to a variety of places at such a young age!

Valuation at BDO is a strong part of the company. There are prizes called "instant awards" which are given out each month and these are to recognise individuals for their hard work. There are also quarterly awards, for teams who have completed difficult audits. Valuation whilst on audit itself is also strong, with seniors of jobs praising individuals when they have completed a task in a good way.

The programme is well structured. I was given a day's induction, followed by 3 weeks' release to attend college courses, in London, Cambridge and Milton Keynes. There is also ongoing training with a variety of courses in the office as well as online courses. I was assigned a buddy and a line manager, both of whom are always there when I need any support/guidance with my training courses and exams. However, it is not only these 2 who I can rely on for help, everyone at the firm, at all levels, always offer their help to individuals who need it.

I receive regular support from BPP, with an assessor being assigned to me. I am in regular contact with my assessor to ask for help with various tasks that I need to complete. BPP as a whole are always on hand to offer their help and guidance wherever they can.

As mentioned above, I receive all the support I need from my employer and this support comes from people at a similar level to me, as well as managers and partners higher up in the firm.

My salary meets my costs well, however there are some months when costs get a bit close to my monthly salary - but budgeting is all a part of growing up! I still live at home so I don't have to pay much rent, but the biggest cost of mine is travel in to London, which costs around £50 a week.

There are lots of opportunities which I will not go in to detail about but these include: Regular social events Sports teams - i.e, football, netball 10 days a year dedicated to volunteering/charity work. Company events - nationwide football tournaments.

Yes

Because of my personal experience, I strongly believe others would enjoy the opportunity if they decided it was right for them.

Make sure you have a number of examples when making points in an application form. Even though you may have given an example, at interview stage, managers will seek to get another example for the same point - so be ready for this! In terms of assessment days, just try and remain relaxed, be yourself and don't try and act too confidently in the group exercises/interview because without realising, it will come across as arrogance!