Flying Start Degree programme- Placement 2- Leeds Review

I work on audits to complete work across various FSLIs. I sample testing from listings provided by the client on connect. I then have calls and other online interaction with clients to ask any questions I have about the response documents that they have provided when documenting them into EGAs.

Previously when a client has given me information that doesn’t sound correct, I’ve said that I will go back to them and asked someone else straight away about the issue. This time I had the confidence to ask the client more questions to try to get to the bottom of why the issue was occurring and essentially concluded that the client also didn’t know why they were doing this. This has taught me that if I don’t understand it’s likely that this is because it doesn’t make sense so asking more questions and getting more information before passing it straight to a manager makes it easier for the manager to decide as to whether what the client is saying is correct.

I very much enjoy the programme. It is the perfect blend between working in the office, getting real life experience and also getting to experience university, living away from home and learning in a university environment. Being able to put study into practice makes studying much easier to learn exam material.

The programme is very well organised with lots of individuals there to support and answer any questions along the way. The course has much more contact time than other degree programmes in order to fit in the same amount of study and learning over a shorter period per year. This is seamlessly organised and lecturers will go out of their way to adapt learning to suit each students needs.

I receive all year round support. My career coach is happy to hear from me at any point whether at university or work. This means that the transition from one to the other is easy. I also have a programme manager who wants to hear from us constantly to update the programme in the best way he can.

The university and the ICAEW both support us all year round. Our university lecturers on the whole couldn't do much more for us. They are happy to respond to discussion boards and emails at any time of the day even when we are on placement and not seeing them in person.

It gives an idea of the use of the audit in order to help businesses to effectively function. It also gives a greater understanding and background knowledge of the way the financial statements fit together as a whole. This is vital to understand when trying to test individual financial statement line items.

There have been many social events. We had an event for flying starts with all flying starts in the office and some ex-flying starts. We also attended an event for everyone studying accounting across Leeds. Finally we got to attend a ball for the whole of audit in the Leeds Office.

Yes

The atmosphere in the office is great. Everyone is friendly, irrespective of their grade. There is also a culture of willingness to help out. We are all happy to help and give back knowing that when you are struggling there will always be someone to lend a hand to you.

I would advise someone to research the company and speak to existing employees if possible. I think whilst academic achievements are very important, it is just as important to have other interests, experience and skills. Overall, a willingness to work hard and go the extra mile would be just as important as academic ability.