Audit Assistant Manager Review

Currently an audit assistant manager working in natural resources and energy sector, leading engagements for last two years for clients with revenues up to $2.8bn. Role involves managing junior staff, liasing with partners, working with IFRS accounting standards and ISA auditing standards, and engaging in face-to-face client discussions. Responsible for full audit process, from planning through to completion, including determining appropriate audit tests depending on key risks of client.

Developed project management skills as I have had to supervise teams of up to 7 people. This involved assigning work, reviewing work, providing training and development as needed. I have also learnt new data analytical skills with the in-house tool which is used within risk assessments and to gather audit evidence.

I enjoy meeting new people every week as the team is growing rapidly. Everyone is very welcoming and supportive. The company culture may involve lots of long hours in order to meet deadlines but the company compensates us well for this stress. Overall, I'm learning something new everyday and would recommend this programme.

The programme is well structured with an induction training course provided at the start to get everyone up to the same speed, this is known as open door. The managers on all jobs offer on the job training and are always around to answer any questions. In terms of studying, BDO provide the necessary time off to revise and on certain exams book in college days.

BDO offers monthly counselling manager catch up calls when you first start at the Company. Going forward, these become twice a year as you become more familiar with the Company practices. We are also allocated buddies when we start who become our main point of contact if we have any questions.

The tutors at BPP are always very friendly and provide their work email so that we may question them outside of their working hours. In person, they are also very open to helping us on questions during lunch time or after college. The training provider also provides online lectures and worked examples to assist us during the exam process.

The apprenticeship directly impacted my current job. The modules studied in the ACA exams are all relevant to my day to day tasks on my audit clients. As I progress through the exams, I am given more complex tasks during audits to ensure I am utilise my new knowledge and skills.

BDO has many company events such as strategy days, team building days, charitable days, etc for which everyone can join in. Other activities include BDO football team and mixed hockey teams whereby during summer months we have the option to take part. Other activities open to us involve training e.g. advanced excel training courses.

Yes

BDO has a great company culture and fully supports you not only through career progression but also through the exam process. The counselling managers and buddies are very involved in your development and there is always training available to those who whish to learn more. All people are very friendly and approachable and make BDO a great place to work.

My advice would be to learn and understand the new BDO values as this is what is liked to be asked in interviews. Be confident during the presentation stages of the assessment day. During the process, do not be limited to one department and keep an open mind. I would like to have been told more about the international travel opportunities.