Audit Associate Review

As an audit associate I was involved in audit engagements, where we audited the financial statements of various external clients covering differing industries.

Along with developing inter-personal and communication skills by working in different engagement teams, the placement allowed me to improve my technical understanding of audit testing and increase my analysis skills relevant to financial statement and the movements of certain financial statement line items. Whilst working I have also learned a number of new skills on Microsoft Excel that aided my day-to-day tasks.

I think it is a great programme that offers a great insight into the financial services industry, the nature of audit means you get a wide variety of clients and as a result can face differing challenges when coming to understanding the inherent nature of the clients you are auditing.

The programme is structured around my university degree and taking the ICAEW ACA exams, the course allows me to take these exams before working placements and then apply the knowledge I have learnt from my studies into the workplace, coming full circle from the accounting theory to practical real-world examples.

My employer has a great support program in place, I have a designated Career Coach who tracks your progress throughout placement and as a more senior colleague can give great advice to you on any work-related or personal matters. There is also a 'Flying Start Champion' who has graduated from the program and is now a full-time employee at the firm.

Our support for our revision is made in a highly effective and organised manner. As we take the ICAEW ACA exams in the same exam period as our ordinary university exams, to meet the university credits scheme to progress to the next year of our studies, a great support program is in place from Personal tutors to my fellow Flying Start students.

Studying for my qualification allows me to build a better understanding of the accounting principles behind a number of areas such as financial statement preparation and disclosures, taxation of corporations and individual areas such as property, plant and equipment. When you progress onto the further exams you begin to be introduced to more complex areas that require professional judgement.

Extra-curricular activities will depend on your office but each office will have a number of activities accustomed to everyone's passions and hobbies. The office also organises a number of events around new joiners so you can be fully integrated into the firm. An example from my office would be the Office Monday Night Football.

Yes

It is a great firm to start your professional career and the progression I have seen in not only my technical knowledge but also my self-confidence and communication skills is down to the firm's great focus on each individual employee and how they can be supported to allow them to develop themselves and build their experience.

Be a confident individual that can communicate well and work effectively in a team of varying experience levels. Be adaptable to change and be prepared to face a number of different tasks in the financial services sector. Show a positive attitude to not only work but social interactions and engaging with fellow colleagues/team members.