Audit Associate Review

Currently I am based at college, completing a series of exams before I begin client work. As a result, I have had very little interaction with audit work, and instead am focusing on increasing my technical knowledge and capabilities. Since joining in September I have completed 9 exams, with 3 more to go before I begin client work full time.

I've increased my technical knowledge and understanding of accounting drastically. I've also improved my communication skills and learnt more about how to act within professional contexts. At college, my ability to take in and understand large quantities of complex information has certainly improved, as this has been a necessary prerequisite to passing any of the exams encountered so far given the incredibly short preparation times given before each sitting.

It varies an awful lot. Days in the office are fun, and college days can be enjoyable and leave me feeling accomplished. However, working all but a few evenings and weekends has definitely meant that I have so far found the experience draining, stressful, and on many occasions wholly unenjoyable. Nonetheless, this is what I signed up for so I can't have too many complaints. Once these next 3 exams are over I'll be able to socialise and have days off on the weekend which will be nice.

On a macro scale, the programme is very well organised. However, it seems like the team that are in charge of professional qualifications, and hence effectively the graduate scheme nationwide are enormously overworked and under-resourced. As a result, there have been a few occasions of last minute changes in plan and erratic decision making that have left many feeling like we are test guinea pigs. There still seems to be a lot better a structure than other graduate programmes however from the interactions I have with friends at other firms.

This varies a lot, and wholly depends on individual colleagues. Some managers are incredible and will be really helpful. Others not so much. When I've needed support, there have been people I've been able to go to, and I don't really know how the firm can do much more than ensure they employ individuals who really care about what they do.

I've received extensive support in the sense of classroom sessions, access to study materials, and easy access to tutors out of hours. There have been issues in the past but these have been resolved well often. Despite the extensive support provided, these exams still are really hard and it can sometimes feel like we're being thrown off a cliff in the hopes that we wing a pass.

I've certainly learnt an awful lot from the qualification already. There are still more exams to go, and once I begin regular client work, I'm sure that the on the job knowledge and skills I pick up will be well complemented by the knowledge and skills obtained from the qualification.

There are sports activities, and office socials. Currently whilst I am at college and churning out exams it is difficult to be as involved as I'd otherwise like to be. Nonetheless, I am definitely looking forward to getting more involved later on once I start client work full time.

Yes

The firm is a great place to get started in the world of work. The working atmosphere is usually very friendly, and it is generous of the firm to contribute towards our apprenticeship and the completion of exams. I don't think that I would recommend the study first pathway to everyone, but if someone is looking to complete their ACA, and is willing to grind out long hours and work weekends, then this is definitely a good place to be.

Just hope you pass the tests. If you do, great there's a decent chance you'll keep on going in the application process. Make sure you know that you want to do the role you want to do, and are then able to talk about this in your interview. As long as you know that you want to do the role, and are personable in your interview, then that's most of the hard work done. Your examples in interview questions are also there to show competency, not to show that you're the best in the world at that particular thing - don't overthink it.