Audit Apprentice Review

I am an audit apprentice and my typical day includes: -attending a morning meeting to discuss daily tasks and the previous day's progress -completing work papers including performing analytical procedures to confirm accuracy of the client's figures -I interact mostly with the other members on my team but will also often be required to speak with the client.

I have developed my excel skills massively as this is a huge part of my day to day tasks. Most of my work is performed on excel so I have picked up many skills such as shortcuts, formulas and creating my own tables from training videos and advice from other team members.

Although the hours are quite long and it is definitely a difficult job, I do feel very supported by both my training providers and my company. I believe I have a nice work- study balance which I feel is very important considering the exams are very time consuming and difficult.

Overall, I would say that the programme is well structured in that the studying and the exams dates are set out in advance so I am able to plan accordingly. At the beginning, we were given the structure of learning for the first 2 years. As I am only on the second year, I am not sure on what the structure is for the following 3 years though.

I receive support from my employer by allowing me to have study days (usually 1 or 2 per exam) where I can revise for my exam. I am also expected to not be given any work when attending college. I am also given 1 day a month dedicated to completing trainings.

I am provided with lots of learning materials such as a folder, question book, course book and a log in to the BPP Hub which includes videos of the lectures so I am able to watch these back as well as attending the in-person teaching at the BPP college which I find to be very valuable.

As the exams are closely linked with the tasks I have to perform within my role, I am able to learn the theory of topics during my qualification and then can put this into practice during my time on client- based working, such as looking through the different financial statements of companies.

There are many extra-curricular activities to get involved with at work such as a social event monthly as well as lots of group volunteering opportunities. An example of this would be the 'Big Walk for Marie Curie' as many of the people from work attends these events outside of work.

Yes

It is a highly challenging, but highly supported role that I believe I am gaining valuable insights and experience in the corporate environment. I am able to gain a qualification without personally carrying the costs of this and get paid a competitive salary at the same time, allowing me to achieve a mixture of working and learning.

I would advise them to be prepared to work hard as there are lots of difficult tasks and exams but as long as you manage your time well, you will be fine and hopefully enjoy it! It is an incredible opportunity and will be very rewarding, providing you work hard.