Audit trainee Review

An audit tests different balances that are included in the financial statements of company, to ensure that the numbers used aren't false. I am normally booked to an audit of a particular company for 2 weeks, and in that time I work with the team to test different balances. Work is mainly in the office or on client site.

Alongside the job I also attend college, where I'm qualifing as a chartered accountant. Working on client site and engaging with the team has helped me to improve my confidence as you find yourself speaking to a lot of new people. My computer skills, such as excel, have drastically improved. Before I started I had never used Excel before but now I'm a Wiz.

The programme can be challenging at times however you get a decent amount of study leave for your exams. This means that you're not struggling between getting your job done and revising for exams. There are a lot of social events throughout the year, which means that you get to know everyone.

You receive an exam timetable when you start, detailing all the exams you will be sitting, including the dates. This makes it easy to book time off for study leave and to manage any holidays you're wanting to go on. You get a good amont of time for exams between when you learn the content and when the actual exam, meaning that you don't feel rushed.

Everyone has their own people manager, who you have regular catch-ups with. This makes it easy to speak up about any issues or concerns you might have. Since everyone is really friendly, you can voice concerns to others as well. You can also speak to your manager in-between catch-ups, as you are one of their main priorities.

The teachers at BBP work well to teach you the content. As they are all qualified accountants, who previously worked as one, they're good at applying technical content to real life scenarios, which you are more used to. They are always available to answer questions, and you have the opportunity to email them outside of class too.

I find that as I learn more about accounting, I become better at my role. I become more confident when identifying issues as I now have the technical knowledge to back it up. As they are qualified accountants, the real life scenarios they refer to help me when I'm at work as they have provided an example of what to do.

There is a social committee, who organise a lot of social events during and outside of works time. We have an annual audit away where we step away from the laptops and have fun together and work in different teams. There is yoga that takes place every Monday lunchtime, allowing people to relax and refocus.

Yes

It's an enjoyable place to work, with friendly people. The people contribute to the job, and you find that you spend quite a bit of time with them outside of work. I find the job interesting and positively challenging. I think the social aspect is great as the firm acknowledges your hard work.

Be yourself! Whilst they do have certain entry requirements, they are also looking for friendly people who they know will get on with everyone else. Be open minded during the interviews and don't forget to discuss any extra curricular activities you do, as they are looking for more than just an accountant.