Senior Associate Review

The role is vary varied. Everyday you will be working on something different. Depending on your client and on the time of the year you may preparing the audit strategy, or performing substantive testing, or reviewing controls, or concluding on the audit procedures. You will also have time off for college and for trainings.

Yes, you will obviously develop technical skills in accounting and audit methodology, most of which will come from the qualification you will be studying towards as part of the apprenticeship. You will also be expected to develop global skills such as effective communication, team management, efficient time keeping, skepticism.

The learning/college side of the apprenticeship is very challenging but provides invaluable knowledge and skills. The actual work experience can vary widely from engagement to engagement, and from team to team. It is very inconsistent - you can be lucky and be assigned to a very well organized and managed team where you will learn a lot, or it can be a nightmare.

The progression is well laid out and time spend in college is evenly planned throughout the programme. However, apprentices are given very little information and insight beforehand; we discover things as we go along which is not ideal if you want to plan ahead. I think it only makes sense in hindsight.

We get the minimum time off recommended by the training provider. But we receive lectures, materials, mocks and feedback. Overall I think the support is adequate.

The training provider delivers lectures, organizes mocks and feedback sessions. The quality depends on the lecturer and this, once again, can vary quite significantly. Some lecturers are outstanding and provide invaluable insight into the material, some are just a waste of time. The marking of our mocks (which is an important tool for self-improvement) is also done hurriedly and to a poor standard.

What we learn is directly relevant to our role so definitely helps us perform better as we progress in our training. I will even occasionally go back to my qualification notes to find answers to work related questions.

Yes, there are various social groups and networking opportunities.

No

It is extremely demanding and not always rewarding. The apprenticeship does provide valuable skills and becoming a CA will make you very attractive candidate, but the work culture is not healthy - hours can be extremely long, and are not matched with higher pay.

Built a network of supportive employees. Be open about what you are going through. If you feel something is not right, report it to your seniors. Start studying as soon as possible.