Assurance Associate Review

At the start of the graduate scheme you completed the first set of your professional exams. Once these are completed you are in the office and assigned to a team. Your senior then sets you tasks which they will explain in detail and are always happy to answer any questions that you have, as well as this you will sit in meeting and meet your client.

As there is no required knowledge for the graduate scheme (you can have completed a degree in any subject), you are taught with this in mind. The best way which I have found to pick up the skills is to do the work itself with support from your senior.

The programme has been great so far, it is very fast paced which allows you to learn quickly and start doing meaningful tasks from a very early stage. Being 'thrown in the deep end' helps you step out of your comfort zone and learn a lot very quickly which is great

The structure is great, it is clear that it has been done for many years now and feedback is always encouraged to ensure it is constantly improving. While you are studying for your exams you are not expected to work alongside which is good as the course moves at a fast place

The support on the whole is quite good, however sometimes as the firm is so large it can be slightly confusing who to reach out to. As you are assigned a second year to look after you and support you, the amount of support will therefore depend on the individual which you are assigned.

The support is exceptional, it is very clear from day 1 that this is the most important part of your career for the first few years. The exams feel compacted when you start but this means that once you have completed them you have completed a significant proportion of the qualification.

the qualification is directly relevant for your role, the training gives you the knowledge required to complete the job, you also learn a significant amount while completing the tasks that you carry out. Furthermore as you progress you are required to have completed your exams to become a chartered accountant.

I have already joined and played for the football team, the other members are all very friendly and welcoming of new members and especially graduates. They are genuinely interested in you as a person and it is also great to connect with older people within the firm who you may have never met without these additional activities.

Yes

It is a great place to work, the qualification that you receive and the firm itself is very well respected. The firm want you to succeed and once you have qualified the internal job opportunities are great. There is also the option to have a secondment within industry or aboard.

Be proactive and prepare for the application process, they are not trying to catch you out. Teamwork and communication is a huge part of the job, therefore this is a key skill which they will look out for. You do not require any specific knowledge therefore they are looking for individuals with soft skills and willingness to learn and constantly imporve.