Audit Trainee Review

I a a trainee auditor. My day to day role includes activities such as testing the accuracy of financial claims through the verification of audit evidence and the preparation and checking of financial statements. I report directly to a manager of a job which typically lasts for one to six weeks where we work closely with clients.

Over the course of the apprenticeship so far I have learnt a great deal about the accounting process and the preparation of financial statements. This is mostly because of the CFAB qualification that we study was a part of the apprenticeship and through working alongside qualified accountants.

At the moment I do not enjoy the program as a whole. Because of the nature of the work it is very difficult to plan ahead properly as clients may need to rearrange their schedules lats minuet which is sometimes not communicated effectively. I also do not enjoy the apprenticeship coursework as I feel that it it embodies exactly what I was trying to get away from by joining a professional scheme in that it requires the mindless documentation of basic skills and knowledge with little to no effective feedback or organisation on the behalf of the assessors.

I think that managers make a consistent effort to show appreciation for their team members and there are tools in place to reward at the manager's discretion. A good effort is also made to include employees in all projects and external activities.

There was a full induction day at the beginning of the apprenticeship which was used to set expectations of the course. I think that since then there have been many delays and changes of delivery that nobody is quite sure of what is going on at times. e.g. external tutor was asked about deadlines to which she responded there were no set deadlines for this task, later communicated after the first deadline that they were in fact in place.

There were supposed to be regular telephone meetings with an appointed assessor which were initially set out to be once every 6-8 weeks. As of 9 months one meeting has been had and one is scheduled for the following weeks. Tutor contact details are made available but there is no apparent incentive to contact them.

Within the workplace managers are continually available for support as and when it is needed. Effort is made to fully explain and justify decisions and approaches. No current interaction with HR team. Internal mentor assigned to support within the initial months.

The salary package is sufficient to cover all costs for me as I still live at home. Travel costs are supplemented by BDO through mileage claims for client interaction (less office commute). Offer was lower than initially expected due to differences in location and company class of comparisons. Overall satisfactory.

There are regular company social events after work as well as yearly office outings. Time off is allowed outside of holiday requirements for volunteering. The firm participates in select business sport tournaments. A table tennis table is supplied in the break room.

Yes

Frankly it would depend on the friend I was recommending it to, as I feel the structure and environment would not be compatible with many people. But, overall i think that BDO is a good company to work for that takes an interest in the welfare of its employees.

Research the basics of accounting processes beforehand. Maybe try out for the summer internship. Get in writing the structure and delivery methods of the course.