Associate Accountant Review

As an Associate Accountant, my role is to assist senior members of the Outsourcing department by carrying out daily bookkeeping tasks of posting invoices from clients, posting bank transactions, reconciling the bank, responding to client queries, creating sales invoices to send out to customers and setting up payment runs. My daily interactions are with clients and senior members of the task I am working on. My responsibilities consist of ensuring the bookkeeping is accurate and the correct VAT is applied.

The new skills I have learnt at my placement with Moore Stephens are learning various accounting systems such as Basecone, Twinfield, Access, Sage, Xero and Caseware, how to use multiple PC systems simultaneously and the process of building and sending financial statements to both Companies house and HMRC. The skills I have developed are communication skills to more senior member of staff and clients, social skills, knowledge of Microsoft excel through internal training and independence.

Regarding work I am pleased with the programme and the position I was placed within to pair with my existing knowledge. My team exceeded my expectations as there is always someone to assist you with both work and your AAT examinations. Also, the company is always offering training open to everyone to join.

Moore Stephens value their employees very much and is recognised from all grade levels no matter how small the task is. Recognition is granted numerous of ways; email to the partner, gift vouchers rewarded and spot bonuses, which is not something I expected to be rewarded at my level but am pleased to announce so. External recognition is also granted from clients who send lovely feedback and even sent delicious snacks to the office.

My introduction was very well organised and made all candidates feel comfortable. Training is also organised with the learning and development team, whom make any booking, training, examinations and studying something you would not have to worry about so much. A lot of support is given fro mentors throughout and upon arrival we are assigned 'buddies' to support us along our first steps within the form.

Tutors are available 24 hours through email, drop ins and even mobile. We are provided with both online and physical support regarding study material and preparation for our exams. Any problems outside of this, we are surrounding by the majority whom has been through the same journey so are easily accessible if any problems arise outside of the tuitions control.

I receive great support from my manager regarding any queries regarding work or even personal circumstances that may affect work.

Our salary covers enough for our travel costs into London (even zone 1-6), lunch and small rental payments. Even after the deduction of these necessities, our salary allows over and above these expenses that I am still able to withdraw monthly personal allowance and even withdrawal into a savings account each month. Our salary even takes into consideration the differences of central London prices of lunch in comparison to local prices we may be used to but still exceeds this. Even with all of this take into consideration we are also offered a discount on yearly or monthly train tickets.

From being with Moore Stephens for only 9 months I have been given the opportunity to attend company events such as the 'National Apprenticeship show' which gave me the opportunity to advertise Moore Stephens further hands on and even the opportunity to appear on BBC news! There is also many activities across all departments sometimes even weekly that you are guaranteed to find something you take interest to such as the baking competition, scavenger hunts, team football teams, team marathons and many charity supporting activities such as dress down day at the end of every month.

Yes

They are a company that is very much supportive and gives the exact guidance you need, especially as your first job. There are also not many firms within the top 10 that the majority of employees have been in the exact position you are in now, from even those that are now partners of the firm. All training and qualification costs are handled by the firm and very much so, earning as you learn with no extra costs is definitely a route to consider.

Tips of the application process is to take your time and read all questions carefully, while ensuring you know what placement you are applying to and the role fits with what you expect. On assessment day it is best to keep calm and try a few online assessments to make you feel more comfortable.