Trainee CFAB apprentice Review

I work in corporate audit, so my tasks vary from day to day. I have worked on everything from secondary school academies to shipping companies to asset management firms. I work either from the office or on client site, and have interactions with colleagues up to the level of senior managers.

I am studying for the ICAEW CFAB qualification which is an entry point to ACA chartered accountant. We have tuition at an external training provider as well as Moore Stephens' own internal training and skills training such as Microsoft excel. Having no previous financial background everything is new to me so I have gained skills in bookkeeping, Microsoft exel and word, reading and analysing financial statements, as well learning from specialists in various fields such as shipping.

The atmosphere here is very friendly and supportive. Managers in general are helpful and patient. I have enjoyed my time so far, especially when given responsibility for completing tasks on my own. Overall it has exceeded my expectations. Moore Stephens is a growing company, so I can see great opportunities ahead which motivates me to try my best.

In general I feel that colleagues and managers value the work that I do. Usually I am thanked and told if I have done a good job when completing a piece of work. One downside is that although my line manager is friendly, I don't feel like he is that involved with me. I would prefer if he were to check in a bit more often and give me some more guidance.

The induction week was fantastic, and really helped me to settle in and feel comfortable as well as preparing me for the work and studies that lie ahead. The internal training overall has been good, and I know exactly what lies ahead for me in terms of studying and training. The whole Learning and Development team has been very supportive and invested in me. There is also a "buddy" system where we are paired with another trainee who is ahead of us doing a similar programme. While this is a good idea, unfortunately I have had almost no contact with my buddy

I have found the tutors at First Intuition to be very knowledgeable and more importantly good at teaching. They always stress to us that we can contact them any time to ask questions and in fact they have got back to me quickly when I contacted them. I have really enjoyed my training there.

Both the HR team and the learning and development team have been very supportive and helpful when I have contacted them. They have all been friendly and open with me. As mentioned above my line manager and "buddy" have been less helpful, but I am confident that my relationship with my line manager can improve over time as he is also new to his role as manager. The only other negative I would say is that at times there is no work for me tom complete. It would be nice for them to have some set learning tasks for us to do in these instances.

As an older apprentice who has taken a salary cut to come to this role, I am struggling somewhat financially. However, I do feel that the salary is fair and I can see how it will improve as I continue through the programme.

Moore Stephens has a really good Christmas party. The best I have ever been to. There is also a friendly culture with drinks after work quite often. In addition they support cancer research uk, and there is also the opportunity to have one day paid to do charity work of your choice. Being in central London pretty much means the world is at your doorstep as well.

Yes

Overall I feel that Moore Stephens is a good company to work for with lots of opportunities for career progression. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be paid to study for a professional qualification while gaining valuable accountancy experience. So far the work-life balance has been good as well.

At application stage take the written question seriously as they are just as important to progressing to the next stage as your work experience and qualifications. Make sure to be enthusiastic, and professional in both your video interview and face to face interview. Rehearse your answers! Be ready to be overwhelmed at first but you will quickly settle in.