Trainee Associate 2 Review

Trainee Associate 2. Reviewing Financial statements and their underlying data to ensure accurate accounting and assumptions feeding into the underlying calculations. Communicating with the clients and their administrators, as well as various other third parties, to gain understanding of their work and work to reconcile any issues noted.

Professional qualifications through the ICAEQ ACA programme. Also gained practical experience of accounting standards and specific knowledge of pension schemes through work in a specialised team. Developed excel skills through everyday work and received training on professional skills through courses organised by the company.

The programme is an excellent opportunity to enter the professional financial industry without a degree. The team is very encouraging and the layout of the promotional structure, particularly in the first 4 years, allows for a great deal of understanding on the part of senior members on where you are at with your development and helps allow for understanding on their part in any issues you may have. The team also enjoys social events on a regular basis and aside from these form friendships outside of the workplace as a result of working closely together.

Regularly receive feedback and encouragement from managers in both official feedback as well as daily after completing various tasks or when helping with things possibly outside of your ordinary workflow. Always felt valued by the team and feel there is a specific focus on this point within the company.

The structure is well laid out and regular assistance and support is in place at all stages from a variety of sources both within working teams and managers and professional qualification teams and training advisors. There is a clear understanding of where everyone is at in the programme and delegation is encouraged as you progress to help develop managerial skills and aid in the coaching of newer members. This is also achieved by the buddy system pairing you up with 1 or 2 new joiners in your 2nd year at the company.

A great deal as support is always available should you need it and we are actively encouraged to seek out further assistance outside of the course hours if we are struggling. Kaplan also offers a wealth of resources on their website as well as directing us towards the resources on offer directly from the ICAEW.

I feel that support is there should i ever need it both from my people manager and those in the years above me in the programme.

It meets costs well and is relatively competitive given the other top firms. However it is well know that smaller firms offer significantly more. It is also more struggling living in certain cities as outside of London the Salary is standard but little consideration is given to the fact that many cities are significantly more expensive than others.

There are many opportunities for social events and sporting teams. We are also encouraged to take part in charity opportunities and offered a number of days a year as paid leave to pursue these. There are also a number of recruitment events that we can take a role in.

Yes

Great opportunities. Love the working environment. Opportunity to work in a fluid and modern environment whilst being at the forefront of the industry.

Look to stand out in group assessments but display a balance of confidence in your ideas and an understanding of opposing perspectives. Be professional throughout and display the personal skills that you have as these distinguish you from other applicants.