Audit Trainee Review

Typically day-to-day I would be out on client site performing audit work/testing. This involves drilling down on transactions within the financial statements to ensure there is no material misstatements. There are three phases of an audit; planning, fieldwork and completion so you are always doing one of the three.

I have definitely development my confidence and people skills, as you're in an environment where you are constantly communicating with a variety of people, you become more accustomed to talking to new people. Also I have definitely gotten better at Excel as you pick up tips to get work done more efficiently.

I do very much enjoy the school leaver programme as I am constantly learning and making progress both professionally and personally which I feel I could not have gotten if I had gone to university. I also enjoy the variety of work I get to do on a regular basis.

The programme is pretty well structured, you have set college dates and certain skills and behaviours that need to be complete in terms of the apprenticeship part of the programme. There is also clear guidance on who to speak to if you have any specific queries or questions regarding where you're supposed to be/what you're supposed to be doing.

My employee is very supportive of my studies - it is very clear that they do want to help me succeed and want to lay out the building blocks to help me to do. Everyone is very lovely and always willing to listen and to answer any questions that I may have.

My training provider is very helpful and there is a lot of resources available to me to aid with my studies and personal development. The provider is always available via email or telephone to answer any questions that I may have. The online portal I have found particularly helpful when completing my studies.

I find that the skills days help you reflect on the things you have already learnt through work and see how you can further development in such areas as communication etc. In terms of exams, a lot of what is learnt in college is also very relevant to the day to day job e.g. assurance.

There is a lot of social activities at work, for example we have a monthly financial services drinks which always has a high attendance rate. There are also a lot of sports team to get involved in if you're into that. If not the pub on a Friday is always a good shout.

Yes

It is a very nice and welcoming place to study for your professional qualifications. All the people I have met are all very lovely and all willing to share their skills and knowledge. BDO is definitely a good building block to have for your personal and professional development and opens up a lot of good opportunities further down the line.

My advise is to just relax and be yourself, if you really want the job then that will shine through in your interview and you get no bonus marks for over-doing it. Make sure you have done your research about the firm and the area you're applying to and you'll be fine!