Audit Assistant Review

As an audit assistant, my day to day duties involve checking revenue/purchases/assets back to invoices or supplier statements, performing foreign currency translation reperformances, reviewing various sources of finance information to ensure everything ties through, counting stock, analysing companies' control procedures, checking accounts and securities held with banks and various other tasks which ensure the figures in a company's accounts have not been misstated.

Yes - I have learnt a number of job specific skills which relate to the role I perform but also developed more general skills - a particular skill I have developed is communication because my role is very client facing, but I also have to communicate my findings clearly for a manager to review. Beyond this my IT skills and use of excel have improved massively, as well as analysing, picking out useful information and many others.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme - I love working with people and every day is completely different in audit so it keeps it interesting. I feel as though I am constantly learning and people are very helpful to more junior members of staff - I have never felt like I am asking too many or too stupid questions.

The programme is very well structured - I am given time off for college and enough time to complete the other parts my apprenticeship involves such as training, reflective statements, training log etc. My college is spread out enough to give me ample time for revision and to see how what I learn translates into real work.

As much as I need! I have a buddy, a line manager and an exam/training manager, all of which are in regular contact and are happy to help with anything I ask - equally, everyone I have worked with has offered their help if I need it, whatever the questions. It is very friendly and I feel I could always go to multiple people for whatever issue I face.

Lots! Outside of the classroom we have a question forum to send any questions to before our exam which a tutor will respond to. The training provider also has regular catch up calls to discuss progress, and sends emails to see how we get on with each module of the course.

After every module of my qualification, I notice parts of it filtering into my work and I get that click of realisation! It helps me ask more informed questions and I can understand the testing I do more thoroughly, which in turn means I can probe deeper into any variances that arise.

Due to corona virus and the various lockdowns, any of these activities has been limited. Despite this, there have been virtual groups/calls for exercise and meditation to help with mental health and virtual socials like escape rooms and cocktail making to help keep everyone connected. The firm also gives the opportunity to complete Gold D of E award.

Yes

It is a highly rated financial firm which means we receive excellent training and work with some very interesting clients and I feel I have developed massively since joining. It is also a firm focused on bottom-up growth so I feel I am provided with great opportunities to move up the ladder and develop leadership. They are also very friendly and supportive.

Be yourself - the application process is simple and is not there to catch you out - do some normal interview prep and think about your strengths, weaknesses, relevant skills which make you a good candidate, why a career in your chosen job role is what interests you, think about your long term goals etc - most of all enjoy it and take an experience from it!