Assosciate Review

Involved in all the usual work carried out within the business. We were fully involved in the auditing of the accounts and responsible for our own areas of the file. We were involved with interactions with senior members of staff, other staff on a similar level to us and speaking direct to clients.

Learnt how to use all the software created by the company and used by all members of our staff. Developed communication with everyone, including updating our managers on the progress of our work and our clients on what we were waiting for and how we were progressing. We experienced all aspects of work.

I enjoyed the opportunity to put what we were learning in classes into real life situations which helped develop our understanding of the concepts we had been taught. I also enjoy feeling like a real member of the team rather than a junior trainee and getting involved in the work.

It is well organised as in we know what the expectations are of us from thew outset. We are also provided with everything we need. Due to the nature of the work there is not much structure as we do not know which jobs will progress and which we will still be waiting on things for.

We receive support from everyone we work with - everyone is happy to lend some time to coaching us through more difficult areas. They also have a good mental health support system which we are allowed to make use of as trainees. There is a good support network in place for us.

They always stay in contact with us during our placements and we are always able to reach out to them if we need anything. I have always found that they reply quickly and helpfully if we need any support. They are always there if we need to contact them at any time.

It helps us a lot as we understand the basic concepts, rules, regulations and laws that without knowledge of we would not be able to appropriately deliver the right standard of work. Also, by understanding the procedures clients have taken is the only way we can effectively audit them to a high standard.

There are activities for us to be involved in. However, due to my placement being remotely work from home I have not been able to travel to Manchester to get involved in these. If we wanted to, or lived closer however there are no barriers stopping us joining these activities.

Yes

They provide a well structured placement with plenty of options to learn and explore the profession as an auditor. You are involved in lots of real work and get plenty real life experience and responsibilities in our roles which is not always the case with other placements. We also get paid well.

Make sure you are yourself in the interviews and confident. Speak up and do not be afraid to ask questions. Also, providing examples or real life challenges and activities using the STAR model. Also, dress smartly and appropriately. Make friends with everyone else there, they will notice someone confident and able to make small talk with anyone - an important skill.