Commercial Audit Associate Review

When I first started on the internship this was a very daunting and nerve wracking experience. Not only was the job something I had never studied or done before, but it was a completely new setting and there was so many new people to get to know. However, having said this, the transition from university to full time work was made so much easier knowing that so many other associates had done this before. I was also assigned a buddy a few months before I started and these were my go to person for any questions I had. I found that this made the process again, a bit less daunting. Also on my first job with the firm I worked with my buddy so I got to know them really well. One thing I would say about GT is the people are what makes the firm. Everyone here is so helpful, and there is always someone you can talk to if you ever have any queries or questions. They also provide you with the necessary training when you first start and although you are out on jobs from day one, you are never left on your own. All in all I am having a great experience with the firm and am learning so many new things, along with making lots of new friends along the way. To start with it was tough going, getting into the routine and picking things up but trust me, this gets easier.

As previously mentioned the people at GT make the firm and everyone here is so approachable. No matter what department you work in we all pull together and help eachother. Also, the audit team in particular is a department with fairly young individuals which makes the process very different. You are working with people of a similar age to yourself and also who have had a similar background to you also.

From day one I knew who my manager was and had an initial meeting to get to know them. I am also regularly in contact with them and having catch ups in regards to my progress. This makes me feel so supported as they are just literally on the end of the phone, email or in the office. I feel I can always approach my manager in regards to anything.

To start with because I was new I wasnt too busy but as I have developed my experience more and more people are asking me to do work for them and I find myself having a list of different jobs. I enjoy this as it means I am always busy and there is not usually a quiet period. Also, if you ever dont have work to do, usually someone in the office will have something so you just ask around and get work that way. It also allows you to meet more people in the office.

From day one my responsibility has been building with each job I have done. As I am a new starter I have a lot of similar tasks, but none of these are ever the same and so they are all enjoyable. Also depending upon the in-charge you work with and how big the audit team is, this effects how much responsibility you can be given. As well as this the type and size of the client influences this.

As I wish to pursue the ACA professional qualification, the time I spend undertaking audits will go towards my time qualification and so this experience is benefitting me greatly. It means that to become qualified it will take me less time as I will be time qualified a lot quicker than most. Also, the skills I have been learning will set me up for not only my university studies when I go back, but all my professional exams and work life in general. To begin with the long days were a shock to the system but now I am used to them and enjoy them. This makes me think I am going to appreciate being back at university when the days are not so long.

As I am based in the liverpool office, this office is louder than that of manchester. Everyone gets on in both offices and everyone is approachable. We all get our work done as well as having a bit of fun now and then. A lot of the associates like to play practical jokes on eachother which makes the days a lot more fun.

The placement from the start has been well organised and we have always had something to do. We have also always been provided with the necessary training events. The placement is well structured and as you are on jobs from day one there is never a quiet period.

Since the start I have had numerous training days and department days, along with e-learning modules in relation to the financial services industry. For example the most recent training was that of FRS 1&2 as this is due to take effect this year for our clients.

I would like to stay with GT when I graduate from university as I really cant see myself working anywhere else. The people make it such a nice place to be, along with the clients and the work. It is like one huge family almost.

There is always a social event going on and there is never a quiet period in regards to this either. There are many networking events and social events fo both the manchester and liverpool office and you are always made aware of these.

The cost of living is not too expensive as I live at home whilst working at GT. Socialising is also fairly easy as the office is situated in the city centre. If you have an event and you are out working at a clients you are able to leave early to attend this, so this is also flexible.

As we are situated in the city centre the nightlife is a good place to be. There is almost always something going on in the centre and there are many bars.

There are many opportunities outside of work as there are lots of sports and social teams. I took part in the Ladies football tournament that was held in leeds this year which was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.