Associate (Trainee Auditor) Review

The office is very young (most people are under 27) so there is a good balance of work and play.

I have worked at many different clients, and after each job finishes, I sit down with a senior and discuss the strong points of my work and areas in which I can develop and improve.

It was optional. If you wanted to take more responsibility on, you were able to do so. Equally, I asked a ridiculous number of questions in my first 3 months and the management were always there with a helpful answer.

At the beginning, finishing at 5:30 was a guarantee, and the office is very relaxed. During busy season (January to April), you are expected to work a lot of overtime. It has it's pro's though - sandwiches are provided for the office at 5:30 everyday!

This varies with which job you are on and which manager you have. It all depends on what approach to coaching your senior takes. I was able to contribute massively to some audits, acting in a role that is normal for someone with 1 or 2 more years experience, and that kind of exposure is great (if not a little daunting!).

This will help the final year of university in a big way. The firm sponsors you through your ACA or ACCA accounting qualification, so by the end of your placement, you will have 2 more years of work before becoming a chartered accountant! This also means you learn skills and knowledge that can be applied uni work. From a less obvious perspective, it increases your confidence and level of professional behaviour, building you into a more rounded person.

People work hard in the office but also have a good time along the way. There seems to be a good balance of this, so there aren't any people who will do nothing all day, equally I haven't met a single stereotypical 'accountant' in the office yet either!

You are treated as a graduate - that even includes the salary. This means there will be a group of you joining (approx 15), who you will get to know well. Also, due to the firm taking placement students on every year, it has been tried and tested so all the procedures and red tape is seamlessly dealt with.

I was surprised in a positive way by the amount the company invests in you. They have put me through training for my first year of my ACA qualification, showing that they are committed to advancing my career. It is very positive and I can't recommend it enough if you wish to become a chartered accountant.

Given the current climate, you want somewhere well paid but secure. Working in audit means you have both as companies are going to need an audit, credit crunch or no credit crunch. At the very least it will be a good stepping stone into the financial industry

You meet everyone on the first day and because it is an island, you get to know everyone very well as you do all your socialising together. This isn't perfect for everyone but for someone coming over with no ties, it is a great way to fit in and feel at home quickly and comfortably.

The only downfall! Accomodation is expensive and scarce, but equally the salary is high enough to compensate this (and then some).

It is like any other town, it's nice places and it's rough places. It isn't spectacular, but when the sun is shining inthe summer you don't need a club when you've got the beach, a bbq and some beers!!!

I joined the social committee when I began and there is something going on at least once a month. From meals, ice skating, golf trips, these are just a few. Normally, if there is something you want to do - there will be someone else in the office that will be up for joining you.