Internal Audit Undergraduate Review

My job role gave me a really good platform to explore different business operations. Being my first job in a corporate environment, I have been able to appreciate how different business areas successfully work together, but also to identify areas I could potentially see myself working in for a future career in the financial industry.

I really appreciated that I was treated as a team member and not just an Undergraduate, this was something felt by both my immediate team and the wider company. My team have always been open to new ideas from me, which made me feel like my opinions were valued. We built a really strong relationship throughout the year.

My manager and team gave me enough guidance and support so I knew where to get started with tasks, but not too much that I wasn't able to find my own ways of working. I really appreciated this form of management, I think it has been important for me to find my own feet, whilst knowing that the support is there should I need it.

Due to the nature of auditing, we have very busy periods during fieldwork, and quieter periods once the audit has wrapped up. It meant being proactive with my time - I have been studying towards my ACCA qualification so was able to use the quieter periods to focus on this whilst also researching for upcoming audits.

I was given far more responsibility than I had thought, being treated as a member of the team and not just an Undergrad, my team really appreciated my opinions. I had my own personal tasks, as well as taking ownership of sections of the audits, whether this be through testing of data or investigating business processes by holding meetings with the business.

Although my role was not directly related to Accountancy, I was fortunate during my time to be involved in Finance specific audits, where I was able to use what I have learnt so far in my degree. Using my years placement towards my ACCA qualification has allowed me to meet nearly all of the objectives, plus the time spent working has contributed to my 3 years experience required. My confidence and communication skills have increased massively since working with VWFS, which is something I can take forward with me to any future career.

I was fortunate to be a part of a really great team, who got on really well together both socially and whilst working together. The overall office atmosphere throughout the building always seemed a friendly one, there were lots of people throughout the company that wanted to see you do well.

We had a familiarization event 2 months before we were due to start placement, for our cohort to meet each other and be able to work out who we were living with if we were relocating. I was in communication with a member of my team prior to starting, who was there to offer support in anything I'd needed.

I was supported to continue my ACCA qualification, as one of my manager's was qualified so could authorize my experience and objectives. There were several LifeSkills sessions set up for us throughout the year, these included topics such as Powerful Presentations, Excel, creating and sustaining a good LinkedIn profile and understanding tax codes.

From speaking to other colleagues, as well from my own personal experience, the company is definitely one that looks after their employees. There wasn't a time during my work placement where I didn't want to go to work, the building itself is open and spacious and the people are friendly, making you feel like a part of the company.

We had a really good group this year, there was 27 of us and we all got on really well together. As half of us had relocated, we spent a lot of time together both inside and out of work. Speaking to other friends that have relocated for their placement year with a smaller Undergrad intake, they haven't enjoyed placement year as much as they've not been able to have that social aspect outside of work.

Cost of socializing was standard city prices. I thought the cost of living would be more than what it was, as we're only an hours train ride away from London. Compared to rental prices in Uni, I paid the same this year as what I have for Uni accommodation, so was getting far better value for money in Milton Keynes.

MK has more bars than night clubs. I enjoy going to bars, but not great if you prefer more of the club scene. However, as we had such a good group of Undergrads we still managed to have good nights out regardless. MK is only half hour away from London on the fast train, train prices being fairly cheap too so that was always an option if we wanted to have a better night/day out.

I had several outings with my team outside of work, whether that be going for dinner or drinks. I volunteered on the Midnight Walk that was arranged to raise money for Willen Hospice, a charity we support at VWFS. There were a few of us from the company that had signed up as a team to take place in the Wolf Run.