Audit Associate Review

It was fantastic experience to ease the transition between University life and the world of work. I also received a job offer which takes the pressure off my final year at university. We were given a schedule on the first induction day detailing every day our internship. I spent time in the office, on client site, at their Buckinghamshire training facility Bradenham Manor and spent a week on an all-expenses paid away job in London.

From day one I was treated like a first year associate - not an intern. I was relied upon to complete important sections of the Audit file independently although support was always a question away. On each job the in charge accountant (ICA) would helpfully explain every task he gave me and how it related to the wider picture of the Audit.

On the third induction day each intern met with their line manager who discussed our goals for the internship. Two weeks in we reconvened to discuss progress and in the last few days we completed a full self-performance review and worked with our manager to review our goal completion. At each client every colleague offered helpful tips and advice with any questions, no matter how small, actively encouraged. The relaxed atmosphere in the team helped me settle in quickly.

As I mentioned each day was planned ahead with ample work making the days fly by. There was also no pressure/rush to complete sections of the audit but there were always additional tasks, especially in the office, to keep you busy if you did finish early.

Each task was necessary to the completion of the audit as I worked on Revenue, Cash and Bank, Employee Rem, VAT and Stock sections. I was given a diverse range of tasks including working on the internal software program Voyager, cross checking bank statements and purchase invoices, discussing payments with the client and relating them to the credit ledger and creating Directors Emolument certificates. Furthermore as interns we were given a challenge to raise money for our local office charity.

The confidence and indepedence gained from preparing then presenting to Senior management has provided vital experience for any future presentations I may be required to give.

I was onsite most of the time where the atmosphere was very relaxed and informal which made the day fly by.

It was extremely well organised as I have mentioned before.

We were treated like first year trainees and there was a genuine sense that they wanted you to suceend

The career progression is clear and attaintable.

There were office events and such but being onsite most of the time meant it was difficult to get involved.

Birmingham was surprisingly cheap and the nightlife is really good; lots of varied clubs,pubs and cocktail bars.

Close to Broad street so it had everything you could want on a night out.

There were some events and sports teams.