Audit Placement Review

I really did not know what to expect with a placement in accountancy. I'd never heard anyone working for GT, only the big 4 (and the stories weren't great). However, now I have finished my placement I have really enjoyed it and would recommend GT as an accountancy practise to work for. The people are all great, I felt valued by management and the social side it really good too.

I felt valued by every member of the team from fellow associates to management and even partner's. Whatever work you did you got a thank you which is really motivating.

I thought the management were always there to help. It is quite difficult at the beginning to get to grips with the work and I thought management helped me a lot with training me in what I had to do. I thought the best approach at GT was just to say I didn't understand as managers do not want to see you struggling and will go out their way to help you which was really positive.

I did not know what to expect at the beginning of the placement as to how busy I would be. The first couple of weeks were slow however after the first training G session at the National facility in London we were put to work and given tasks all the time which is good and helps the day go quicker. Typically Audit has a busy season from January to June which can be hectic, but juggling all of the workload can be strangely fun at times. Sometimes I did feel bogged down but it is easy to speak to your line manager if things are getting on top of you.

I wouldn't say I was particularly running the show, however, for the position. And the amount of experience I had I was given a lot of responsibility during the year. I was able to take control of the work I was doing and take different parts of the Audit for myself and make them my own which was good. Autonomy I felt was really good as you could be left to your own devices on client site and as for help when necessary.

The skils I have learnt from GT and auditing will help me In my degree and beyond so much. I have become undoubtedly more confident when speaking to a client which will help me giving presentations at University. I have also been able to work in loads of different teams with many different personalities which will help when getting put into groups at University. My time management skills have developed a lot too.

The atmosphere in the Leeds office is great. Most of the workforce in the Audit department are going (below 30) therefore there are so many people to get a long with. The office is quite relaxed but there is a push for hard work. I thought though the environment was good and friendly and you could approach anyone and every was always open to help you and you didn't feel like you were bothering them. Fridays are dress down which is good and people like to go out after work then too.

The placement was set up well. There was structure in how we could develop as people and in our roles within Audit. The company set up days where we would go to the National training centre in London to develop presentation skills with the placement students from all other offices across the country.

The firm invests heavily in the development of all its employees and placement students are no exception. We were basically treated like graduates (without college) so we got to attend the training courses I'm London at the great manor house. There were also sessions every quarter for Audit technical training which helps you get better and your job. From what I have heard from other students on placement, none have had the opportunities I have had at GT in terms of development.

The future prospects are appealing with GT. I have recently been offered my graduate job and have accepted. There is a clear structure of progression in the company which is good to help me know where I should be in 5 years.

Yes, the social scene is really good at the company. Colleagues like to go out on a Friday and you can find at least a few people wanting to do something each week. Every quarter there is an event with drinks with the whole office which is good. There are also other events during the year such as the Xmas party and the annual ball. The only time is it a bit quiet is when exams are happening for the graduates but that is understandable.

Leeds is not that expensive in relation to other cities further South. There are expensive places to social and places that are good value. With the competitive salary it makes it easier to be able to afford more things. Living in Leeds can be quite expensive with rent in the centre. Best option is to live further out in a place with a train station or at home like I did if you are from Leeds.

Leeds nightlife is great. There are loads of different things for a lot of different tastes. You have got all the clubs and trendy bars around Call Lane. There are also good pubs and restaurants to eat at. Leeds had it all and you can be easily out until 6am some nights.

There were loads of things to get involved in outside of work such as a football team for the guys and a netball team for the ladies. There were also opportunities to attend networking events and meet loads of different young professionals.