Audit and Assurance Industrial Placement Student Review

My role involved involved completing audit testing on the financial statements of clients. As a result, I had a lot of interaction with the client to ask them questions and discuss our work. There was also a lot of communication within my own team to answer any of my questions and ensure my work could be completed on time. I worked on the audits of a number of different clients throughout the year and was involved in testing many different balances on the financial statements such as cash, receivables, payroll and more.

From the start, I was given a lot of responsibility to test large balances on the financial statements and document my findings but I had many people within my team that I could go to when I had questions about my work. By the end of my placement, I was given responsibility for auditing a small company on my own, only with assistance from a manager when necessary. I had independent calls with the client to discuss my work without assistance from my seniors.

I have learnt a huge amount about accounting and audit and I completed the first two ACA exams during my placement year. I also developed soft skills such as teamworking and communication through interacting with clients as well as with my own team. My confidence has improved following a year of work and I now feel more able to contribute to discussions as well as ask questions. I have also developed time management skills as a result of having to balance studying for ACA exams as well as working.

When I worked in large teams, I had a lot of support from my seniors and there were many people that I could go to with questions. There is also a lot of support from the company regarding the ACA qualification and your professional development from your coach and buddy.
When working in smaller teams, there were fewer people to ask for help from and if they were busy, it sometimes made it difficult to get the support I needed to complete my work.

The company culture was very friendly and I greatly enjoyed working with the wide range of people that I met. They made an effort to organise events even during Covid times and we had a virtual christmas party as well as other virtual events. When restrictions had eased, we also had in person events such as audit meals and a summer party.
During busy season, we had to work long hours and this could be tiring but the company does try to support you where possible during this time.

I enjoyed my placement and learnt a huge amount during the year. I greatly developed my confidence and feel much more confident heading back into the workplace once I graduate. I did find working long hours quite tiring at times and you are put under a lot of pressure to deliver work on time. However, the learning opportunities and chance to work at a Big 4 company is unmatched and as a result I will most likely go back once I have graduated.

Yes