Audit Associate Review
at PKF Smith Cooper
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Audit
Birmingham
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As an Audit Associate, I play a key role in supporting the audit process by examining financial statements, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards such as GAAP or IFRS. My responsibilities include performing audit procedures and testing financial transactions.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have enjoyed the first 6/7 months of my programme at my firm. Throughout my time I have had an audit senior, manager, or a member of the senior team that I can approach for assistance with any issues. There is also a small intake of colleagues who have also joined in the same role.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Within my first 6 months, the company has helped me to progress in audit, my ACA studies, and soft skills. In audit, I have learnt new processes to test assertions and risks within a company's financial performance. The company has been supportive in my ACA studies helping me progress through my certificate level exams. Alongside in-house training sessions and experience with clients to push my confidence and interactions with financial professionals.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The team at my firm organising my programme keep constant open communication to ensure I am kept in the loop and that I am aware of the progress I am making. I receive weekly/monthly check ins with my line manager and the learning and development executive so we can discuss the apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive lots of support from many individuals within my firm. From an audit perspective, all members of the team at my office are approachable and always willing to help me progress my skills.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive lots of support for assistance with exams and other aspects of my qualification from my provider.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The skills/knowledge that I acquire from my training provider help me understand key principles before starting any audit test. My training allows me to have confidence when contributing to financial discussions.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There has been many social activities whilst I have been at the firm. This includes: social events (bowling and darts), sports team ( football and padel), and professional networking events (opening parties, meeting the partners events, and invitations to office drinks after work).
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend PKF Smith Cooper to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend this company to a friend because of the many of the reasons listed above. I have enjoyed my first 6 months. The key reason I would put down to recommending a friend would be how approachable the senior members of staff at the firm are.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PKF Smith Cooper?
I would advise to enjoy the day job and learn as much as you can from others. Also to speak as many people at the company as you can, to get an insight into other departments. My tip would be to take the exams seriously and to focus on a revision structure for outside of work that works for you.
