ACA Trainee Level 1 Review

Item: ACA Trainee Level 1 at Cooper Parry
Rating: 4.9
Author: Anonymous

at Cooper Parry

Degree Apprenticeship

Audit

Manchester

Review Submitted: April 2025

Overall Rating

4.9 /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!

4.5/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

5/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

4/5

On a day-to-day basis, I will be either conducting audit tests, preparing to conduct audit tests or working on the completion steps of an audit, preparing documents to be submitted to higher authorities. I also take time to study at Kaplan in preparation for exams.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

I enjoy my programme immensely. Every single day there is something new to learn or a different problem to solve, whether it be in the classroom or when conducting audit fieldwork. There's always something new to learn and the support that I receive from the people around me ensures that it never gets frustrating.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

Before taking on this role, my accounting exposure was very limited. I have since learned a lot about the audit process and, through Kaplan and auditing various companies belonging to many different sectors, have learnt even more about the wider accountancy sector as well.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

5/5

Once you're stuck in, the programme is well structured and quite regular so there are no nasty surprises. I am currently at certificate level and am completing one exam per month at a steady, unrushed pace whilst also working, when not spending time in a classroom. It's a schedule which balances well with the amount of content in the exams.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

I receive a lot of support from my employer. There is always someone to ask questions and to clarify answers with and the time off to exclusively study around exams is also very welcome. There are also other students in cohorts ahead of me whom I can ask questions to. If there ever any worries, where will always be someone with the answers.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

5/5

A lot of support is given from Kaplan. You receive a file of everything you need to know when studying for an exam, access to ICAEW study materials, classroom learning where you can ask questions with your peers or in private if necessary. You can also email or call to receive extra support and there will also be your personal tutor to help.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

5/5

My qualification absolutely helps me perform better in my role. Before this career, I could not really explain what a debit or a credit was. The training is integral to helping me perform better in my role by providing me with wider accounting information which is necessary to be a good auditor.

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 are lots of extra-curricular activities available at work and a system which easily allows even more clubs to be formed and funded. There are sports clubs, games clubs, breakfast clubs and a wide variety of company recreational events and seasonal workshops also available like Christmas wreathmaking and Easter raffles.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Cooper Parry to a friend?

Yes

Why?

I actually did recommend Cooper Parry to a relative. The company is a great place for anyone who wants to get into accounting, not just audit, due to its wide specialisations, supportive apprenticeship programmes and lively atmosphere which will make anyone feel welcome.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Cooper Parry?

No matter where you are in terms of accounting experience, it's the ability to think critically and keep a positive attitude which will net you the opportunities that you want. The learning will never stop.

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