Audit associate Review
at PKF Smith Cooper
Degree Apprenticeship
Audit
Derby
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
4.6/5
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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
My role was to audit the financial statements of various clients, ranging from manufacturing companies to service providers. I went onsite to client premises and also worked remotely either from home or from the office.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoyed learning new skills, and developing my client relationships. I felt supported in my role and valuable training was provided to assist my day to day work. I enjoyed going to college and challenging myself, to study alongside working full time.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I learnt new excel skills to assist in analytics. Communication skills with colleagues and clients, and how to present to groups. I developed technical skills and knowledge of FRS 102 and IFRS. Time management and organisation skills were also developed, allowing me to manage audits effectively.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
It was well structured. I had block release to college to study, and was given plenty of warning. I was provided with training for new audit areas as I progressed in my role, allowing me to fully lead an audit. There was an internal training plan for audit, as well as soft skills training.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I was well supported. I felt I could ask my colleagues anything about the qualification or day to day work, as everyone is in the same boat! My line manager was very helpful answering admin questions relating to booking college etc. Members of the team were keen to see your progression and helped you to achieve this.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The tutors at Kaplan were very knowledgeable and answered questions I had whilst studying over email, and also in the classroom - no issues with the tuition side. The talent coach I was assigned could have been better, as she changed her opinion on my apprenticeship work multiple times which was unhelpful
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualification is essential for the job role, as testing is performed to ensure the clients figures and accounting is in line with the relevant standards (FRS 102 / IFRS) which is learnt at college. Audit details are also learnt at college, as well as types of testing that should be performed, and analytical techniques.
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
PKF Smith Cooper hosts quarterly socials for the different offices, and there are also departmental socials. For example, the Derby office has hosted quizzes, rounders events and bowling. There are also NCASS events to get involved in, such as football and netball, along with the annual ball and boat party. The firm is also partnered with Derby Young Professionals which hosts networking events.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend PKF Smith Cooper to a friend?
Yes
Why?
There is opportunity for career progression and you feel well supported in your role. You do not feel like a cog in a machine, it is very personable. I have enjoyed my 5 years working here.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PKF Smith Cooper?
Work hard and show dedication to the qualification and your role. Be yourself and get involved with the social aspects of the role as it makes bonding with your team so much easier!
