Audit Corporate Assistant Review

The role is an entry-level position in the Industry and Services sector of the audit department, handling the simpler aspects of the audit and some slightly more advanced areas as a way of introducing you to the audit role, and also to complete the certificate-level ACA qualifications. There is in-person mentoring on the jobs, as well as some work to be involved in other areas (still in audit, but other sectors such as public institutions or privately owned businesses)

You're given some responsibility - the firm does not hold your hand throughout the process. You are given some room to make your own mistakes and learn through interactions with the job, but there is a strong culture of learning and improvement. I have never been demeaned in the role, instead with managers and more senior trainees challenging me to critically engage and to reflect on my work, which helps generate a more authentic feeling of ownership around one's work

I have learned a lot more technical, job-specific skills, and also had the chance to develop a lot of soft skills

There are mentors at all levels of the firm, and they foster a strong sense of learning and inquisitiveness. There is quite a flat hierarchy, so you have the opportunity to learn from people at all levels of the corporate ladder, rather than strictly the people one rung above you. Because of this, there is a strong support system and staff feel they can rely on one another to help where there is capacity, allowing everyone to learn and produce good work in a timely manner

The company culture is great - it's relaxed and inquisitive, which means you are free to explore and learn about a lot of different areas of the work and the staff are happy to explain anything you want to know, as well as helping to identify potential weak areas in your work and challenge you to improve them. The flat hierarchy mentioned earlier is a great thing because there is no looming sense of power imbalance with managers and more senior staff - while they are in charge, they are not domineering presences as in other institutions and they are very helpful when it's needed

I have enjoyed it. While the adjustment to a much more sedentary lifestyle has been difficult for someone like me that is energetic and likes to be moving, the work itself has been manageable and the firm have done their best to make me feel part of the team and also to feel as though I am capable of the work. The Early Careers Development (ECD) team are worse than useless, but they are generally avoidable after the initial onboarding. If you must speak to them, include the managers in on all communications - that can be very helpful when trying to move things along

Yes