Accounting Services 12 Month Placement Review

Based in the UKAS Compilations team, I prepared year-end accounts for small companies exempt from audit and larger entities eligible for reduced disclosure exemptions under FRS 102.
I used CaseWare and Microsoft Excel to perform a range of tasks, including:
Accounts checks: Reviewed draft accounts to identify errors, inconsistencies, and omissions — both quantitative and qualitative in nature.
Accounts updates: Amended accounts to resolve issues raised by managers or directors, ensuring they showed a 'true and fair view'.
Completing workbooks: Produced and compiled supporting documentation for each financial statement within a set of accounts.
XBRL tagging: Assigned standardised identifiers to specific data points within the accounts for HMRC e-filing purposes.

Yes, I was given significant responsibility throughout my placement, particularly after the first couple of months. From then on, I began emailing and visiting clients directly, as well as liaising with colleagues across different departments. The smaller scale of many of my assignments meant I often led engagements independently, with minimal oversight from anyone other than managers and directors. On larger engagements, I collaborated with an in-charge accountant but still carried out the majority of the fieldwork.

I have built on my technical accounting knowledge from university in a deep and broad sense by working on a large number and range of engagements.
Beyond technical skills, this year has strengthened my confidence interacting with clients, enhanced my communication, and taught me to manage priorities under pressure. Time management, teamwork, and resilience have all become key parts of my toolkit.

I received strong support and guidance throughout my placement year. Before I joined, and during my first three months, I was paired with a buddy who I could approach with any job-related questions, whether technical or general. I also had a people manager throughout the year who provided valuable guidance on training, admin, study, and future career planning—support that was instrumental in helping me secure a graduate scheme with Grant Thornton. Moreover, everyone at GT was extremely approachable; the inclusive, people-focused culture encouraged me to ask questions freely, and colleagues were always willing to help.

The culture was incredibly inclusive and people-oriented, particularly supportive for those early in their careers. My department organised quarterly social events, along with plenty of smaller activities such as the newsletter, social and technical committees, office football, and away days. There was also a generous paid volunteering scheme. These opportunities helped me build strong connections with my team, both professionally and personally. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that everyone I worked with was a pleasure to collaborate with, thanks to the genuine respect shown for each other’s differences.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year, as it allowed me to grow both professionally and personally—boosting my confidence, strengthening my accounting knowledge, developing valuable life skills, building meaningful connections, and ultimately securing my future with a graduate role.

Yes