Internship Review at Audit Commission

The Role

Role Description

• Reviewing financial statements to identify consistency with IFRS and SORP
• Arranging and leading regular one-to-one client meetings to gather audit evidence
• Completing audit of European Regional Development Grants
• Reviewing and certifing taxation arrangements for UK North East businesses

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

A lot of work to do, responsibility all the way through, but no training provided.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

They treat you like a regular employee from the day one

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

All colleagues were friendly. A great support from the 3rd year trainee auditor and team leader

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Sometimes very busy, but much less work on Fridays when most of the clients leave early

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Responsibility to audit grants (ERDF, business rates and Teachers' Pensions). They give you the guidance and a deadline to complete. Also have a chance to work alongside the trainee auditor and team leader on the audit of the local government. In overall, responsibility depends on the previous accounting knowledge (hard to audit financial statements if no knowledge of the B/S and I/S)

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Boosted confidence and communication skills. Improved accountancy knowledge

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Small office, so generally calm

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

You don't really feel like an intern, more like a first year audit trainee, which is an advantage

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

No training was provided during the internship, although not much neccessary. Candidates are expected to quickly understand the audit proceess and build relationships with the clients

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

• National Travel
• Company Parties/Events
• Working from home
• Healthcare/Dental

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

They don't make you an offer at the end of the internship. Audit Commission is the top choice if one is looking for the career in the public sector audit. They have a competitive starting salary, bonuses for completing CIPFA exam, excellent training and support

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There was a one-day meeting in Manchester, where I met all the other interns. Also celebrate birthdays togethers

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Newcastle is one of the best nightlife destinations in Europe. Cost of living in the city and nearby areas (Gateshead and Sunderland) is cheap compared to the rest of the England

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Excellent

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 1/10

Perhaps there are some at the main office

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

Research the UK Public Sector before the interview. They certainly like people who have an interest in the sector and are motivated to work in audit

Review 7/9 for Audit Commission

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