Audit Assistant Review

Looking back on my placement now, I definitely enjoyed it. Although there were times when it was hard to juggle studying and working full time. The year was a great experience and gave me a great insight into what working life is like.

From the first day, I was made to feel valued by my colleagues and like a part of the team. I was always thanked for the effort and hard work I put in at the end of every project.

On a day to day basis, management encouraged us to ask for help and guidance when we needed. No one, no matter how senior was ever too busy to help or answer a question. Regular meetings are set up with your manager where you can give and receive feedback and any problems or issues can be freely discussed. Also, there is a dedicated team at hand to help with professional examination issues.

Over the whole year, I cannot recall more than a few instances when I wasn't busy. Whilst at clients, there was always something for me to do or help with. Despite the deadlines, if I wasn't familiar with the task assigned to me, the team leader or manager would take the time to make sure I understood what I was doing and why.

I was given substantial responsiblities almost from the very beginning. The work I was given was never re-performed by anyone and I was trusted to interact with clients straight away.

Not only was I taught technical skills relating to auditing. I was also given training and the opportunity to start sitting my professional examinations in order to become ACA qualified. Aside from this, after working sull time for a year and studying at the same time, I've learnt to organise my time better and have a stronger work ethic now I'm back at uni because I know what I'm working towards.

At the Leeds office, the staff work hard and play hard! Even whilst working, there is plenty of banter and even the occasional offcie prank! Whilst everyone is professional, the general atmosphere everyone is relaxed at the same time.

If you are a student doing a placement year, you are treated exactly the same as graduates who are joining the company in the first year of the Graduate Scheme. Placement students are given the same responsibilities and opportunities as everyone else. There were no issues in the general adminisration or setting up of the placement.

I think the company invested quite a lot in my training and development. They paid for all the tuition and exam fees relating to the ACA exams. They also had regular training sessions held in the office as well as longer training courses which sometimes involved staying overnight. I was also invited to a Global Induction when I first started which was held in Toronto!

Before I left, KPMG offered me a job after I complete my degree. This wasn't a big surprise considering the amount of time and money they had invested in me.

There was only one other placement student in the Audit department in Leeds. As we were treated like first years in the Graduate Scheme, we were involved in all their socials and nights out.

Leeds has a reasonably cheap cost of living, especialy when compared to Birmingham or London.

Leeds is great for night life.

There is so much to do in Leeds and the surrounding area. Work didn't really overspill into my personal time (apart from when I was revising!).