GetMyFirstJob Ambassador
Hello, I Am Sami P
Tell us more about your experience
Can you describe your job on a day-to-day basis?
As an audit associate. My role is split into 3 areas.
- Liaising with key stakeholders
- Testing areas of financial statements
- Carrying our risk assessments
Firstly, we’re client-facing professionals. Therefore, my role often involves traveling to the client’s office and liaising with key stakeholders. These typically involve the Client’s Finance Team, and C-Level Executives such as the CFO. Testing areas of the financial statements are another key part of my role. It involves looking at each line item, such as Cash or Revenue, and doing procedures to test the accuracy of it, to ensure the financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of the company. Lastly, as an audit associate, I’m responsible for carrying out risk assessment over areas of the business, such as analsying patterns and trends between figures., and identifying potential fraud or unusual trends.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlight of my career has been completing my first Year-End Audit. This involves analysing each financial area of our client, and providing a high level of confidence to shareholders, and other stakeholders, that the figures give a true and fair view. This involved many late nights, working within the wider teams, and gaining exposure into different types of work.
What has been the biggest challenge of your career so far?
The biggest challenge of my career has been my exams. Doing the final Level 4 AAT qualification exams, which give exemptions for the ACA, whilst balancing work can be challenging. It required strong time management, and being able to set boundaries between work, and studying. Professional-level exams, typically being 2-3 hours, can also be difficult, and requires ample preparation.
What sort of support network do you have at your company?
The Firm provides plenty of support. Firstly, we have 1-1 coaching with colleagues during work hours, where they take the time to go through workloads and answers any questions I have. Secondly, they’re several networks at the Firm, such as the Muslim Network or Neurodiversity network, which provide support and hold regular socials and opportunities to catch-up and talk through things. We also have a wellbeing team, who share regular insights into how to maintain wellbeing and have a support line for all colleagues.
What will happen at the end of your apprenticeship? Have you discussed this with your employer?
Yes, a full time role is offered at the end of the apprenticeship, as long as all examinations and apprenticeship trainings are completed.
What would be your words of advice to someone thinking about doing an apprenticeship?
Firstly, be curious. Try to ask current degree apprentices what they do in their role, attend insight days and work experiences to learn about your desired industry, and do research into the apprenticeship to see if it’ll something they excites and motivates you. Secondly, stay consistent in your applications. Myself, and most apprentices I know, have faced rejections from over 15 firms before securing an offer. But by consistently making high-quality applications, you’ll maximsise your chances. Lastly, always consider the qualifications you’re pursuing. Most apprenticeships offer professional qualifications, such as the ACA, whereas others provide academic qualifications such as a university degree or BTEC qualifications. Think about exploring your options, and learn which qualifications would benefit you long-term.