Ben
Office: London
University: University of East Anglia
Degree: BA (Hons) Business Economics
Describe a typical day in the audit department:
One of the great things about working in audit is that there isn’t really a typical day, as our clients are so varied in size and the industries in which they operate. Most audit assignments involve working in teams of varying sizes at clients’ premises, which are all over the country, so there are lots of opportunities to work with different people and learn about different areas of the economy.
What made you choose UHY Hacker Young?
UHY Hacker Young stood out to me because of its broad and varied client base and the diverse range of client exposure that it can offer, which I feel is particularly important to a trainee because of the learning opportunities that this brings. The size of the firm was another key attraction for me, as being part of a smaller group of trainees means that we have more input into our own development while ensuring that we gain experience in working in a range of businesses.
Do you tend to work late into the evenings or a lot of weekends?
Some audit assignments require working outside of the normal 9.30-5.30 routine, but this is always within reason. Working towards the ACA involves a lot of commitment and giving up time in the evenings and at the weekends to study is inevitable. However, the firm is very understanding and gives us time to study after busy audit periods.
What makes a good auditor?
I’d say that someone who’s adaptable, well-organised and confident in asking questions will make a good auditor. It’s also very important to be a team-player and to communicate well with people from different backgrounds.
What is the atmosphere like at UHY Hacker Young?
I really like the atmosphere here! From day one you feel part of the UHY team and everyone’s really friendly and approachable and always willing to help. There’s a diverse mix of people here too, which often leads to some very interesting conversations!
What do you like most about your role?
One of the best things about audit is that you get to work with different people, all of the time. This extends not just to the clients you’re working for, but also to the teams you’re working in. Going out to clients’ offices is another great part of the job; I’m always going to new places and working directly with all kinds of clients.
What is the most challenging thing about your role?
The biggest challenge of the role has to be managing the substantial workload that comes with studying towards the ACA outside of normal working hours. After a long day it can be tough to get back and hit the books but the satisfaction of getting through the exams makes it all worthwhile!
