Apprentice Audit Associate

As an Audit Associate, you will have the operational responsibility of providing clients with high quality audit services throughout the fieldwork stage of the audit in compliance with firm procedures and assisting in the evaluation of client internal controls.

Key responsibilities include (but are not limited to): 

Assisting the Audit team with the planning and administration of audit assignments Performing audit tests in line with firm methodology to ensure client financial information is accurate Accurately documenting the required information for sales and purchase invoices, bank statements, payroll records and other sources of data to conclude that transactions have been processed accurately Drafting key client documents including engagement letters for manager review Communicating progress to management, detailing when tasks fall behind planned budgets, and seeking additional tasks if budgets have been outperformed Communicating, with assistance, with clients across a range of mediums including email and in-person to conclude on transactions which do not immediately meet expectation Referencing client financial statements to ensure that sufficient and appropriate audit work has been performed in each audit section Identifying areas for improvement in client systems and communicating these to management Completion of the required level of study, including passing all exams, regularly updating apprenticeship learning journals, training files, etc. Understanding the principles of cybersecurity and how to work safely online Understanding the key role that the finance function plays for our clients and the principles of professional ethics and codes of conduct in a finance environment Applying professional judgement, maintaining and applying a critical eye to transactions and trends within groups of transactions, for reasonableness Completion of all necessary training outlined in the firmwide training plan

You will develop a broad range of technical skills, beginning with the fundamentals of audit testing, UK GAAP and ISAs. As you progress, you will move on to identifying common issues in client accounting, independently completing straightforward audit sections such as detailed testing and lead schedules.

You will build on your existing written and verbal communication skills, becoming more confident in managing professional relationships with colleagues and clients. You will gain experience using a variety of finance and IT systems. Over time, you will apply your technical knowledge to client work, explaining audit requests to the client independently and clearly, and considering the necessary remedy to common issues identified in client accounting.

You will also build on your team skills, in time helping other colleagues to develop by sharing your learning and experience. Ultimately, this role will provide a strong foundation for a successful career in audit.

Training:
The successful applicant will train with First Intuition Leeds Limited, undergoing a level 3 AAT qualification Depending on the successful applicant, the role can either begin in June or September

Training Outcome:
Parsons offers a clear career pathway for apprentices with a role map and competency frameworks outlining the required skills, behaviours and capabilities expected at each stage of your career Those joining at Level 3 will begin their career as an Audit Associate, with the opportunity to progress to Audit Semi-Senior as further qualifications are achieved and performance criteria are met As you become more experienced and autonomous in your work, you will assist in supporting and developing less experienced colleagues through their studies and day-to-day responsibilities Promotion to Audit Senior is achievable around the point of ACA qualification Qualified colleagues in due course may be promoted to a managerial position, such as an Audit Assistant Manager, and beyond this, further progression is available into team management and leadership roles where appropriate

Employer Description:

Parsons provides an array of accountancy services to local and international clients. We serve clients ranging from small owner-managed businesses to large corporations across multiple service lines including audit, statutory accounts preparation, tax compliance and advisory, and corporate finance. Our priorities are to provide business owners peace of mind that their finances are legally compliant, and to provide additional value to help our clients achieve both business and individual financial objectives. The firm is built upon our four corporate values – ambition, clarity, positivity and trust.

Team overview

Audit comprises a growing team of 13 relationship-driven professionals who solve problems on a daily basis to add value to our clients. In recent years the Audit team has rapidly expanded to support over 40 clients and over £600,000 of annualised fees. The team provides assurance services which are vital to our client base – ensuring their business controls are operating appropriately and other providers of finance with confidence as to the accuracy of the financial statements. The Audit team services clients that turnover between £10m and £130m across a variety of sectors. The vast majority of our clients are statutory audits in the private sector with a small number of pension scheme, charity and academic audits, providing a full array of services clients.

Working Hours :
Monday- Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm, with a 1-hour unpaid lunch break.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Administrative skills,Number skills,Analytical skills,Team working,Open and honest,Self-motivated,Flexible and proactive,Customer focused,Able to make decisions,Able to use initiative,Able to work under pressure,Able to work to deadlines,Confident communicator,Strong interpersonal skills,Committed to the qualification,Microsoft Office skills,Enthusiasm,Commitment to Self - Improving