Audit Associate Graduate Apprenticeship

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 auditassignments Performing audit tests in line with the firm's 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 expectations 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

Training:
The successful applicant will train with First Intuition. Undergoing a level 7 ICAEW Professional Apprenticeship Depending on the successful applicant, the role can either begin in June or September You will participate in a structured ICAEW apprenticeship in pursuit of the ACA qualification at level 7. The qualification blends classroom and online learning with on-the-job practical work experience and is a highly respected, globally recognised professional qualification leading to Chartered Accountant status

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 7 will begin their career as an Audit Associate, with the opportunity to progress to Audit Semi-Senior as you progress through your qualification 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,Organisation skills,Problem solving skills,Administrative skills,Number skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working,Patience,Enthusiasm,Strong interpersonal skills,Positive,Honesty,Commitment to Self - Improving