I am ACCA part Qualified, still studying. I am really interested in taking a pathway
into audit. At the time of this mail I have got no work experience. How can you
help me - even for a voluntary role in audit.
This will help me kick off my path to the profession. I live in the UK and am ready to relocate to
any location
You’re absolutely right to rate
highly the importance of practical work experience – for two
reasons. Firstly, to ensure that you
make your career decision from a fully informed stand point. And secondly, to effectively market yourself
once you have made that decision. Even unpaid work will be valuable in
confirming your suitability for your chosen career and equip you with the
knowledge you need to articulate your strengths and ‘fit’ more effectively to a
prospective employer.
Work shadowing is a great place
to start. Many firms offer this to school leavers as well as those further on
in their studies. Some of the bigger
firms operate formal work shadowing schemes but you also have a good chance
seeking an ad hoc opportunity. You will generally
need to contact the firms directly. But
also consider if you have any contacts who could introduce you to their
organisation and short circuit the application process.
Another way in is to use
networking to build your contacts within the audit profession. You could consider online networking and
forums to find a buddy or a mentor – who could the find you an opening in their
organisation.
Work shadowing can be a great introduction
into an organisation. Once you’re known
around the place, it could provide the break you’re looking for – leading to
further unpaid or paid work.
Of course, the other possibility
is direct entry. Many organisations have direct entry schemes where they’ll
take you on with nil experience, providing on the job training and put you
through the relevant exams if appropriate.
And this is not just Big 4 graduate schemes. There are opportunities for non-graduates in
external and internal audit positions in a vast range of organisations.
That said though, some work
experience will boost your CV. Even if
not audit experience, any commercial exposure will be well-received by prospective
employer. And it will give you a
commercial, practical base from which to make an informed decision on your
chosen career. Take retail work for
example; get the practical experience and use this to appreciate where the role
of an auditor would come in. This sort
of practical understanding and articulation of the role could prove very
beneficial in securing your success at interview.
Good luck!
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