Sonia Orchant - KPMG - Trainee Chartered Accountant

Name: Sonia Orchant
Age: 25
Degree/university: 2.1 in Mathematics from the University of Southampton
Year of graduation: 2005
Occupation: Trainee chartered accountant within Financial Services Audit, KPMG

What do you do in your job?
The overall aim of auditing is to determine whether or not the financial statements of a particular client are true and fair. The actual work involved in that depends on the size of the client and the nature of the industry. I work in insurance, so I generally work on a set of financial accounts that are both technical and non-technical. As an audit assistant, I initially spent time on lower-risk areas. But in developing my technical knowledge, I have broadened the range of areas I work on.

Typical activities include researching and analysing the financial data, performing benchmarking exercises, speaking to the client and planning work with colleagues. I study for my ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) qualification alongside client engagements. Predominantly, we are based at the clients' premises. This makes sense, because a lot of time is spent talking to them about what's in their file.

What was your motivation in applying?
I wanted a challenging career and financial services experience. I was also looking for something that would give me professional experience, as well as a qualification. The qualification I'm studying for generally takes two-and-a-half years of studying alongside your normal job. But you also need to gain technical experience, so it winds up taking three years. I chose KPMG because I wanted to work for a firm that would enable me to take on responsibility quickly and that had a strong corporate culture.

What did the application process involve?
Initially, I had to fill in an online application, as well as doing some online verbal, numerical and financial assessments. After that, there was an initial competency-based interview. Finally, there was an assessment day, which had an in-tray exercise, a group exercise involving a short presentation, and a final partner interview.

What do you enjoy about your job?
It's incredibly varied - no two days are the same. It's also fast-paced. As soon as we've learnt a task, we progress quickly onto something more developed. We're kept on our toes. I enjoy that constant focus on new things. I also like always working with new people. Both the clients, and the teams we work in, change regularly, which makes the job very social.

Most challenging part of your job?
Juggling studying for exams and gaining audit skills and industry-specific skills. In the first few months, it feels like a lot that we're taking on board. But it does gradually get better. By the end of the first year, I and all my colleagues agreed that we were comfortable with the role.

Advice to readers considering a career in your field:
If you're still at university, apply for internships. It's a strong introduction to the role. Even if you choose not to work for the company where you do the internship, you gain a good insight into what the roles actually involve.

The Lowdown:
Today's auditors have to be extremely diligent and focused because of the extra controls and methodologies brought in post-Enron. "As a career, it's also now more intellectually challenging because businesses are more complex," adds Tony Osude, head of business partnerships at ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).

The Big Four accountancy firms take in 750-1,000 auditors a year. You can also work for other accountancy firms. Around half move out of auditing once qualified, into fields such as corporate finance and risk management. Starting salaries in the Big Four tend to be £22,000-plus. "When you qualify, that moves up to around £38,000-£45,000. It then rises every year," says Tony.

A spokesperson for PricewaterhouseCoopers says that for those who stay in auditing, there are many opportunities to specialise - and not just in an industry area. "Auditors can also specialise in support for deals and transactions, risk management or due diligence services."

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Related tags: KPMG , ICAEW, Mathematics & Other Numerical Disciplines, ACA, Southampton (University of)