Case studies: Audit assistant: Charlotte Pitts-Humphries

Charlotte is an audit assistant in the Infrastructure, Government and Healthcare (Public Sector) department at KPMG. She graduated with BA Geography at The University of Birmingham.

I have taken a slightly protracted route into this sector, as initially intimidated by the tests and assessment centres of the ‘Big 4’ accountancy firms, I opted to work for a much smaller accountants firm and began my training there. However, progress was slow and I found myself doing the same junior roles for a long time so I decided to look again at the bigger companies. I applied to KPMG - listed as The Times number one company to work for - and was offered a position as a graduate trainee. 

The tests are hard and the assessment centre is daunting, but it is fair and you are aware of what competencies are being looked for so I would say to anyone, go for it, if you are confident in your abilities you have nothing to fear.

Although my degree is not related to my job, some of the skills I developed are useful, for example statistical analysis, presentation experience, time-management skills and research techniques.

I generally work a nine to five week, however the location often varies and I spend the majority of my time at the client’s premises. The timing may change depending on the client’s hours of work.

Working in public sector audit, our department concentrates on education, healthcare, government and housing, although we can cover any area of the public sector. In my first month in the role I worked at a housing association, a mental health NHS Trust, a university and in the office for a week.

We ensure that what the organisation puts into its accounts and annual reports is actually correct, accurate and acceptable within auditing guidelines. Testing the figures within the accounts often requires speaking to many staff at the client’s premises. Obtaining the answers and evidence required is a very enjoyable part of the job

Primarily, my first ambition is to get qualified and promoted to a position where I will be in charge of individual jobs, although long-term I would like to progress to senior manager.

I find meeting clients and colleagues enjoyable and refreshing and it is also fascinating to see the way public sector organisations function.

A challenging aspect of the job is that it can be difficult to get the answer you require from clients, either because the client does not have the information you require, or if the relevant person is absent etc.

There are so many benefits to working in this sector; one of the best is the structured professional development route which leads to qualifications. Also, the training I receive in the workplace really helps me to progress.

Audit and accountancy covers an extremely broad spectrum: from working with small sole trader businesses helping them compile their statutory accounts to auditing household names often for weeks at a time. I would therefore advise that you research prospective employers, look at their people profiles and career websites to decide what roles you think you would find most enjoyable.

You do not have to have studied maths to be an accountant. If you can think logically, are good at problem-solving and can get on with people, no matter their background, then you possess the qualities you need to be a successful auditor.