Jess Jones

What was the graduate assessment process like?

My interviewers looked beyond whether I had a financial background and were interested in me as an individual and where I wanted my career to go.  I wasn’t made to sit numeracy and cognitive reasoning tests or expected to have technical knowledge already.

There were maths and accountancy students at my assessment day, but the tasks were more creative, so it felt like more of a level playing field compared to others I’d been to.  This is typical of the SRLV approach and work ethic.

Did anything surprise you when you started your training?

As a language graduate, I thought that becoming an audit junior and studying for the ACA exams would feel like a big change, but I hardly noticed the difference.  There are so many transferable skills inherent to the work which I wasn’t aware of.

What work can you expect to do as a trainee?

My first job was drafting client engagement letters.  Following that, I began helping with accounts preparation and testing key audit areas, such as expenditure, cash and bank, and wages.  I worked on a number of clients which meant no audit was the same. I quickly gained experience across a variety of industries that were of personal interest, which kept me constantly engaged and motivated.

The firm trusts and respects your ability. Trainees often progress quickly and once qualified enough, within two years can carry out a full engagement under the supervision of managers and partners, which isn’t something every audit firm offers. They also consider your interests, so if you prefer auditing within specific industries, they do their best to facilitate this.

Do you have any tips for SRLV’s interview/assessment days?

Be yourself 100% – individuality is what this company appreciates!  As part of the assessment day, everyone gets to do a presentation about something they’re interested in.  You’re encouraged to be as creative as possible.

Be original and don’t be afraid – it’s true that they actually don’t want you to talk about hot topics in finance!  For my assessment, I did a presentation about my passion for hockey and other topics ranged from aviation to coffee production.

Was there anything memorable about joining SRLV?

The audit partners meet everyone at our graduate assessment events.  Many months later on my first day, a partner who I’d met came over to say hello.  He remembered my name and that I was Welsh and immediately introduced me to another partner who was also from Wales.  All the partners know your name here.  I have friends training at other firms who aren’t known by their partners in quite the same way.

Is there anything different about SRLV’s training programme?

The audit ACA training contract at SRLV is four years, which gives you greater flexibility to study at your own pace.  I recently took a six-month break from my exams, for example.  Although it may sound like a good idea to be ACA qualified in three years, trainees often find that it isn’t practical.   It can also feel intense when you’re studying for exams and working, so it’s important to have a good work/life balance, which SRLV encourages us in.

All the partners and staff know the trainees here.  It makes you feel safe and valued.  You are constantly supported; they ask how you are and do everything they can to ensure you get the right help when you need it.