Professional Internal Audit, Level 7
What made you choose this apprenticeship?
My first degree was in accounting and finance. My first couple of jobs were in transactional finance and I found that with my dyspraxia, which affects my processing skills, that I was struggling to process for that type of job. Whereas this apprenticeship programme gives more of an overview to understand how the processes work and help teams to do their job better.
What has your journey been like?
I started in September and I’m near to the end of my 6 month probation period. I’m studying with Birmingham City University and I’ve just done my first exam. I’m enjoying it and I’m involved in different types of audit.
I’m learning on the job. Each organisation works differently and it is nice to understand the difference and how to apply my learning. I had an opportunity to observe an Audit Committee where internal audits report to. I was able to see how the internal auditors interact with the stakeholders. IA is interesting to define. There are many aspects to make sure that things are correct; to make sure that the business is delivering what the client has asked for. We help the business plan for the future in setting up the correct controls to do their job properly. We are the first barrier before the external auditors come in.
My lectures are one day a week and this is a nice balance between studying and working. In the first month, I read through the BCC policies and documents about internal audits.
I have 3 modules a year, with an exam at the end of each one. Right now, I’m studying for the professional qualification which is the Certified Internal Auditor.
My first degree covered some of this learning but this is much more specific. It’s a niche area of finance because you are part of the business, but not part of the business. In BCC we are integrated into the local authority.
What challenges have you faced during your apprenticeship?
My dyspraxia brings about challenges especially with my English skills. I have software to help me to process the information.
I knew I would be supported better doing an apprenticeship. My team gives me plenty of support as I learn on the job. I feel more supported this way than if I went into a job straight after university.
What life skills is your apprenticeship teaching you?
I have learnt to improve the type of language used when talking to clients. It has helped me to adapt to working at Bristol City Council by having the time to talk to the clients that we are auditing.
What are your plans once you have completed?
I hope to be a qualified internal auditor and move on to be a manager, but I’m concentrating on the first step which is my degree.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship?
I would definitely recommend apprenticeships as it is a great way to give you a platform to branch off. For those who don’t have the academic skills, it provides the same pathway for those who did go to university. It provides a level playing field. For people like me with a specific learning difficulty, I feel that apprenticeships can help me reach my potential.
