Melissa McCahey

Degree subject BCom Commerce (2005); MAcc Accountancy (2006)
Job title Audit Trainee, Financial Services Department
Employer Deloitte

I chose finance for its broad opportunities: it has multiple disciplines in which you can choose to specialise. After taking accountancy at university I decided to become a financial auditor. I found my current employer through a presentation at university and applied through the milkround: I felt their credentials best suited my personality and career objectives. I then had to fill out an application, undergo an aptitude test and attend an interview.

As an auditor, it is my role to look at organisations’ accounts to ensure that figures are accurate and representative. I work both on site in my employer’s offices and off site with clients. A typical day is 9.00 am to 5.15 pm but hours really depend on the job and season: January to March is usually the busiest. One audit can take anything from two weeks to four or five. A big audit demands a bigger team so I can sometimes work with up to three other people. On smaller jobs I have the support of a senior auditor until I am fully trained, which is very reassuring.

During the busy times, I have to manage my time effectively and sometimes have to work longer hours – but the time off in lieu always comes in useful! On the plus side, I get to work with many different people with different backgrounds, which keeps the job interesting. The diversity of clients means that my job is exceptionally mixed.

I have one more set of exams next year before I am qualified. Taking the exams in my second year is really beneficial because I will have had a year’s experience and can apply my on-the-job knowledge. There are 26 other first-years in my office so there is always support at hand.

Job-hunting tips

I would recommend doing an internship to anyone wishing to enter the finance sector. Apply for one in the summer holidays or even during your course if this is practical. It’s definitely a good way to gain insight into the sector before making any decisions. Organisational and communication skills are very important because you will be working with lots of different people.