Robert Scott, an Audit Senior in our Aberdeen team looks back on his traineeship so far, giving an insight into his day-to-day role as well as top tips for future trainees.

What do you do?

I am currently in my 2nd year of my CA traineeship working within Aberdeen’s corporate team. This involves working with variety of audit clients across a broad range of industries ranging from Food & Drink to Oil & Gas.

Why JC?

It’s a question a lot of potential trainees ask! Firstly JC’s track record of success at the Scottish Accountancy Awards is a big factor. Additionally what I’ve found is that JC are big enough to provide trainees with experience in multiple business areas - a key focus within JC is for students get a broad variety of in-depth experience across many industry sectors,  but also we’re not too large that you feel like you’re ‘just a number’. You really do get individual recognition for your work and ideas.

What are the opportunities on offer?

For me it’s been working as part of a team auditing a variety of large clients across the Aberdeen area. This has involved various trips around the UK.

I’ve also had the opportunity to work on the initial information gathering process for new clients. The process involves understanding their business dynamic, goals and risks to really develop a picture of that client’s business. This is not only an interesting task to undertake and makes you feel closer to the client, it also provides essential information for the rest of the team to refer to.

What have been the challenges so far?

Balancing work, study and social life. No one enjoys studying but it’s got to be done. It’ll be worth it in the end – or so I’ve been told!

What have you enjoyed most?

Now moving into my second year it’s been good working on jobs for the following year, building relationships with clients and gaining a fuller understanding of their business. Also I’ve enjoyed the growing responsibilities and being encouraged to work using my own initiative.

Do you have any advice for future trainees?

Make a real effort to get to know your colleagues, these are the guys you’re going to be working with most days. Don’t be afraid to try something and maybe not get it completely right first time - you’ll learn a lot from doing that and getting feedback. Be willing to work hard both in work and at studying. And as always, ask if you’re unsure, everyone’s been there!