Why did you choose PEM?

I initially choose PEM as I was completing a placement year from University. I have lived around the Cambridge area my entire life and so when I was offered the role in 2020, it seemed like the perfect fit. I choose to come back as I really enjoyed my placement year and knew that it would be a great place work and gain my ACA qualification.

How has your role developed and what do you enjoy most about it?

Now that I have almost finished my second year at PEM, my role has started to develop beyond completing the simpler sections of an audit file. I am now tasked with more responsibility in ensuring the file is completed to an acceptable standard. I enjoy this added responsibility as it enables me to be more involved for the entire length of the assignment.

What skills are useful in this profession?

There are many skills that are useful in this profession but the two key skills that spring to mind are communication and time management. Communication is vital to completing the work at PEM, whether that is with clients or other members of PEM. A significant portion of the job is understanding what clients have done, and so good communication is imperative to this. Time management is also extremely important as many of the jobs can be time pressured to complete. Therefore, understanding what is still outstanding and how long it may take to finish is key to a successful job.

What experience have you gained at PEM?

I have gained valuable experience at PEM in all aspects of the job that I complete. My knowledge of how an audit was completed was limited before I arrived at PEM, however, I now have a good understanding of the processes that need to occur to make an audit successful. I have also gained valuable experience in working with lots of different clients in lots of different sectors, including manufacturing, hospitality, and education.

What’s your favourite aspect about your role?

My favourite aspect of my role is working with a large variety of different people. This includes people within PEM, as it is rare to get the exact same audit team multiple times, as well as with different clients. Working with different people is a great opportunity to learn new things and so this is my favourite aspect.

Describe working at PEM in three words

Fun, rewarding and knowledgeable.