Senior auditor — David Tomalin

After achieving a sports science degree and finding work in data analysis, David decided to change direction and pursue a career in accountancy. He completed the trainee scheme at Audit Wales and is now an ACA qualified chartered accountant

How did you get your job with Audit Wales?

I was working as a data analyst in a local authority school. In that role, I couldn't see any immediate route for career progression. While I worked with numbers on a day-to-day basis, I felt like my skills were better suited to a career in finance. The only problem was, I had no relevant qualifications, or experience in finance.

My brother-in law is a CIPFA qualified accountant. He sent me an extract of the CIPFA magazine, advertising the Audit Wales trainee scheme. The scheme was appealing to me, as I didn't require a degree in accounting and finance and could work towards becoming an ACA chartered accountant.

What's a typical day like?

As Audit Wales offer flexible working, we tend to work in the office three days a week.

A day of auditing may involve assertion testing of transactions, using source documentation (such as invoices and bank statements), testing ownership of property to land registry titles/deeds, or agreeing pensions disclosures to actuarial reports.

The day could also involve discussions and meetings with audit client officers in finance-based roles. All of the above allow me to rely upon my skills gained from my ACA chartership. Audit work involves applying my professional judgement on a day-to-day basis, which is something I value.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

My work involves a lot of variation. For example, my work allocation can be different from one audit to another. Further to this, the audit team will vary for each audit, resulting in working closely with different colleagues in rotation based on the audit I'm working on.

I also enjoy the aspects of the role that allow me to apply my own judgement and take ownership of decision making. As a senior auditor, I'm responsible for leading smaller audits. This involves identification of risks and consideration of the impact of these risk on our audit approach.

What are the challenges?

The biggest challenge associated with the role is time management. As an auditor, there can be some overlap between different audits that you're working on, each with their own competing deadlines. I do find that clear two-way communication with audit leads can alleviate this. Planning and communication are key.

In what way is your degree relevant?

Prior to joining the trainee scheme, I studied a degree in sports science, which certainly didn't grant me any exemptions when completing my ACA chartership. However, while you need a degree to join the trainee scheme, it doesn't need to be relevant to accounting and finance. So, my degree was required to get me to where I am today.

Upon gaining my ACA chartership, I found many exams relevant to the role of a financial auditor, specifically the exams that cover accounting, financial reporting and auditing. I apply skills acquired from the ACA on a daily basis within my working environment.

How has your role developed and what are your career ambitions?

Since joining Audit Wales as a graduate trainee, I managed to complete my ACA. This helped me get a senior auditor role. This involves a combination of completing more complex financial audit work, supporting junior members of the team and leading on smaller audits. As I now have experience leading audits, I feel like my natural next step would be to progress into an audit lead role.

What advice would you give to others looking to work in this field?

• Don't be put off by the exams. They certainly are challenging, however there is light at the end of the tunnel. By the time you have finished them, you will have skills that will make you a valuable asset to any organisation.
• As an external auditor, embrace the unknown. Especially as a junior audit trainee, you may find yourself in situations where you don't understand things relating to your work. Don't be afraid - ask for help or an explanation. These challenges will only aid your development.
• Consider the long term. If you want a career within accounting and finance, then having an accredited chartership will make you extremely employable in the profession. A good trainee scheme that offers a supportive environment to complete your chartership is the perfect way to begin your finance career.

Find out more

• Discover how to become an accountant.
• Read about making a career change.
• Consider the Audit Wales training programme.