Parminder Singh
Senior Auditor

"The trainee programme is very good and is widely regarded to be amongst the best within the public sector."

I joined Audit Scotland just over three years ago as a trainee auditor and recently completed the CIPFA graduate trainee programme for financial auditors. I have just been promoted to the position of Senior Auditor and work within a team of auditors responsible for conducting the audit of the Scottish Executive. I am the Lead Auditor with responsibility for auditing both the Education and Development Departments. This is one of Audit Scotland’s most high profile clients as it involves auditing the £24 billion that is spent by the public sector within Scotland. I am also currently working closely with colleagues from Audit Scotland’s Public Reporting Group on a report on the state of Scotland’s school estate.

The job is very varied because Audit Scotland’s work covers the majority of the Public Sector. I have had the opportunity to work with clients across the local government, central government and further education sectors. I have also been given the chance to experience IT/project management and value for money audit work.

The trainee programme is very good and is widely regarded to be amongst the best within the public sector. I was given good support and study leave throughout my CIPFA training which meant I was able to pass my accountancy exams at the first attempt whilst remaining relatively sane. The job is enjoyable and worthwhile. It is wider than audit in the private sector and covers issues with regards to value for money and protecting the tax payer’s money. Working in a team means that I always know I can ask other team members and managers for help or support.

I also received good on-the-job training which is just as important as the academic training. When I finished my studies, I was able to complete my accountancy application form confident in the knowledge that I could evidence the required competencies to become a qualified chartered accountant. I gained the prestigious CIPFA qualification within the shortest allowable period.

As someone who lives in Fife, I was attracted to Audit Scotland because it is a country wide organisation that welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and locations. This produces a vibrant culture with lots of different opinions. I have found Audit Scotland to be an exceptionally friendly place. It is small enough for you to know a large proportion of staff personally within a short space of time.