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Alice Fennell

This is my second year as Audit Manager in the C&AG’s office and the time has truly flown by. I was attracted by C&AG's strong public reputation, and the opportunity for me to contribute to its public role which is of significant importance.

Upon joining the office, I immediately noticed how friendly and welcoming my colleagues were. In particular my Deputy Director, he was very helpful and provided a lot of guidance at the start to ease my transition from private to public sector audits.

My portfolio of client’s consistent of Higher Education bodies mainly Universities, Institutes of Technology and Semi State organisations. With this brings a variety of clients and challenges that I have to manage on a day to day basis. However this is another major factor why I enjoy being a part of this organisation.

A typical day involves coaching and supporting my team of auditors and trainees on a specific pieces of work, meeting with the clients albeit virtually over the last 18 months or so. It also involves discussing my views with colleagues and senior members of the department where the area is more complex. In addition, I spend some days providing feedback to clients on matters identified during the audit for their view and response and make recommendations in reports, where appropriate.

There is a lot of hard work and detail that goes into each audit, however there is a great sense of fulfilment and achievement when the audits are signed off. The hard work pays off!

Finally, I would say to graduates and experienced professionals thinking of a career in the C&AG‘s office to go for it. It is a very rewarding career, and the flexible working hours make home and work life a lot more manageable. Furthermore for graduates there is an unbelievable opportunity to attain your accounting professional qualification whilst working and there is a lot of support within this office to accommodate this.