Claire Harris - Auditor

"The great thing is, because the Commission recruits a large number of graduates simultaneously, you find there are usually lots of you reaching the significant career points at the same time."

“You've caught me at a great moment, because I found out my results today and there's going to be a whole bunch of us celebrating passing our CIPFA final exams tonight! As social rep, I've organised a get together in Brick Lane, as we're all over the moon to have successfully completed our traineeship.

“The great thing is, because the Commission recruits a large number of graduates simultaneously, you find there are usually lots of you reaching the significant career points at the same time.

“I've been here four years now. I joined after completing an accounting and finance degree (which, funnily enough seems quite unusual amongst the graduate intake, who come from all kinds of different disciplines).

“I was attracted for two reasons, firstly I knew I didn't want to work in industry or private practice, as I had a real interest in the public sector and secondly, the Commission's benefits package was excellent and included one of the most generous study leave packages I had seen.

“After an informal interview and a numerical test, I came for an assessment day and was offered the job. This meant a move from Bristol to London, which I was very excited about.

“Before I started, my manager invited me out to lunch and I met my buddy (a mentor, something which all new recruits get) and they both explained what to expect on my first day and beyond, which I found invaluable. The funny thing is, earlier this year I was assigned as a buddy for a new trainee, so hopefully I'll be able to pass on the incredible support I was given.”