Real variety. Real experience.
One of the things that makes audit at UNW genuinely different from other firms is the variety of work you’re involved in right from the start.
Rather than spending months on a single client, you’ll work on a wide variety of audits throughout the year – from entrepreneurial owner-managed businesses and private equity-backed companies right here in the North East to the UK subsidiaries of large international groups based in the region. Our teams typically move between jobs every few weeks, so you’re constantly learning and experiencing something new.
Our trainees often say it’s one of the things they value most – the chance to get hands-on experience with such a broad mix of sectors, and to see how some of the most successful entrepreneurial businesses in the North East really operate, from the inside.
And then there’s the support – not just from experienced colleagues, but from your peers. With around 70 trainees currently across UNW, you’ll be part of a wider group all working towards professional qualifications and supporting each other every single day.
We know the qualification demands a lot, so we build in the right flexibility to support you – including paid study leave, time to revise, and flexible start and finish times to help you balance study, work, and life. Unlike some of the larger firms, we don’t force you into a rigid exam schedule. Instead, we work with you to find the pace and structure that best suit you and your personal circumstances.
And when it comes to your future, audit can be just the beginning. Many of our graduates choose to progress within the audit team, but others go on to explore new paths elsewhere in the firm – from corporate finance to specialist tax advisory roles. There’s no one route, and we’ll help you shape a career that works for you.
Some of our graduates have gone on to build successful careers in industry, taking on senior finance roles at a range of impressive businesses. Many still look back on their time at UNW as the place they built their foundations – gaining the skills, confidence, and experience that helped them get to where they are today.
Beyond the work, there’s also the culture. From firm-wide socials and team nights out to regular sports activities and wellbeing initiatives, there’s a strong sense of community across UNW – and plenty of ways to get involved.