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I have officially completed my first week of working in Manchester!  I am feeling really at home in my new surroundings and with my new co-workers.

Tuesday was my first official day at work, and I spent it in Hurst’s office in Stockport (right outside of Manchester, similar to how Camp Hill is right outside of Harrisburg).  I had your normal “first day” orientation which included a money laundering training which is required training for anyone working in public accounting in England.  Simon, the marketing director, and Helen, the partner that spoke at our IFRS training, took me to lunch at a traditional Irish Pub where I tried a traditional “cheese and onion pie and chips”.  It was delicious (but not healthy!).  I spent the afternoon learning the Hurst audit software (Caseware) and getting to know the people around the office. I also tried to win everyone over on my first day by taking in home-made chocolate chip cookies and Hershey’s chocolates!

The office set up is very different from our office setup.  Instead of cubicles and offices, everyone sits at desk which are separated by short dividers.  Partners, managers, and staff all sit together.  I really like the open feel and it’s definitely very easy to communicate and interact with everyone.  I tried to capture the office look in some pictures here – Hurst Office.  Unfortunately, it was very rainy on my first day of work so I did not get to take any pictures of the office’s surroundings.  I’ll make sure to get some pictures when it’s nice out!

Wednesday thru Friday, I went out to my first client!  It was an investment brokerage company located in downtown Manchester.  I got my car on Friday so I took the bus to get downtown (I feel like such a city girl!).  For the most part, the audit work is very similar.  I updated the system processes narrative and tested payroll, revenue, and expenses.  However, I have been learning a lot of new vocabulary.  Here are some examples:

Revenue = Turnover

Stat Accounts = Financial Statements

Debtors = AR

Creditors = AP

Cast = crossfooted

I’m sure there will be more as I come across more audit areas!  This is also the first year Hurst is paperless.  I’ve been sharing experiences and advice with our fellow Hursters regarding some of the ways our software works and how binders are set up as they’re learning how to best organize workpapers in their software.

I am still getting adjusted to “English phrases” too.  The one day at work, Mark, staff accountant, asked me if I wanted a “brew” while we were working.  The first thing that popped into my mind for a “brew” was a beer.  I was VERY surprised that they would drink beer while working!  So I asked what a brew was and he told me a coffee (made a lot more sense!).  Then I told the team what I had thought brew meant and they all had quite a laugh at the thought of drinking a beer while working.

Towards the end of the day Friday, we went back to the offices to pick up my car!  A lot of people are in the offices on Fridays (wrapping up engagements) so every Friday is jeans day here!  Gemma helped me to get acquainted with my new car (Vauxhall Corsa)

Corsa

and taught me the rules of the road (and driving on the other side!)  I waited a couple hours on Friday evening, until traffic died down, and then decided to go out and practice driving more on the other side of the road.  I’m feeling pretty comfortable driving around here.  The biggest difference I’ve noticed is that the roads are much narrower here.  Frequently, there are cars parked alongside the road so I learned that it is normal to drive down the center of the road and to take turns passing with oncoming traffic.  I practiced driving more again today!

On Saturday, Gemma, Amanda, and Tamara (all girls from Hurst) took me to the Chatsworth House (Pics) which is where Pride and Prejudice and The Duchess were filmed.  It is also the site of the upcoming Warewolf movie which will be coming out in the Fall of 2009.  It is the home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.  The house was absolutely gorgeous and I cannot believe that people actually live there!  We had gorgeous weather for our day out which was perfect for exploring the beautiful gardens while eating some ice cream.  The drive to the Chatsworth House was breathtaking as well;  lots of rolling green hills and lambs playing in pastures.

I’m starting a two week audit engagement this week in downtown Manchester.  I think I’m going to stick to public transportation while I’m working downtown!  I should get to work on this audit from start to finish so I’m excited to see how the whole audit process works here!