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The client I worked on this past week (and continue to work on this week) is part of about 15 other organizations and together are some of Hursts’ largest clients.  The organization I’m focusing on is one that provides support for various programs to improve and enhance the local economy and commerce.  They receive funding from several government sources to provide the support.  My main focus has been tackling creditors (accounts payable) and expenses.  The audit work continues to be very similar to what I’m used to but I thought I would highlight some of the great features of their audit software.

The audit software is connected to a shared wireless network.  One person on the team has all of the client files on their laptop (plus a back up copy on a flash drive) then we all connect and share and use the files at once.  This allows for real time updates so we’re able to see changes that are being made to the trial balance and workpapers instantaneously.  Also, you can open any workpaper and edit it (unless someone else has opened it first, in which case it will open as “read only”).  All of the “binders” are set up with all of the audit programs, checklists, and lead sheets you could possibly need.  Then, the senior on the engagement deletes out the ones that don’t pertain to the client.  Also, the shared network allows you to send instant messages to each other.

I’m really enjoying my time here and am making some great new friends!  Gemma, Tamara, and I have made a “movie night” a weekly tradition.  This past week we watched The Duchess – mostly to check out the Chatsworth House which we had visited the weekend before.  From what Gemma and Tamara have told me, the “Hurst Gang” tries to organize a night out on their own (not firm sponsored) once a month so I’m looking forward to that as well!

On Thursday night, the Hurst Social Committee sponsored a night out at a comedy club (possible Social Committee event?!) – The Frog & Bucket (Frog  & Bucket Pics).  It was such a great time!  The night included dinner, drinks, and great laughs!  For the most part, I understood the British humour but my Hurst friends helped me out if there was anything I didn’t understand.  Another great event that Hurst did this week was that several of the employees participated in a 10k together in Manchester.  (I thought this would be a great Wellness Committee idea?!)  Everyone supported each other throughout the training by running together or just checking in with each other to see how training was going.  I heard the run was a great success on Sunday!

This weekend I went to London with my friend Emily, who flew in on Thursday to spend a long weekend with me.  We drove to London on Friday evening and then had all day Saturday and Sunday to sightsee.  We rode the London Eye, watched the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, saw Big Ben and the House of Parliament, visited West Minster Abbey, enjoyed ice cream sundaes at Harrod’s, rode the Tube, saw Wicked, ate dinner in Covent Garden, and visited the Tower of London.  On our drive home on Sunday, we visited Windsor Castle.
Check out London Pics Here and Windsor Pics Here.

I’m becoming quite a brave driver…I even drove right through the centre of London!

This week, my friends at Hurst are going to take me out for my first Curry (a very popular food here!).  Then this weekend is another bank holiday and I’m going to spend the long weekend in Dublin, Ireland with one of my co-workers, Claire.  I can’t wait!