From Medicine to Balance Sheets: Rhi’s Journey into Audit 

We recently caught up with Rhi, Audit Trainee in London, to find out why she chose Audit as her career, and what drives her.

Why did you choose a career in accountancy? 

After studying Medicine at university and realising that a career in medicine did not align with my long-term goals, I decided to explore alternative career pathways. I knew I loved helping people, understanding the “why” behind issues and working with people from all walks of life. While these qualities naturally align with medicine, I also wanted a career that allowed me the capacity to support my friends, family, and colleagues beyond the confines of a job description.  

That was when I discovered audit. In my role, I help businesses gain a deeper understanding of their financial position, test their processes to ensure accuracy in reporting, and investigate discrepancies when they arise. Over time, I have worked on audits for clients across a wide range of industries, ranging from lead to lipliner.   

What did you do prior to joining Rayner Essex? 

Prior to joining Rayner Essex, I was a medical student at Imperial College London.  

Why did you choose Rayner Essex, why is it a good fit for you? 

I chose Rayner Essex because I was intrigued about the Graduate Trainee Programme, and personalised training approach the firm offered, which stood out from others in the industry. I was invited to a Graduate Assessment Centre and from the second I walked through the door I knew that it was where I wanted to be.  

I had been to assessment centres at other companies before, that felt formal and at times, intimidating.  My experience at Rayner Essex was the complete opposite. The Audit team were welcoming, genuinely interested in meeting us, and eager to answer our questions. I left feeling excited at the prospect of joining such a connected, and people-focused team.  

I think what makes Rayner Essex a good fit for me is the close-knit, supportive culture. Everyone genuinely wants to see each other succeed, and this environment suits me perfectly, because I thrive in environments built on mutual support  

Regarding achieving my ACA qualification, I feel supported.  I have a fantastic line manager who is incredibly approachable and always welcomes my feedback and brings a wealth of experience in working with and mentoring new trainees.  

Our training provider also offers excellent resources, Rayner Essex ensures, we are kept informed of any changes, updates and new guidance, enabling us to understand and navigate them effectively. 

What is your role and describe an average day at work? 

My official title is Graduate Audit Trainee, and my average day involves a mix of learning, teamwork, and getting involved in real client work. I usually start by checking in with the audit senior, picking up my sections for the day, and working through tests or evidence gathering with their guidance. I regularly speak with clients to request information or clarify figures, which helps me grow more confident in handling conversations. Throughout the day, I review my work with senior colleagues who explain how each part fits into the overall audit. I often support the preparation of financial statements or simple tax workings too, which gives me a broader view of the whole process. No two days feel the same, and each one builds my knowledge and skills as I progress in the role. 

What is your greatest achievement and what motivates you? 

My greatest achievement so far has been completing my degree because it’s a paper manifestation of a journey that is far more than lectures and exams. It’s a reflection of my transformative journey, moving somewhere completely new, building a community, supporting people during some of their most vulnerable moments, and discovering what is important to me, whilst admittedly, I learned about bones.  

Success motivates me, but my definition of success has changed. At 16-year I might have described it as owning a big house and living a life straight out of Greys Anatomy. Now, success means sharing laughter over dinner with the people I love, being able to pursue new learning opportunities, and feeling fulfilled in my career. 

What do you like best about working at Rayner Essex? 

I won’t be the first or last person to say this, it’s the people. My team have been incredibly supportive throughout my journey, and it’s such a wonderful feeling to know that everyone in the team genuinely enjoys working together.  

This doesn’t happen without the support of our senior people who have worked so hard to foster such an open and social culture. The Rayner Essex Social Committee does a brilliant job of organising events to bring everyone together outside of the work, in a relaxed, fun way, which is how I found myself, a 23-year-old whose favourite wine is the chicken wine, helping to organise a wine tasting! It’s great to see how everyone makes an effort, to attend and spend time together.  

I also think that in choosing a graduate scheme at Rayner has also meant a more personalised training experience. I have been exposed to so many different tasks, and clients, gaining insight that many of my peers at other accountancy firms, have not yet had the chance to experience. With such a supportive team, I have gained confidence in asking lots of questions, and gained a deeper understanding of the audit process, which will make me a far better auditor in the long run. 

Tell us a little more about yourself and share something not many people would know? 

You will always find me walking!  My annual step count averages 15,000 per day, and I’d probably make a very successful sheepdog in another life.  This summer I hiked 243km along the Camino De Santiago Portugues route from Porto, Portugal to Santiago, Spain, carrying only a backpack (although I wish I had some suncream in it) and I’m currently planning my next big challenge for 2026.  

I also love solo travelling. I’ve taken myself out for a candlelit dinner in Venice, down a mineshaft into a salt mine in Krakow, done some geological mapping on a Greek island …and accidentally to the men’s Euros in Berlin. I think it’s important, in a world where loneliness is increasingly common, to spend meaningful time with yourself and try to experience the world through the lens of others.  

I also have 40 houseplants which begs the question: when does a house become a greenhouse? My favourite plant-child is called Montague, a 3ft tall monstera who I’ve had for 2 years, and if he keeps growing at his current rate will be taller than me by the time I finish my ACA qualification.  

Where to next in your career? 

I’m currently in the process of sitting my TC and FM professional level exams, which will take me up to 8 ACA exams sat in the 12 months I have been at the firm. My long-term goal is achieving my ACA qualification and continuing to grow within the firm.  

What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in accountancy and finance? 

Speak to as many different people as possible, across various roles, and within the same roles if you already know the direction you want to take. Your experiences shape you, and every conversation offers a new perspective and helps shape your understanding of the field. 

 Most importantly, don’t be afraid to try something new. If something interests you, embrace it and give it a go. After all, you wouldn’t look at your five-year-old self and tell them to give up.  

Photo by Lucas Santos on Unsplash