1. Open culture of upward feedback – In the last 4.5 years of my career, appraisal sessions between the employee and management has been a downward feedback model, with the manager/partner providing comments on the performance of the staff and suggestions for room for improvement. It was a one way feedback rather than a two way feedback whereby management too, gets feedback on their performance in terms of eg. management style and room for improvement.
However, just recently, the company has implemented a 2 way feedback to obtain feedback from the employees on how management can do things better and to align goals. The company is also encouraging a more open culture on upward feedback and transparency in the organisation.
2. Long working hours – Given the nature of the audit industry and with expansion growth plans of the company (with an exponential increase in new clients on-board), employees may face long working hours and overtime hours depending on the nature of the audit engagement given to them (eg. Listed companies, IPOs have tighter deadlines to be met). Not only the employee, but the manager and partner on the audit engagement work together to meet deliverables set out. This may be a challenge for some, however, on a positive note, these challenges will in turn help the employee growth and develop their potential in their career.