Assurance Associate Review

Working in audit at an associate level, I will be given simpler tasks. There are workbooks for each financial statement account, with associates given easier ones such as cash. In these workbooks we perform tests to obtain sufficient evidence of the balances that make up each account. To get evidence we need to request relevant documents from the client. Usually, we have team meetings every other day at least to track progress and discuss any issues we are having. However, team members are always a message away on teams if there are any queries.

I would say I have developed many soft skills such as communication, with both the client and internally, and also coaching skills for when I assist a new member on the team who may not have the experience with the client or its industry. I have improved on other skills such as teamwork while also becoming better on applications such as excel.

My programme can be challenging as there is a lot to keep up with so that you can stay on top of things, however, the work can be interesting. When studying towards the professional qualification, I get time off to attend both college and revision sessions. During college and revision times, we are not expected to do any client work which provides a balance.

I believe my programme is structured well, with college and client work scheduled in advance. The only issue I may have, which will be specific to my situation, is that there is a lot of travel involved. I live in Liverpool, and my home office is in Liverpool, however, as Liverpool and Manchester are grouped as north west, I have to travel to Manchester when I am working on a client of the Manchester office which is all my clients.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. I was assigned a buddy when I joined which answered any questions I had about joining. I also have a counsellor who I can speak to about any personal matters I am having along with any feedback I am receiving. I also receive many emails with various links to different support tools on offer.

When working towards my professional qualification, I get sufficient time off to attend college. I also get a physical copy of the course notes and access to an online one, along with videos on each topic in the course. The tuition provider also has a tutor for each course who are available for questions during the course or outside the course through email.

The qualification has helped me in my role understand various areas of accounting, from tax to financial management and also audit and assurance which is my job. The understanding of other areas has allowed me to apply my questioning mindset to my work as I have greater knowledge of different areas of accounting.

There are social activities which happen at least once a month, sports teams and professional networking events.

Yes

While the work is hard, the qualification and experience is well worth the time spent working here.

When applying to EY, my advice would to be confident in your interview and show your openness to learning. They do not expect you to everything and will know you will ask questions but they want people who are open to learning and adaptable.