Trainee Associate Review

I joined EY as a school leaver in 2012 and I am currently working as a Trainee Associate in FS- Insurance. I have been able to work on several audit and non audit clients in my first year working with one of the Big 4 firms. This has given me the opportunity to attain crucial knowledge regarding the accounting processes relating to insurance which involve claims made and premiums written by an Insurer.I have also worked on Financial Accounting and Advisory Services projects involving a large retail banking client from which I was able to get an insight into project management and compliance procedures. As an associate I currently work on doing mainly substantive audit work on areas such as investments, capital, transactions and cash.

I am also studying towards gaining an ACA qualification. I was able to pass my first 4 ICAEW knowledge based exams at the first attempt and I am currently preparing for my 2 remaining knowledge modules before starting my professional level exams next summer. The internal training courses were very useful as they provided me with sufficient knowledge needed to ensure i perform to the best of my ability at the work place.

This programme has given me opportunity to understand and indulge in the ever changing and dynamic environment of Financial Services. The teams I have worked with have been extremely helpful and are always willing to give me helping hand even at times when they have been extremely busy.

I feel valued by my colleagues and my managers. I have received very positive feedback for pieces of work that I have completed. I have heavily contributed to the marketing campaign for the FY14 EY School Leaver Programme and I have also been appointed as an ambassador for the EY School Leaver Programme

Very well organised, training and heirarchy wise. The tasks that you get given are very interesting as well as challenging. However your team members are more than willing to lend you a helping hand when you need it. There are also regular opportunities to discuss and analyse your progress with your counsellor. I found this very useful as I was able to focus on areas where I could improve and hence better my overall performance.

They were supportive throughout the training for all my exams.

Very supportive throughout my first year. Always willing to lend me a helping hand whenever I have questions.

I believe it is fair

There are quite a few social events that take place outside of work. I was able to attend last year's Christmas party and the Annual FS Insurance social day which were thoroughly enjoyable experiences. I was able to take part in several voluntary activities such as marketing the FY14 School Leaver programme to schools in London and taking part in assessment centre days to share my experiences with School leaver candidates.

Yes

Great opportunity to get into the working world.

The EY assessment centre day is a thoroughly enjoyable experience where you get a real taste of the day to day activities involved with working at a global financial services firm. My advice to candidates would be to relax and make the most out of what is an incredible learning opportunity.