Assistant Executive Review

Job Title: Assistant Executive - Banking & Capital Markets Assurance My responsibilities include working on a team performing financial statements audits, which includes understanding key processes and systems of the clients business, performing testing of controls, statutory audits etc. On a daily basis I work with a large internal team on my main client, of whom I hold a strong rapport with - at various levels (Associate to Partner). Most of my interactions with the client are via email; however will attempt to meet face to face as often as possible, depending on when I am located at the client site.

As part of the programme I am studying towards the ACA qualifications with ICAEW. This develops my skills in financial accounting reporting, business savvy, assurance, ethics etc. My day to day work in fact develops my skills more strongly that that of the qualification. Teams on EY are very good at coaching staff, and always assist in areas of technical accounting. The more statutory audits I perform, the greater understanding I gain on accounting standards/treatments.

I hugely enjoy the working environment at EY. I have had great experiences on every team I have worked with, and been able to build a strong professional and personal rapport with most. The interactions with clients is one of the things I most enjoy about my job, being able to help them and connect in order to perform an efficient, yet enjoyable audit. Whilst I enjoy the work I do, and the environment I am in, it is a very large step up form school in terms of responsibilities, expectations and work ethic. Hours can be, a lot of the time, extremely long and tiresome. The pressure of exams on top of long working hours can be very stressful and sacrifices sometimes have to be made. Having said this, the teams I work with are very supportive when it comes to exams and encourage me to put exams before the work at hand.

I believe I am greatly valued by the audit teams I work with, as there is a lot of interaction internally. Managers are very supportive and show appreciation in the small ways. However, being part of such a large organisation you rarely get recognition on a large scale.

It is a very new programme. It is made up of 5 years, and as it stands no intake has finished the full 5 years. Therefore the 4th and 5th year are still a mystery in terms of responsibilities, pay, job titles etc. Training, counselling and studying are all greatly organised.

Kaplan is my training provider for the ACA qualification. They are very good in providing study materials, the tutors are very knowledgeable and commit to our learning.

The salary is very good for someone just leaving college without a university degree. I still live with my parents and therefore I have less outgoings and my salary is very good; can pay for travel, food, contracts etc. with still plenty for luxury. However, get paid significantly less that graduates, even at a point when my experience exceeds there's and am more senior.

Rarely hear of activities provided by EY. The department tries to do quarterly social events. The job is very time consuming, and overtime is the norm. I have had to sacrifice socialising with both friends and family and work weekends.

Yes

Great opportunity. Provides first step into a career in finance with one of the largest firms worldwide, which is recognised by all companies.