Accountant - Auditor Review

I have joined EY in UK&I assurance - as an auditor. This involves understanding the companies processes and testing their accounts to check they are true and fair.

I have been training to become a chartered accountant with ICAEW. This involves completing 15 exams. So far, I have passed the first 6 (CFAB) exams first time. This was partly due to EY paying for "college" in Kaplan who taught us in a classroom environment. Some other firms I know make students study at home - which I think would be a major disadvantage.

I have been placed on a client which lasts 11 months of the year (9 month for statutory reporting and two months for group reporting). This allows me to have a stable audit team and get to know both the team and the client well. EY holds lots of social events which allow you to get to know everybody in the department and feel part of the company.

I feel appreciated from management and given more responsiblity the more time goes on. They are also able to show this by giving out "value awards". If a good piece of work has been performed - they are allowed to gift you this award which is worth £50 and can be spent in most shops, for example Amazon.

The induction is very well organised where you get to know everybody in your year. When you join, a buddy is asigned to you so that you can ask any questions if necessary (such as how to submit a timesheet etc).

You are able to receive support from the college tutor inbetween your exams. They provide their email, where you can ask questions at any time. You also have guidance from a buddy assigned to you (described above) who are all very happy to help.

Senior management help very much if you have a problem within EY or have a problem with your job. They are happy to tell you any solutions and everybody at EY is happy to act as a "mentor" for you.

The salary is the lowest of the big 4 firms. At the start of joining, school leavers have nowhere near enough to live or rent in London. Therefore, they have to commute. In busy season, this does get a bit tricky with the long hours. However, the teams usually know this and are flexible to allow you to travel and work from home.

There are many company events or voluntary activities EY organise and allow you to take place in. There are many clubs such as football teams if you want to join.

Yes

I would recommend EY to anyone coming out of university/joining as a school leaver to all the reasons explained above. It provides many opportunities that will be very beneficial in later life.

Definitely put down a reference (anyone in EY) and take part of the fee given to you. I was actually referred by somehow, however didnt put his name in the correct box and missed out. The assessment days are very chilled - so do not worry. If you fail a test by a small amount (as I did in the maths test), EY look at your grades and I was able to take a re-test.