Associate Review

I am an Associate in Assurance, I prepare many audit workbooks for various clients. I interact with mainly the Executives and the client, which is great for developing my communication skills. The Company give you a lot of responsibility and exposure to the work helping me to learn quickly, but the Executives also review my work to check it is clear of any errors.

I am learning the ICAEW qualification. The Company offer computer software training i.e. on how to use excel and EY Canvas. I have developed my communication and professional skills as I go to careers fairs and represent EY.

I enjoy the work at documenting as opposed to planning, and I have been lucky enough to work with some friendly and welcoming teams. I like that the Company promotes flexible working as this helps have a great work life balance. It met my expectations.

I have received 5 recognition awards in the 9 months I have been at EY. These are rewards for our outstanding work, which makes me feel like hard work does pay off. I am always praised for things I have done well, at the same time as receiving constructive criticism. We are given a lot of responsibility making me feel valued.

There is a week induction regarding the basics of audit. We also have training on work ethics and professional conduct. The studying is well structured as we go to college, have a few weeks to revise then take an exam, this never occurs in busy season either. We have a counsellor to whom we can talk to about any issues we have. At works we always have allocation documents telling people who is doing which tasks.

The Company pay for college. The education provider is great they provide an email we can send any questions to, they are usually fast at responding. They are always happy to support us.

Colleagues who have taken exams will always be happy to help if I am struggling on questions. I do not see managers very much only the execs really support us with our work, managers just seem to overlook the process. The resourcing team are organised, although I think it is bad they don't let us book holiday well in advance and can't confirm it, as we then have to wait and end up getting booked to clients and can't book holidays as we do not find out our college dates for some time. They usually do their best to help.

Well although my train ticket is a quarter of my annual salary, I could not afford to move into London as the cost of living will be too high. It is the lowest pay out of the big 4 making me feel demotivated. Lunch is expensive in London to buy so I bring lunch from home.

There are many social and charity events, which are great for networking, for example one team is going on a trek over the Sahara for the EY Foundation charity . They provide yoga classes, and have a netball and football team. The office is based in London offering many opportunities to go out and socialise.

Yes

Great alternative to university, world wide recognised qualification and earning money. Great Company to have on the CV.

Be yourself throughout the application process as they are looking for enthusiastic people who are willing to learn.