Associate Review

I am an associate in assurance. I have been booked onto numerous engagements where, for each, I have been given a great deal of responsibility for auditing certain accounts. Although I have taken up a junior position on the team, I have a lot of client exposure and have built a great client relationship, making it easier to approach the client in the need of support or further explanations.

Whilst working on the variety of engagements, I am also attending college a couple of weeks of the year where I am currently studying towards my CFAB (Certificate in Accounting and Business) qualification. Furthermore, internally to the company, EY offer a variety of training events and course to which some are mandatory to attend and others are optional. So far, these have been a great opportunity to learn more about the role we will be taking on and to experience the work that we would be completing.

9 months into the school leaver programme I am thoroughly enjoying myself. I have built great relationships, not only with the colleagues on the variety of teams I have worked on but also other school leavers in my intake. Particularly at college, everyone gets on and are willing to help each other no matter what. EY prides itself in its friendly, comforting culture which is displayed evidently. Everyone I have met within the business have been extremely kind and helpful, not only with understanding the work I am being asked to complete but also with regards to helping me towards my exams.

I feel as though I am an asset to each of the teams I have worked on. I ask for help when I need it, yet in many of the pieces of feedback I have obtained from more senior staff I have worked with on engagements, it is a common thread that my organisation and hard work has been greatly appreciated. Furthermore, recognition of my hard work has also been proved as EY managers are able to nominate you for a values award-- recognising your contribution to the team and the audit work of the engagement.

The programme so far has been rather well organised. We started with an induction week which introduced us to the company, each other and the type of work we will be asked to complete. At the beginning, everyone was allocated a counsellor and a buddy, someone in your service line who is there to answer any questions you may have about anything!

In regards to the support we received whilst at college, the tutor was accessible every evening (and after the period we spent at college) via email to answer any questions we might have had and to assist with any areas we were finding difficult-- there were also willing to meet up in the period while we were at work between leaving college and our exam.

From EY, from personal experience, not a great deal of support was received, other than that of friends. As a result, I relied on the support of my closest friends to help me pass my exam. Furthermore, my buddy has also been there for support, answering any questions I might have and help in preparation for my future exams.

My salary is appropriate for my circumstances. Still living at home, therefore only having to pay limited rent, means that I have enough money to cover my travel expenses and the daily costs incurred. Furthermore, the extra opportunities offered to me are also appropriate and are extremely flexible to my working arrangements.

EY pride itself in the many societies that its employees are able to join. Not only are there political and technical societies, but there are also many sport groups people are able to join, in which you are able to compete in tournaments against other local teams. All opportunities offered are a great chance to get away from the work you are doing and have a bit of fun!

Yes

The culture at EY really helps. The relationships you build within the engagement teams you work with are crucial to not only being able to complete the work but they also make completing the work a lot easier also-- everyone is really approachable and willing to help. Building both professional and social relationships with colleagues has definitely added to my experience here at EY.

The experience you get from working within a Big 4 firm is like no other-- the exposure to FTSE 100 companies helps to not only build you knowledge and skills but also on your confidence. Studying towards your professional qualification is difficult, and it supposed to be. But as long as you work hard and remain dedicated towards achieving a pass (because that is all you need) then you should be ok.