Associate Review

My title is Associate. My daily tasks will vary depending on the time period. This varies from performing walkthroughs of significant accounts, testing controls and testing accounts to see if they are fairly stated. For the majority of this, I need to select a sample based on a threshold, then speak to the client to get an understanding of the account then document any support and invoice I receive.

Yes, significantly. Your people skills develop the most. As you are surrounded by lots of new people, you are encouraged to talk a lot to colleagues and clients which help develop your people skills. The more senior you get, the more staffs you will have to coach, so again, you start to develop coaching and basic managerial skills early on. EY also send you on lots of training courses which improves your audit knowledge which is always helpful.

This varies from team to team. If the team is full of nice friendly people, you will enjoy it a lot. The company culture is people orientated and this is something most people value. Often this is not the case as other big 4 firms.

Yes, I do feel valued. If you do a good job, your team will appreciate you and you will get booked onto the job again.

We complete CFAB in the first 2 year, then the remaining of the ACA over the next 3 years. In my honest opinion, I think the 5 year scheme is very long and should be shortened to 4 years. We spend a lot of time in the field and time qualify after 2 1/2 years. I do think the ACA can be done in a shorter time frame for school leavers.

I receive a lot of support from Kaplan if I need it.

Managers are always available. We are given a councillor and buddy when we join so its up to you how much you want to be involved with them

For a 18/19 year old, the salary is pretty decent. Everyone complains about how they are underpaid for the hours they work, but when you take a step back and think about it, for a 18/19 year, your balling!

Yes, there are many networks you can join and can socialise with. From 5-a-side football, to the women's network, there is something for everyone.

Yes

It has exceeded my expectations. You learn a significant amount and develop and grow very quickly.

Do you research before coming to assessment centres and try find out what to expect by speaking to individual that work at EY and have had the assessment.