Trainee Associate Review

I work in the statutory audit of financial statements. My day-to-day activities include: communicating with clients in regard to our audit work; selecting and testing samples of transactions and following up variances; writing detailed analytical reviews of the movements in a company's financial position across a year. Main responsibilities are preparing and performing the majority of the audit field work, which then goes through a senior and manager review. This is generally performed at the client's offices.

I have developed my communication skills through on-the-job experience communicating with clients and from various internal training courses. I have also learnt essential skills such as time-keeping, team work and organisation on the job - as these are vital skills to have when working in audit. I have also learnt a great deal about accountancy through studying for the ACA - which we study for through Kaplan.

I do not particularly enjoy the nature of audit work. My reasons being that as you are constantly working on different assignments, you are always working with new teams. Becuase of this, you cannot build as solid relationships with colleagues than if you worked together daily. I did not expect this. The company has a great culture, and are always encouraging you to get involved with various activites and networking events. This is one of the reasons I decided to join such a large global organisation. Also, in busy season (Jan-Mar) we are expected to work +50 hour weeks, which is as expected but exhausting all the same! However, when I am working with a friendly, motivating team I tend to enjoy the work much more. I did not expect audit to be like this.

As the organisation is so large, it is easy to feel as though you don't matter. There are not many internal/external recognition programmes that I am aware of - they ceased to run a value's award scheme the year I joined. I have had positive feedback from seniors for work performed, which has made me feel valued at times.

As this is the first time in many years EY have had a large school leaver intake, organisation has not been perfect. For example; we are defined as 'trainee associates' whereas graduates doing the same job are regular associates - this is confusing because we do not get any more training than graduates. Also, there is some misconception about what is expected from school leavers - with some managers assigning the same work as graduates and others less work/easier work. The studying aspect has been well organised - with EY taking care of everything. All we needed to do was turn up to college/the exam and everything was prepared for us.

Our training provider is Kaplan. They provide us with excellent support during college (we do residential college in Wales) and always give us their contact details should any issues arise once we have finished college.

We are assigned councillors and buddies when we joined EY. My councillor has been a great support since being at the firm - and has helped with resolve difficult situations and guide me through my first year. My buddy has always been available to answer any questions I've had - no matter how silly.

I am extremely happy with the salary. I live with my parents in London, and so only pay £200 per month in rent. Travel costs equate to £140 per month and the rest of my pay packet is pretty much disposable. I take home £1,400 each month.

Yes

to build a strong CV and good network.