Trainee Associate 2 Review

Trainee Associate in the audit team, I get the chance to work with internal people of all status whereas externally I only really deal with the Management accounts and FCs. I perform audits and the daily work performed doesnt vary from that of the grads (people who have just left university).

I am currenlty studying for my chartered accountancy qualification with ICAEW. I have passed my CFAB and I am now moving onto the next level of exams. Alongside these professionals skills, I have learnt a number of social skills as well, such as being able to interact with managment and partners, time keeping, managing my work load and most important trying to perfect my work/life balance. On top of all this I attend internal training throughout the year, either by courses or more senior members of staff. I feel I am continously learning new things.

I thoroughly enjoy working with all the teams and I am suprised at how much trust I have been granted, as I manage my own work and have to dicuss things with the client etc.

I feel very valued within EY, the reasoning behind this is that there are a number of incentives in place for when you have performed well on a particular task etc. These include values awards/team value awards; thankyou cards; good feedback rating.

Being in the first year that they have run the programme I believe more thought should of been given in regards to career progression before we started, that is the only fault. Training and support have been great and we are always kept well informed.

We have recieved a great deal of support from the training provider so far, the reasoning behind this is that in the first year and a half our courses were residential with an on site tutor who was available till late meaning you coulf ask questions up until about 8pm every night which was a great help.

The only fault is that we only get half a day study leave per exam which is not ideal due to the nature of our jobs. It means when you get home at about 6/7 you have to start revising.

In terms of salary for my age I cant really complain, but in regards to the roll performed and fellow employees pay I dont think it is very fair as there is a large difference between grads and school leavers (which is too be expected) but I think this gap shouldnt be as substantial in year 2 as we perform the same everyday tasks and follow the same career progression. On my current salary I would not be able to live on my own/ rent anywhere, luckily I have the option to live with my mum so its not an issue.

There are a number of activities inside and outside of your normal everyday work, such as language classes, yoga, mentoring, social events, CR days etc.

Yes

The work enviroment is great, although you do work long hours you are rewarded greatly for the effort you put in

The only tip I would give in regards to interviews and the application process is to be yourself. EY welcome bubbly personalities.