Associate - Corporate Audit Review

I'm an associate in corporate audit, this involves working onsite at clients, analysing their significant accounts within their financial statements through testing transactions and various other procedures in order to gain comfort that their financial statements are true and fair and free from material misstatement. I am constantly interacting with new people, whether that be colleagues at EY or finance employees at respective companies.

As well as my normal working day I am provided with training in order to qualify as a chartered accountant. The School Leaver Programme has helped me develop and enhance my organisation and time management skills. As well as my interaction skills with new people. The wealth of information I have learnt in my first year is huge and I am continuously learning and understanding new procedures/elements of the job every day from my seniors. My excel skills have also developed greatly.

I really value my programme. Despite being a first year I feel part of the EY team at all times, no matter which client or team I am working for. The company really incorporates a diverse people culture and this is beneficial as I interact with lots of different people daily, helping to develop me as a person. The programme has far surpassed my expectations and I am glad I was accepted on to the EY School Leavers Programme

I certainly feel valued by EY. Being assigned a buddy from the day I started as well as a senior councillor really makes me feel at home - I know exactly where or who to go to should I have any worries or concerns and am not afraid to speak out and ask for help if I require it. I feel that I am heavily involved with all client work and am given lots of responsibility in order to complete audits - which both develops and motivates me. I have received monetary rewards from the company for getting involved with recruitment events which also enhances that feeling of being valued by the firm.

My programme is extremely well organised. Our resource coordinator completes our retain/calendar well in advance so it is clear what client I will be working on as well as my respective college dates for my qualification. I am always informed well in advance should there be any upcoming event/support days. In terms of teams working for different clients there is a clear hierarchy of authority. Which makes it easy to approach the relevant person for respective queries I may have.

I regular receive support and coaching on a day to day basis when completing client work from my team members. Everyone is always more than happy to help in order to support me with my queries so I am able to complete work to a high standard in a time efficient manner. In terms of studying for my qualification there are set college weeks with an external tuition provider that EY pays for. I receive the tutoring for my exams here in an easy regimented process - as though I'm back at sixth form.

My employer continuously gives me support on a regular basis. Whether that be on the job or in terms of providing tuition in order for me to complete my exams. I know where to go should I require support and my queries are almost always resolved.

I feel my salary is fair and covers my living and social costs. Travel costs are covered by EY so this is ideal. In terms of workload however, there is no overtime thus in busy periods it can feel that I am almost being underpaid for the amount of hours I work.

There are lots of opportunities and things to get involved with. Emails frequently come in highlighting these opportunities and asking for volunteers. These involve social events, recruitment events and sporting event - all of which I have been able to be involved with.

Yes

Since joining as a school leaver I have never looked back wishing I had chosen a different option/route such as University or another programme. EY has welcomed me since the day I have joined and supported me every day in terms of training and areas of concern I may have. Getting paid for on the job training is great and you are delegated responsibility which in turn is motivating and rewarding. My first year alone has helped to shape me as a more confident and mature individual.

Research the company in depth before applying - know exactly what service line it is you're applying for and what this entails. Before interviews/assessment centres, draft out any possible questions you may be asked and rehearse example answers before attending. Enter relaxed, the recruitment process is very laid back and enjoyable, it's a chance to show off who you are as a person rather than being scrutinised.