Senior Review

I am a Senior which means that I am responsible for overseeing the progression of the audit and reporting to the manager, completing more subjective areas of the audit, reviewing work undertaken by the junior staff and providing coaching to help them undertake their work.

I have completed my ICAS qualification whilst working at EY. The company also provides on the job coaching as well as a structured internal training programme, where you attend a couple of courses each year to ensure your technical knowledge is up to date.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I joined 5 years ago, it has been extremely hard work to get through ICAS, however I feel that I am enjoying the benefits of that now. We work in teams of varying sizes and you get to know your colleagues well.

Managers are quite good at thanking staff for their work. There is a values award scheme whereby if you exceed expectations you can obtain a monetary award. There is also an annual feedback process which is a good time to discuss your role in the team and your progression.

The year I joined was the first year that the programme had been in place, and although it was a little bumpy to start with I believe that the new joiners today have a cut out path that they will follow, knowing when they will attend college, courses etc.

ICAS were very helpful throughout the duration of my studies. The course tutors were approachable and happy to help with any queries both inside and outside of class time. The admin staff were also very helpful.

We have an assigned counsellor and buddy when we join who is able to assist with any queries and issues which you may have. Should you be struggling with exams or need to alter working hours to study most managers are supportive of this, being a temporary measure. I have also recently gone part time to pursue another venture working for myself and I've received full support from my local office.

My salary meets my costs and has meant that I can afford to buy a house whilst my peers who went to university are still finding their feet. There is also a pension scheme which EY match up to 6%.

The company have a Corporate Social Responsibility scheme which means that you get 2 paid days each year to go and help out with a voluntary cause / charity. There are staff social events e.g. summer event and Christmas party as well as football team, meals every quarter and charity events.

Yes

As an alternative to university it can really accelerate your learning and progression.

Make sure that you are 100% confident that this is what you want to do as the programme is difficult.