School Leaver in FS Assurance Review

My job title is School Leaver in Financial Services in Assurance. This department deals with the auditing of Financial Services clients (banks, insurance companies such as RBS). Day to day, tasks vary from taking on and auditing several accounts to scanning and filing documentation. From day 1 you are made to feel part of the team, and given responsibility. Everyday I have to talk to clients and management within EY.

I am studying to become a fully qualified ACA charted accountant. There are also many internal training course to best equip you for your job, such as Introduction to Audit. These internal courses help you to develop your skills using EY's tools. I have learnt how to deal with clients and management in a respectful and professional manner. I have developed skills using excel greatly.

I enjoy this programme very much due to the people and teams you work in. The work is sometimes boring, but as a first year you are given all the easiest tasks. The company culture is very hard working and focussed so expect long days and a high work load! Often on away jobs as well if you are working for the regional offices. This apprenticeship is definitely not for the faint hearted but if you are focussed and committed then you will excel! To be honest about how it met my expectations... I was shocked at first. You are treated like an adult and given the trust and responsibility that an adult would be given when you join.

I do feel valued by EY. The recognition you get is very much dependant on your team. Managers are often very pushed for time but through the feedback system, managers show their appreciation for hard working. The team are always grateful if you are able to complete your work and help share your seniors/managers work load.

I feel that the programme is structured very well. The induction was held in London and all the new joiners in UK Financial Services attended. It was a great two days, networking and learning about the company. There is a lot of support and training available and all training is compulsory.

The support from the Kaplan team is very good. Tutors have given an email address and we are able to contact them at all time. This is incredibly useful as college is very hard work and exams are very stressful.

We all have our own councillor who is dedicated to supporting us with any issues we may have. Your councillor also supports you through your year end review process.

Personally, I have moved out from room to move to Bristol and I am living off my salary. I know all of the other school leavers are living at home so have significantly reduced living cost. I manage to live off my salary. Its quite tight at the end of the month but I manage! At the end of the first year there is a guaranteed pay rise so I am looking forward to that!

There are loads of opportunities outside work. There are sports teams, recruiting events and volunteering days. There are also trips abroad etc. There are regular parties, Christmas party, end of busy season party, summer party! There are also birthday parties and nights out to look forward to!

Yes

Great career prospects, great social side, great people and teams to work with!

Don't panic, be yourself, find something you have in common with your interviewers, whether it be a phone interview or face to face. How you react to new people is hugely important as EY are accessing how you can talk to client and how professional you come across so don't be shy, be confident! The phone interviewer isn't from EY so they know little about the company so do your research and answer confidently! The assessment day is an awkward situation to be put in, try and relax. The written task is awful (under time pressure) so be ready for it, there is no way you can prepare really. You will be expected to review a few documents and write a few emails. I have heard various stories about the partner interview. Personally, the partner just wanted a conversation with me, no formal questions, just a general chat about current affairs etc. Nothing to stress about!