Staff/Assistant Review

I am an auditor for EY, which includes going out to client site and interacting with varying members of staff at the client site in regards to their daily work. This can vary from people who just post journals to financial directors. My responsibilities change from day to day. As I am only a junior member of staff I am not given control of a team, but I am often responsible for a large workload.

I am currently studying towards a CFAB and will be going on to study for ACA afterwards. I have developed a lot of skills, especially communication skills when having to speak to various people on a daily basis. The large workload has helped me improve my organisation skills and also helped me learn prioritisation. We are often on Training Courses to help us develop our skills both as more senior members of staff and also in different fields of Audit.

As an Auditor the work I experience can be very demanding and often very straining on my personal life and health. Personally, I do not think that it is a job that is sustainable for life but this is outweighed by the amount of experience that is offered. The company culture can vary, as it is often made up of people who have recently come from University so can vary from a very informal team to a very formal team very quickly. I enjoy the satisfaction I get from doing difficult tasks, but do not overall enjoy the programme.

As it is such a fast paced role with a heavy workload it can be very easy to feel undervalued and that what you do goes unnoticed. Some managers, as in all places, are much better at balancing this than others but overall egotistical needs aren't met. Your involvement in projects all comes down to what you are able to get yourself involved in but it can be very easy to not get the chance.

At a base level the programme is very organised, but when things stray from the plan this can often cause difficulties as questions are send from team to team constantly which delays any decisions. There are often teams set up to help with specific queries but it can be difficult to find these teams as issues are not always as straightforward as one team. The studying is all booked for you, which can cause issues as there is little flexibility over this. Although it is organised it can be rigid which can cause difficulties.

Kaplan are a fantastic training provider and have not failed to meet expectations in various circumstances. The tutors are always helpful and will help you if you are willing to help yourself.

At the beginning of the apprenticeship there is a lot of support, but as you become more experienced this drops off. You are expected to go through your counsellor/managers with queries but this can be a lengthy process and sometimes can make you feel that you are left to fend for yourself.

The salary in Bristol does not meet costs well, especially in the first year. It can be very difficult to live in Bristol on the salary and is not possible to live outside and commute unless you live very close due to the hours that often occur.

There are often events on outside of work that require you to be in the right social group to get involved with, as well as generic events that are open to everyone. I don't tend to involve myself in these as I occupy myself in other ways outside of working hours.

Yes

It is a great way to get experience quickly to set you up for your future.

Follow the application process and do what it asks of you as it is not trying to trick you. This follows through with interviews and assessment days too, they are not trying to trip you up. Ensure that you are aware that it is a stressful job and that between January and April that hours can sometimes reach 70+ hours. You are often required to stay away from home which is not to everyone's taste and often you do not have a choice in the matter if it is just due to not wanting to have to stay away for another week. If you are willing to make the most of the situation then you will get a lot out of it.