Senior Review

I am now a senior and taking on leading roles within the audit. This now means interacting with senior members of the client's finance team as well as being responsible for junior members of the team. My projects can vary from large clients which billion pound turnover, to small family run business meaning no different week is ever the same.

I have three final exam's to complete before I am fully qualified as an accountant. I was able to accelerate my exams so that I will be able to finish these by the end of 2017 rather than the summer of 2018. I also complete training within the organisation as well as developing communication skills from day to day jobs completed.

The role can be challenging, it can be hard to have a work life balance with many weeks timesheets looking at 60+ hours. This is particularly difficult with friends at uni who have lots of spare time and want to do things however I find myself working weekends to meet tight deadlines. There is however a sense of satisfaction at finishing an audit.

I have struggled with this as EY is such a global firm sometimes I do not feel individually valued even though some of my achievements I am proud of and would like recognition. I feel like throughout the school leaver programme there has been a lack of direction by the senior members of EY with regards to the direction of the school leavers and often decisions relating to school leavers can be left to the last minute.

As pointed out above I feel like throughout the school leaver programme there has been a lack of direction by the senior members of EY with regards to the direction of the school leavers and often decisions relating to school leavers can be left to the last minute. This has got better as I come to the end of my training contract however policies should have been in place at the beginning of the scheme.

Support is there with plenty of people to talk to around concerns such as a councillor manager and a buddy for any questions you need to ask. EY send their students to Kaplan where I feel the support provided is very good they teach in a way that has so far meant that I have been able to pass all my exams first time. They also make themselves available to answer any questions if needed after class.

Support is provided however I would expect further support to be provided given that when we start as school leaver we often know less than a graduate and I think this support should be looked at more. However overall any question can be asked and no question is a stupid question. Time is given for study leave and most managers and seniors will understand if you need to be flexible regarding study leave.

Salary has increased during my time at EY and started off much above my expectations however I do not think that this has increased with the work that I am now performing I am performing a senior role however I am being paid less than a second year even though I have 3 years more experience than these employees. I think this is an area EY could improve to match more of the salary expectations.

There are plenty of opportunities outside of work to do volunteering with two days entitled to performing volunteering each year. In addition to this there are plenty of end of work drinks and audit meals for completion of the audits.

Yes

As it is a fast route to being a qualified accountant if this is what someone would like to do. However it does have a serious impact on your social life and can mean you will be able to spend less time doing what you want. Overall the experience you gain and the qualification you gain out weighs the £9000 tuition fees.

The application process can be daunting however getting through this will mean that you will be joining a top 4 accounting firm with lots of perks. There are several steps to the application however getting in touch with someone at EY they are more than happy to help you with any questions that you might have. The on boarding process is very good and you will meet new people straight away who are welcoming and willing to help.