Associate Review

I work as an Associate (Staff/Junior) in Audit. Every day is different as there is a large client base and there is a different team on every engagement. I am in charge of several areas of the audit and help in coaching junior members.

I joined with no accounting knowledge. Now I have gained the ICAEW CFAB qualification and am in the process of getting my ACA. By doing my day to day job I have significantly improved by Excel skills and I am now able to use EY internal tools which focus on audit efficiency.

I enjoy the variety of clients I get to work with and the travelling that comes with that. I enjoy working as part of a team and that I get to work as a part of many different teams. I like that the job is somehow consistent and inconsistent at the same time. Although there is constant variety in my work the end goal is always the same.

Managers regularly give verbal appreciation and also do this in the form of written feedback. Sometimes an award is given or a dinner is organised if they feel extra recognition for hard work is required. EY provides a flexible working environment which makes it's employees feel more valued. I am allowed to move my work schedule around any personal commitments which shows that they value my life outside of work.

All course work is spread out over the training contract to allow the apprentices enough time to study. No exams are planned during the busiest months of the year so that there is no need to sacrifice study time to work. There is a school leaver contact at each office that is very approachable in case any issues might arise.

Our exam training for the ICAEW ACA qualification is provided by Kaplan Financial. Tutors are available during lunch, in the evenings and outside of course periods to provide personalised support. In the classroom they adapt their teaching to the students so that everyone is able to get as much out of the course as possible.

No exams are planned during the busiest months of the year so that there is no need to sacrifice study time to work. Everyone respects the hours of those that need to study and don't put extra pressure on those. Everyone that I have worked with has been willing to provide coaching to the younger apprentices.

EY allows for travel expenses to be claimed as well as hotel and subsistence costs for engagements that are far away. This way staff can still be comfortable without having to be concerned about costs. The salary covers all my costs of living and leaves me with some extra money every month.

EY organises social events such as a summer and a Christmas party. In addition informal social drinks also take place on a regular basis. There are a variety of sports teams that employees are able to join as well as societies based on your lifestyle and interests. EY also allows you to participate in voluntary work and expeditions without having to sacrifice holiday days.

Yes

The EY Business Apprenticeship is a great alternative to university for those who prefer to learn by doing the work rather than just reading about it. The firm is very supportive of your studies and allows you to have a good work-life balance. Every day is different as you often don't work on the same clients for long and you are performing many different tasks.

Do research into the company and the specific role you are applying to so that you are sure it is a good fit for you. Take part in experience days to show your interest and to learn more about the company. Be yourself during the interviews, if you and the interviewer get along well it probably means you are a good fit for the company.