Assurance Associate Review

Associate in Audit for EY. Daily tasks involve working with teams of employees across different levels and working with the client to understand business transactions and understand their financial accounts/accounting system to determine whether they have recorded transactions correctly. Given a developing range of responsibilities, from checking the financial statements/transactions to meeting and interacting with Financial Directors/CFO's

I have developed my confidence, business acumen and networking skills allowing me to become integrated in the teams which you work in on a daily basis, and also confident enough to challenge the client where appropriate. Am training for ICAEW ACA qualification which will see me become a chartered accountant. There are many internal training courses which you participate and often travel across the country/meet new people across the country.

I enjoy the programme, as you get to meet new people every week, along with also having a close bond with your peer group as you attend college with them. Also there are a range of employees from all across the world, so speaking to them daily broadens horizons and opens opportunities to understanding cultures. It has exceeded expectations, as from work experience at other firms you get an "officey" feel, which isn't present at EY.

I feel valued by EY as there is a rolling feedback system so you can constantly get feedback from other employees. The office is an open plan space with the more senior members sitting reasonably close and not shut away in an office which makes you feel more valued. Additionally, there is the option for recognition awards which are monetary, and also quarterly awards which are presented in front of the whole audit department.

You are given a large amount of training (1 week) and a follow up week approx. 1 month later which allows you to learn on the job, while still having the basic concept of the job. There is also set college dates which are available to view from atleast 6 months before the start date of college. Further there is a support system with buddies (more informal/1 year above) and counsellors (more formal/AM/manager level) which you can talk to if you encounter problems, or just talk to in general as a new face starting, it is good to know your allocated buddy.

They are in communication often when out of college, prepping you for the next block of teaching they will provide. There is an online portal which you can access to get materials and also offer mock exams. When in college the tutors are approachable and often give out emails/mobile numbers for you to contact them whenever you need the help.

As mentioned above there is a system of buddies and counsellors who provide support. The buddy is someone of a similar age (usually 1 year above) who will keep in contact with you throughout your first few months to make sure you settle into EY well. Along with the counsellor who is more senior than a buddy and a slightly more formal relationship, they will take any concerns to management if necessary and meet regularly (around 6 times per year) to discuss progress and career path.

The salary for a school leaver (18/19) when joining is sufficient if not good, considering there is no University debt. Also, the travel costs to clients are reimbursed and this helps the salary stretch a lot further. Also, the salary progression is fairly large at the early stages, despite still not being qualified.

There are often events organised by work such as socials (drinks on Friday evenings), trips to do activities (recently done a crystal maze remake). Also they are in the BCASS society so often have socials through this so you can interact with employees from outside the firm.

Yes

Great environment, lots of variety in the work and also the teams you will work for which means that very rarely there is massive repetition in the work. Also, there is a large amount of progression so that if you are on the same client the following year you will be doing different work.

Talk about the experiences which you have had working in teams, also do research on the audit service along with EY specific research - i.e. what they are focussing on and how you have demonstrated this in your school/college life. Also, for the assessment days, to be prepared as you may have to speak to a partner, so be professional and polite then you will be fine.