Audit Associate Review

I am an audit associate in my 2nd year of the business apprentice programme and will soon progress to being an audit senior when I begin my 3rd year. My day to day job involves working with a range of different clients, from small localised businesses to huge multinational clients, to ensure that there financial statements are free from material misstatement whether that be due to fraud or error.

Yes I have both learnt and developed lots of new skills so far throughout my apprenticeship. One of the main skills that I have developed is how to communicate with clients to ensure that we provide them with the best service and experience possible. Another skill that I have developed is the ability to manage time effectively. Trying to manage a full time job and study towards a professional qualification can sometimes prove difficult so building this skill has allowed me to relieve some of that pressure.

I absolutely love the programme that I am on - I am gaining real life experience in a huge international firm, whilst being paid and gaining my chartered accountancy qualification. There is so much variety in my day to day job which means that I never get bored of the work that I am doing.

EY really cares about me as a person and where I personally want to take my career. Everybody is given a 'counsellor' when they start at the firm who acts as a mentor and really helps you to push to get the experiences and work that you want. Every individual is valued and the culture is very inclusive - this leads to a fantastic work environment.

The programme that I am on is very well organised and structured and ensures that everyone is always busy and gets their fair share of opportunities and experiences. There is lots of off the job and soft skills training and enough leave given to study towards our professional qualification.

Our training provider is very supportive and we are able to contact them 24/7 if there are any questions or queries that we may have. They take time to explain things in detail and answer all questions and have a genuine interest in us passing our exams.

My employer is incredibly supportive and understanding. I feel very able to approach either my counsellor or manager to discuss any problems that I may be having and everyone is always genuinely caring and will go out of their way to ensure that you feel happy and comfortable. There is lots of exam support as well as support ensuring that you are happy in your current job role.

I would say that for a young person renting in London the salary is decent enough to cover my living and travel costs whilst also allowing me with enough to money to enjoy social events with friends as well as the occasional holiday.

There are loads of opportunities outside of work - whether this be getting involved in recruitment events or volunteering to help out the EY foundation charity as a mentor - everyone can find something to do. There are loads of networks to also get involved in - for example I am a member of the womens network and there are also sports clubs such as football and netball teams.

Yes

EY is an incredible company with a fantastic culture where everyone has the opportunity to excel and build a truly amazing career. I have been given the opportunity to train towards becoming a chartered accountant whilst avoiding student debt and I am also gaining many valuable years of real life experience.

I would advise others looking to join to stay up to date with current affairs and have a good general understanding of the industry and the current changes that are happening. I would also recommend really looking into which area of the firm you would like to apply to as the work done in the different sectors varies greatly, so it is important to do something that you enjoy.