Corporate Finance Executive Review

After completing the school leaver programme I was able to transfer internally to the corporate finance team, with my official title changing to corporate finance executive. On a daily basis I am responsible for generating packs, liaising with potential buyers (this involves interacting with CEOs)and attending client meetings.

After qualifying from ICAEW in October, I have been given the oppurtunity, given the change in job, to go back to college and study for my AMT qaulification. There are also internal training oppurtunities that you can sign up for.

I really enjoyed the school leaver programme, it was hard work managing exams with working. However, throughout the time I felt like I was supported and now being on the other side of the exams I do not feel that I still have the school leaver stigma.

I feel extremely valued, in addition to yearly bonuses there are values awards. These are given out at the discretion of managers but are used to reward you for good work.

Given that I was the first year of the programme it was a little less structured that it is today. College times are booked out in your retain months in advance, so that you know when you are going. You are allocated a buddy and counsellor, who make your first few weeks at EY a lot easier.

The ICAEW qualification is taught at Kaplan college, the tutors are extremely helpful, even staying behind after class to explain anything to you and contactable via email on weekends. There is also an exams team at EY, who you are able to contact if you have any issues whilst you are studying.

When you get to EY you are allocated a buddy, this is somebody that has usually been at the firm for a year. They are usually closer in age and have recently been through what you have so are a great contact especially in the first few weeks. You are also allocated a counsellor, who is manager level or above, they act as your career advisors. Despite the above there is a strong community feeling and you can go to anyone with any issues and they will be willing to sit and talk to you. You are never turned away

Having qualified my salary increased dramatically, however through the course of the programme I did not feel that the amount I was paid stopped me from doing anything that I wanted.

There are a number of opportunities ranging from cricket and netball, to Student Societies. It is up to you how involved you would like to be. Teams usually have monthly socials which is a great way to get know your team better. Each year we are awarded 2 CSR days to give back to the community.

Yes

I really enjoy the culture at EY and really enjoyed being part of the school leaver scheme. I believe it has given me a great advantage over others my age who have been to uni and are just starting the three year training programme.

The best tip or advice I could give would be to be yourself through the application process. People think that EY are looking for people who are extremely corporate, but given the fact we are client facing it is more important to display how personable you are.