Audit Associate Review

Trainee Associate Tasks vary on a daily basis Given tasks by seniors that they don't want to do or tasks that are quite repetitive/boring/time consuming I remember having to go through files for hours on end in a box room, sat on the floor for almost 3 days and all this on a client site Work with a team of auditors of different levels Also have regular client facing relationships both face to face and via email (mostly face to face as you be out on client sites majority of the time) A lot of picking up work that hasn't been completed, having to get through tasks with lack of basic help sometimes Some seniors/managers expect you to know a lot more than you do

I am so much more confident than I used to be as this role does involve a lot of communication with new people quite regularly You also need to be confident in this kind of role as it really is a 'doggy-dog world' and people are all in it for themselves, no one has your back more than you have your own back (you learn to have strength and patience) Studying towards the ACA qualification with ICAEW (one of the most prestigious chartered accountancy qualifications) - however the studying is rigorous and difficult as you have to do most of the learning in your own time without any days off as study leave by the firm Lot's of internal training

It's very straining and there is too much stress and pressure for someone leaving school and undertaking an apprenticeship It really is a career and every decision you make affects your future career (if you want to carry on in this field in the future) You are constantly working in different teams with different people of different levels and this can be quite daunting The company is a great firm overall, they do a lot for the community and really value CSR and Diversity and have clear goals for their future as a leading professional services firm I expected it to be a lot more exciting and it really isn't that exciting career with lot's of travel and posh meals, the travel is tiring and the places travelling to are mostly in the middle of nowhere 4-5 years is a big commitment and some people can really feel stuck especially if they don't enjoy the service line they're in; it makes it so difficult

EY are taking on a lot more apprentices than ever and pride on giving school leavers a chance However with the high numbers they take on the value of them is dropping and they are struggling to really give that help that apprentices need as they are seen on the same level as a graduate Managers/seniors are barely appreciative, I have probably got one heartfelt 'thanks' in my 7 months at the firm You barely have contact with managers, if there is a senior in the team just believe you don't contact the manager Bonuses are invisible, don't know anyone that has received one and the bonus structure is pretty rubbish No pay for overtime, bare in mind how many ridiculous hours people do here

Induction was very full on and should have been more specific and simpler for apprentices, I remember my induction was in the same room as people who were employed as managers/senior managers so a lot of the time the information didn't relate to me Lot's of training, could be more concise and relevant I don't feel like there is much support other than anonymous helplines to mental health charities of the sort, you're counsellor really is just there to see how well your feedback is I've met my buddy once in my 7 months at the firm Organisation on audits is horrendous, no organisation what-so-ever and it's more of a 'go with the flow' kind of audit

Regular email interaction with Kaplan (training provider) Lot's of information for exam study and guidance College is also quite relaxed and a nice break from work, however the studying is rigorous there's a lot to learn in one week (almost one years worth of university content)

See question 5 Not a lot of friendly support, it's more professional support and go get on with it

Salary is good for our age but to think we do the same work as graduates yet get paid significantly lower than them is not a nice feeling I'm living at home yet struggle at the end of the month, can't imagine what it's like for people living in rented accommodation Also an apprenticeship interest free loan would help which again graduates are given

Regular team building events Lot's of charity work e.g. yorkshire 3 peaks challenge, sahara desert walk for charity, bike rides, marathons, horse races Lot's of societies to join including sport, languages, religion

No

I would recommend it to someone who has just left university not for someone leaving school as it is really difficult and a very big jump from school to full time working

Research, research, research Research the firm Research the service lines Research the future of your career Attend as many events as possible Be confident but not overly loud in assessments, ask your team questions Literally talk about anything that has taught you something about the business world in your interviews even if it is something your mum or dad taught you Try to do work experience to get a better idea Aim to find an honest opinion of the role (try to get that person alone so you can find out truly what the job is like)