2nd Year School Leaver Review

I am currently going into my second year on the school leaver program. My daily tasks vary from client to client, however, one of the main tasks I have been working on this year is in relation to US Sox controls. My clients are very based around having a US group which can be very challenging at times, however, at the same time is very rewarding. I have also progressed to doing more complicated work such as inventory and accruals.

I have learnt a lot of new skills this year, including coaching new first years that have joined the business. I have been sitting exams this year too, all of which I have passed now and am working towards my qualification. I have learnt a lot of new skills in different areas of audit which I had previously not worked on in the past.

I really enjoy the program and love the work I do. I have struggled this year with the demands of what is expected within busy season and the role of a second year school leaver. Also, with what managers expect you to do in such a small amount of time you have on an audit. However, I feel that the support of those around me have helped me enjoy the work a lot more and enjoy the clients I have been working on. I know I have plenty to develop within EY and will carry on to do so.

As an EY Employee, there are many ways to feel valued. External value from the clients is always a good positive when they give you feedback or request that you come back next year. It makes it feel that you have done a good job. For the most part, the managers appreciate the work you do for them, but I have had times where I have not always been noted for the amount of work I have done and the effort I have put in. We have also, proceeded to limit value awards within EY but again, they are still available if you stand out enough.

At the start the organisation could be better, but within the 2nd year it becomes more structured and more clear where your path is taking you. Exams are always a tricky one, however, it is made very clear to teams that when exams are around, less demand is expected of the staff member. The support received is also very well structured, to have a mentor of an above level, to which you can connect on and will support your decisions is a great advantage and the training is well prepared as we are becoming seniors next year, the training is happening soon and well in advance.

This year has been a tricky one for me. We had 2 exams that became self study this year, and a syllabus change between 2017 adn 2018 years. I don't feel like I had enough support from the training provider nor did I really have a contact to ask as we had not been told. I also thought the one person who did contact me was not very friendly and approachable. There was some positives to it and I was given resits to account for the syllabus changes and the EY contact for the exams was very supportive. I also had support from my mentor who helped me out multiple times when I was struggling with questions.

I have received very good support from my employer this year. My mentor has been a big part of my support this year and supporting the decisions I make and my exams. On the whole, most managers have supported me through the audit work and team members are very supportive and coach you through the work. I believe that the general attitude is that you support those below you and multiple people have demonstrated that this year.

My salary is a bit half and half at the moment. My current living situations means that it covers my board and my car and travelling costs, however, wanting to move out, my salary will not cover the costs of living in the city centre in a flat. This means that I am currently on a saving spree and having to create a budget. It also doesn't cover me for when things go wrong i.e. on my car or when the car insurance comes out.

This year, the office has extended how many social events we have and have come up with a CSR day. These are days where we volunteer and raise money for charities of choice. Furthermore, there are always voluntary aspects such as helping out in recruitment for the next year. I have tried to do other activities outside of work however, I have not had the time this year to do so as I work late quite a bit.

Yes

It is a very good company to work for and they work on your strengths and help improve your weaknesses. EY do not see your weaknesses as a weakness but as a development point to which they will support you through. You are always developing, no matter what level you are at. EY also offer multiple opportunities as you progress.

Always be a team player. Always asks questions - don't sit quietly in the corner. Be confident, ask questions back to your interviewer. Ask about their experiences of the business. Always try and have some work experience - no matter if it is not Audit related! Never give up!