Assurance graduate Review

I am an assurance graduate for EY. That is we go into companies and ensure that the balances the have stated as per their financial stats are both true and fair. So on a day to day basis, we test elements such as cash. That is, the balance they claim they have at year end, corresponds to supporting documentation. As a graduate, we spend a mixture of time at client sites, and in the office. A lot of work in done over emails, so it is possible to work anywhere.

My personal IT skills have developed significantly since I started. That is due both to practice in the job as well as training courses provided by EY. My interpersonal skills have also come on leaps and bounds. This can be accredited to my constant dealings with clients. You soon develop a technique on conversation, such that you can extract the required information whilst also keeping the client happy. However the ability to multi tasks has been my area of greatest change. On a day to day basis, you are being hounded by different managers so keeping track of all your work is imperative.

Don't get me wrong, the hours are horrible. I work late into the night pretty much all week, however i never work weekends, and can always tell my manager if I have something on. The people make the job. If you work with a good group, then time flies and the job is a lot easier.

Personally, it all depends on your relationship with your seniors. Sometimes if you don't ever interact then it can be possible to not feel valued, especially in a company the size of EY. However i cannot stress enough the poor salary amount for someone in my position. Working for a big four firm at the top of the auditing profession, earning barely over minimum wage (prorated for hours).

Extremely well. Years of graduate recruitment has paved the way for a training experience where you receive all the help and support you need. Due to the size of the business, there is always ears to listen to your every need. The fact you are pooled with a group of individuals who are at the same level as you is a great place to be.

We are in college for set period throughout the year which is really good. The tuition received is of the highest quality and when paired with the study resources provided it makes for a brilliant learning environment.

You receieve both financial and moral support from my employers which is really helpful when first moving in. The money is helpful when starting up, but we are all provided with our own personal counsillor who is there whenever we need them. We have at minimum monthly meetups to discuss progress, in which any issues can be raised. There is also an onsite HR team if there are any problems which cannot be settled with the counsillor.

Not well at all. Taking into account the amount of hours we put into the job it would be nice to receive some financial recognition. Coupled with the fact that EY is a top financial services firm, it seem unfair that the salary does not reflect this.

There are a load of opportunities outside of work. Whether that be sports based or communities based. If you want to do anything at all EY provides an opportunity to do this. The only issue I personally have is, once you've worked 50 hours in a week, it's really important that you don't neglect your out of work life.

Yes

Simple. The opportunity to learn. Wherelse are you going to experience so many different industries with so many different people. Not only is it the vast amount of sectors you will delve into, its the amount of different people you will be able to work with. Both wideing your practical and personal horizon.

Get ready to work. The first year will be really tough, as you will constantly be thinking you are letting people down, but be assured you're not. If you put in the effort, people will recognise this. The application process is long and tough, preparation is absolutely key regarding the interview and the assessment centre. Make sure you are heard, but do not be overpowering.