Associate Review

I'm an Audit Associate. This is the same job title as the graduates get and my job is fundamentally the same as the graduates, which is nice. My day to day job can vary tremendously based on the client. I can be working on pretty much any aspect of the audit. I'll carry out the audit tests on data, complete walkthroughs of transactions to understand a client's processes and checking the controls work, comparing data to invoices, checking financial statements for accuracy... It all sounds a little dry, but it's actually really interesting. Often, I'll need to speak to various people from the client to get the information I need, or to ask questions about the data I've received. Sometimes, this can involve challenging them on why they've done something a particular way so that I can be sure that what they've done is in line with proper accounting practice and standards. I'm very much in control of my own work. Once I've got my tasks, unless I've been told otherwise, it's up to me how I get it done, as long as the final result is accurate and meets the objectives set out for me.

I'm studying for ICAS qualifications which mean I'll be a Chartered Accountant by the end of my apprenticeship. I had already studied accounting before starting, and it was a little jarring to see how different accounting can be in the real world, versus in a classroom, but it's also really rewarding. I can see concepts I already know the basics of being fleshed out and how those principles underpin it all. The biggest thing has been learning how to speak like an accountant. There's a lot of terminology involved, but once you get your head around it, it's like second nature. It hasn't taken me long to understand it because it applies to everything you're doing on a fundamental level.

While the work isn't always the most exciting, the social aspect of working in a team to get it done is great. Everyone is eager to help you learn and develop. You don't have a set team, instead you'll be working with different people for each and every client. Some engagements are only 2-3 weeks long and then you're on to the next one with a brand new manager, a brand new team. It's really good to get to meet new people constantly, both from my own office and the others. I've worked on audits with people from Aberdeen and Edinburgh, and even been in contact with people from EY Germany.

The internal feedback system works well for getting good feedback from managers. The seniors and managers are also not shy about letting you know when you're doing well. They've given me plenty of opportunity to expand my role within the audit teams and do more complicated work if I've felt up to it.

Very well organised and structured. There's clear dates and study leave given for my professional qualifications, so I never feel like I need to try and find time to study. Everyone respects study leave. I've got a counsellor and a buddy, both of whom are experienced in the job and I can turn to with any questions that I've got. The tasks I'm assigned are always explained to me and I know who to ask for help.

ICAS are very supportive during the study process and there's a clear point of contact for when you get stuck.

Plenty. People respect when you're on study leave and don't expect you to respond or do any work while you're off. They make proper provisions to make sure you have the time you need to study.

Relatively well, considering it's a school leaver program. I left a job that paid more to join the program, however, the salary does increase each year.

By the time the Christmas period is over, I'll have had three (paid for) Christmas lunches. There's regular events to bring the teams together. My year group is very social and we organise our nights out. The location is in the middle of the city centre so it's very easy to have an impromptu team lunch or post-work dinner and/or drinks. We get 2 days a year to use for voluntary activities of our choice. The company lets you use Udemy, which has been good for building additional skills that'll help me both in and outside of work.

Yes

The training you'll receive is world-class. Even if you don't stay at EY afterwards, being able to say you were trained from the ground up by EY is very desirable for employers. The breadth of experience you get in different types of clients, different industries, only serves to make you a real asset to anyone you might want to work for in the future. That said, it does require a lot of work. It's not a job for anyone who wants to coast through it. It's demanding of your skills and your time, but it'll pay off.

It's so cheesy, but don't be shy. Speak to everyone and get to know people. They're not just looking to see if you can do the job, they're looking to see if you'll get on well with the variety of people you're going to meet. They need to see your personality if they're going to be able to make a decision. Don't focus on your academic achievements, focus on what makes you 'you'.