Technology risk consultant Review

Working in IT Risk and Assurance (ITRA), also known as technology risk involves a variety of work. We deal with global retail, oil/gas and supermarket companies to smaller local companies. I am responsible for leading client meetings to understand their IT processes and managing the relationship with the client to update them on the status of the audit. I manage my own time and coach new joiners and now have the chance to review the work they perform. We spend around 30% of the time onsite at places all over the UK and the rest of the time working remotely in the office/at home.

During the apprenticeship you study towards the ACA to become a chartered accountant which is a big achievement once complete. We have internal training days to learn about skills associated with our day to day role which usually takes place during summer time including training on innovation, upcoming tech and training on becoming the next level such as a senior consultant. There is also opportunities to get involved with other training courses such as first aid if you show an interest.

I enjoy the programme as the team I work directly with are supportive, fun and helpful. We all get along well which helps the dynamics of the work to get done to the best of our ability. As for the wider team, social activities are planned at least on a quarterly basis so that everyone has the opportunity to catch up. Everyone in the company is so friendly its hard not to enjoy.

The team I work within show their appreciation and always make sure a thanks is said which is something small but goes a long way. There are recognition awards with monetary value which managers can give out when they believe you have gone above and beyond on their job which makes you feel like your hard work has paid off and are more appreciated. If i want to get involved with another project i feel supported to do so and feel like my manager will push me to get the best out of my experience.

Within the first week of joining EY you have an induction week to your service line where you learn about what it is the service line does and get to meet the people in your team which is a nice way to be introduced to everyone. I feel as though setting out the pathway for progression could have been detailed out better for us to understand the key steps in our first years of our career. When working on projects within the team it is well structured so you know the expectations from the start.

Where we go to college at Kaplan the tutors are really helpful during class and you are provided their email addresses to contact them if you need in out of hours. There is also a support section on the website where you can gain support on any aspect of college. However the internal exams team can prove to be difficult sometimes in arranging exams and listening to feedback.

As nearly everyone in my team has done professional qualifications before whilst also doing a full time job they are aware of how difficult it can be at times however as long as you are truthful and ensure everyone knows what you're doing and how you are feeling there are no issues. People will try and support you as much as possible as they want you to pass.

The salary increases every year in line with the school leavers in other service lines however i do not feel it meets expectations based on experience in the job now. IN comparison to London there is a big difference of course however it matches the other regions and based on the fact Birmingham is quite an expensive city i dont think this reflects fairly.

Outside of work there is a group of people involved in BCASS where other young professionals from different companies such as the other big 4 get together and organise activities which take place for the apprentices which allows everyone to get together with other like minded people. Within the office they have yoga classes which happen every so often and we get 2 days a year to do voluntary work which we will usually do as a team.

Yes

EY has been a great kickstart to my career and i have enjoyed the work i have been doing and the team i work with and are aware of the progression I am able to get. It provides good exposure and gives you experiences you would not gain anywhere else. Everyone is so friendly and helpful that its really easy to fit in and feel welcome.

I would say always be confident but not over powering, just be yourself. Dont get embarrassed as you will either be successful or never see the people you are in the assessment centre with ever again so what have you got to lose. Take on any opportunities you are offered as they will make you you.