Assistant Senior Review

I am currently an assistant senior working in the audit department of EY Aberdeen. I have been with the firm for just over 3 years. As an auditor my main role is to work with clients to determine if their financial statements present and a fair truthful value of their company, and have been prepared in accordance with the appropriate standards. On a daily basis I interact with different members of my engagement team and my clients. In my role I am responsible for performing audit work and coaching more junior members of the team.

I am currently endeavouring to become a chartered accountant with ICAS. I have also been on several internal training courses with EY to develop a range of skills, from accounting and audit to soft skills such as written and verbal communication. These courses are also an excellent opportunity to develop your professional network as well.

Overall I enjoy the school leaver program. The best aspect is the people I work with. Our office in Aberdeen has a fantastic environment, one where employees are encouraged to grow and develop as best as they can. I have made some fantastic friends due to the nature and environment of our office. The programme has met my expectations and exceeded. Never did I think I would be able to help lead audit engagements at such a short time into my career.

I am reasonably satisfied with my value at EY. I feel as though our office is quite good at rewarding staff members for their endeavours. There are added incentives, such as a yearly bonus and impact awards (awards whereby managers nominate individuals who are have done well on a particular project), make you feel more appreciated.

This is where I feel the programme could improve the most. I was one of the first school leavers in our office, so initially there were some issues whereby people struggled to understand the role I play at the company (i.e. should I be doing the same work as a graduate, should I be doing the work of someone less qualified). However it has started to get better the past few years as more and more people experience the programme.

ICAS are my main training providers. Usually there is a lecturers for each course we are attempting who we go to if we have any questions on the course content, exam skills, course structure etc. etc. The lecturers are also helpful and knowledgable, meaning that if I ever do have questions, they are always able to help.

EY are helpful for me during my exams and also in my professional development. Every employee at EY is assigned a counsellor, who is the person we go to should we have any questions, worries and to have career discussions with. I feel like the managers at EY invest time to ensure you are happy and your wellbeing is good.

The salary package is reasonable. Initially it starts quite low, however it does rise each year in line with your progression at the firm. During the 1st few years it is a struggle to meet costs, however as it rises it does become easier. One poor aspect is that overtime is not paid, despite working nearly double the amount of contracted hours.

There are a significant amount of opportunities outside of work. The office does hold a number of social events outside of the daily work life, which are run by the social committee in the office. These are on a regular basis. There is also a charity committee as well who regularise a number of events throughout the year.

Yes

I would offer EY to a friend as I have learned a great dealing during my 3 years. I have become more confident as a person and I am more willing to try new experiences as a result of the new found confidence. I also feel that it is one of the best firms a young person could start at to gain their accounting qualifications.

I would tell each individual considering applying to the school leaver programme at EY to be as confident as they can. During the interview process they should showcase the best of their ability to the interviewer - make the interviewer believe in you as a future employee. It can be a daunting but very rewarding experience.