Senior Associate Review

On a daily basis I perform the audit of key areas across my portfolio of clients. We audit Oil and Gas companies mainly based in the North Sea. Audits are usually performed in teams both onshore (in the UK) and coaching offshore team members. My main tasks at my current level are to review the work of new joiners, coach teams offshore and perform areas of more detail such as impairment, decommissioning and revenue.

I have learnt many new skills. I have learned how to prioritise tasks, take notes, hold professional discussions with clients and co-workers and audit complicated sections. One of the biggest skills I have been able to improve is confidence - something I severely lacked when I joined. I feel EY tries to bring out the best in you.

On the whole, I have enjoyed it. To begin with in my first year I really didn't enjoy the job and being so young, I felt I did not "fit in" as a new 17 year old. Now (20) I have great friends and work is a joy to go to.

It has a reasonable structure however I don't always feel it is very well organised. We often don't know when we will be sitting what exams and it is a case of fight for what you want rather than opportunities being handed to you. I feel this is something EY could improve.

From the employer as a whole there seems to be little extra support for School Leavers compared to Grads - at such a young age, additional support is required. I found myself relying on my counsellor for help. Our co-workers often support you through and I feel there is more appreciation for school leavers now.

EY are good at ensuring you have sufficient study time to complete your training - everyone within the firm has had their struggles and are very accommodating. Some qualified staff are also willing to coach you through areas for exams where you are unsure. From my experience I have received lots of support.

I feel like the ICAS qualification really does aid your performance. However as the exams are so spread out, I feel we could do them faster so we gain a better knowledge quicker. You often find you fall behind your peers who have started as grads - this can be a little bit demoralising.

There are not many sporting activities to get involved in however there is a social committee which organises events. There are also other smaller networks within the firm. I am part of the People Forum and Coaching Committee. I feel in Aberdeen, there is less opportunities for extra -curricular activities based on its size however it is forever growing and there is more and more to get involved in. Some activities just require to be advertised.

Yes

I would recommend EY as I really enjoy working with everyone, there is a good atmosphere in the workplace and it is a great place to learn - especially audit. The downsides are the long hours and sometimes lack of appreciation but where has no issues? I would advise them that once you get the first year past, it does get better and is enjoyable.

I would advise people applying to EY to be prepared to put in the hard work and work long hours. But on the other side it can be very flexible for personal commitments, decent pay and great people. So I guess work hard and you will earn the rewards. All in all it is a good place to work - especially for the younger generation as it seems to be a younger place of work.