Trainee Associate Review

I work in audit services. This involves travelling out to client sites and working on there year-end, half year and interim audits. On a day to day basis this can involve walking through the clients process such as payroll and purchases. My daily tasks also involve working through areas of a clients accounts such as cash, prepayments etc. and preparing workbooks to be used for a final audit opinion.

I have developed my communication skills whilst on my apprenticeship. As my job involves sitting and speaking with clients regularly as well as working as part of teams, it is helped to develop my skills in communicating as this is a key part of the job. I have also learnt how to effectively manage my time. As I am part of a team it is usually my responsibility to manage my tasks and effectively manage the time I have to complete these.

I enjoy my programme a lot as I like being able to travel around and meet new clients. Everyone at EY is very approachable and is willing to coach and train you in any way you need. The way the apprenticeship is run is effective as you get a counsellor who will help you manage any tasks you need to complete in order to complete your apprenticeship.

I think it is well organised as we go to college for periods of time throughout the year and sit the exam shortly after. This means that you will have periods of time were you have no exams and can focus on improving your skills on the job. It also allows you to have time in college which means you can focus on developing your knowledge of accounting.

My employer is very supportive. You will be assigned a counsellor and a buddy when you join. Your counsellor will help with things such as exams and any issues you have with jobs you have been put on. Your buddy will also be there to support you in the day-to-day tasks you need to complete and any questions or queries.

I receive a lot of support as when you're at college tutors are very willing to spend extra time helping you. They give you phone numbers to call if you are stuck with anything when revising and you can go into college at any time to make an appointment to sit with your tutor and go through them.

I feel it helps a lot as it helps you understand the background knowledge to the job you are doing. With accounting it can be quite confusing to get into the way of thinking and the training we are provided at college is very useful in the day to day job.

Yes, there are a lot of groups in work. For example there is 5 a-side football played between the offices and different networks for women, or religions etc. There is usually a social monthly which varies sometimes it will be an activity such as an escape room or table tennis or a pub quiz.

Yes

They are a good company to work for and offer a lot of benefits to their employees. They are good with offering study leave and help with exams and your qualification. I also think that they are a very well respected company and will offer you a lot of opportunities.

To be prepared to work long hours and study a lot for exams. Also, to make the most of any opportunities that are offered to you as EY is such a large company so can offer things other businesses can't. Also to be prepared to travel a lot with audit.