Assurance Associate Review

For each engagement the senior gives you an account allocation such as cash and trade receivables. I am then responsible for performing this testing and creating the workbook. Throughout this process I am supported and coached through the tasks by my senior. On a daily basis I am also conversing with the clients to understand their business and ask any questions regarding the accounts and testing that I am performing.

Since joining EY I have learnt many new skills. One of my most developed skills is my ability to communicate and interact with others. On a daily basis I am interacting with clients and meeting new people. Furthermore, I have improved my adaptability to change as I am constantly working on new clients and with new teams/colleagues.

Although it was a difficult adjustment at the beginning of my apprenticeship, with the help of EY employees and the vast number of new people I have met I really enjoy my apprenticeship. I love the learning experience that I am consistently gaining and I think that the exposure to different businesses and clients is a great opportunity to offer someone who has only just left school.

The programme is fairly well organised. Induction for the first two days was a great opportunity to get to meet new people who are in the same starting position as you and allowed you to start building your network. In relation to exams and college, although it was difficult to obtain exam dates at first, the resource management team were soon able to provide the dates of our time in college and exams for the upcoming year.

The support I have received since joining EY has been unbelievable. First of all, before I joined EY they assigned me a buddy who emailed and met up with me the summer before I started. They were able to answer any questions or concerns that I had. You are also given a mentor and a counsellor who are other lines of support available to help you during you transition and employment with EY.

Kaplan have been very helpful and supportive during my studies. Whilst at college the tutors are able to explain the concepts and provide real life examples which are applicable to your job and role at a big 4 firm. Furthermore, the tutors are willing to give extra time after classes and are available on email during the week and weekends to support you with any questions that you may have regarding the content of your studies.

My qualification has helped deepen my understanding of the accounts and I have learnt the accounting treatment of multiple transactions. This helps me to complete my role on a daily basis as I am able to understand the accounting treatment that the client has used when debiting and crediting particular accounts.

At EY there are many extra-curricular activities. In relation to sports there are many teams that you can join such as netball enabling you to expand your network across EY. Furthermore, there are many department social events as well as large service line specific events such as boat parties, wine tasting and Christmas parties.

Yes

I would absolutely recommend EY to a friend. As a firm they are very welcoming and supportive. They place a heavy emphasis on a people culture ensuring that employees are happy in the workplace. In addition, the teams that you will work in are very helpful and support you in fulfilling your roles and responsibilities during the audit.

When applying to EY I would recommend research in depth into the company so that you can explain why EY is better or more distinct than the other big 4 companies in a particular area. In addition, having a good knowledge on how technology will impact your role now and in the future as well as the service line that you are going into will help in the assessment centre discussions and the final partner interview.