Trainee Associate Review

My current job title is Trainee Associate. My day to day tasks are varied, and can involve anything from holding meetings with clients, to completing audit work and studying for exams. Due to the relatively flat structure of the firm, and the small nature of the Aberdeen office I get to deal with colleagues at every level. Every day I am dealing with clients whether it be via e-mail, telephone or face to face conversation.

I have learned an awful lot about accountancy since I've been at EY. I've succesfully passed 2/10 of the exams required to gain a CA with ICAS. Other than the accountancy and audit skills I have learned, i feel my soft skills such as team working, leadership and client interactions have increased signifcantly also.

I love my job. Varied work day to day, deal with tons of different people, work in very tight nit teams and have a good laugh whilst working hard.

I feel each of the managers on my jobs value my input both to the audit on the whole and to team discussions both work and non work related. I feel I have the opportunity to develop and take on more challenging pieces of work when asked for.

Induction matched with graduate programme. Structure of exams still undecided, leading to lots of uncertainty.

Plenty of study leave, managers will allow you extra study leave if requested.

Councellor/ Buddy on hand to answer any queries.

Low pay and Aberdeen is an expensive city. Even at my level, outside of my firm I could probably get paid 10k more a year, although this is counterbalanced by the development opportunities offered by EY as well as the important experience in audit which looks great on CVs.

Lots of social/ charity events. Each year the Aberdeen office will pick a charity to support and we have several fundraising events to raise money for them. We also play football every 3rd Friday and have 2 balls/ dances a year.

Yes

Great company to work for, great people you work with.

Be confident during interview process. Be sure that you want to go to work rather than Uni and ensure you know thoroughly the reasons why.