Trainee Associate Review

I perform a huge variety of tasks for the audits of my clients, from recalculating expenses to analysing movements to selecting samples using various techniques. As I progress through the programme, I will typically be performing procedures on more and more judgemental areas of the audit as my technical knowledge improves. My job role also involves a lot of communication with clients, and means that I can be working from different client offices on any given day.

The main skills that I have developed are my technical accounting skills which I have developed through both on-the-job coaching from my team members and studying towards the ICAEW chartered accounting qualification. However, I have also developed soft skills such as communication in a professional environment, time management, and organisation, which I would say are the three most important skills in my current job role.

One of the main things that I enjoy about my programme is the variety - every day brings a new task that I've never done before, which means I'm always learning new things. In addition, my place of work varies day to day, which keeps my commute interesting! I also find working in a team enjoyable, and meet new colleagues regularly.

My programme alternates between time studying towards my ICAEW qualification in a local college, and working full time hours on audit clients. College time is booked around a year in advance, following the ICAEW structure of exams. Each year there is usually around a week of internal training, which is led by EY managers and takes place in a different location with others in my peer group. On top of this, there are video learnings to be completed every so often, with due dates made clear on the internal training website, and reflections to be completed every quarter.

After joining I was assigned a 'Buddy' - a colleague who joined the firm in the year before me, who could help me settle in and answer any general questions. All employees are also assigned a Counsellor, who is there to give professional advice and check in with your progress during the year. There is also a dedicated 'People team' to deal with any issues we might have.

On the Kaplan website there are lots of resources to use, such as quizzes, mock exams and further study materials. There is also a function on the website to 'Ask a tutor' - here you can send a question to a dedicated Kaplan tutor any time of day. The specific tutor for each course will always provide their email address too, in case you have any further questions to ask before your exam.

The ICAEW qualification is essential to allow me to perform in my role. At a high level, my job is to make sure that companies are performing their accounting function correctly - therefore it's pretty important that I know how to account for different scenarios to ensure that my clients are also accounting correctly!

There are a variety of networks in my office, such as LGBT, diversity, family networks. The network I have become a part of most is the Women's Network, which puts on networking lunches regularly, and events throughout the year with external speakers (our last event was 'Resilience in the workplace'). There are also events throughout the year - an annual Christmas party and days out - recent days have included a day at Thorpe Park, and a day at Newbury Races.

Yes

The working culture is exactly what I would look for in an employer. For example, the office is extremely diverse, which gives me a chance to meet all kinds of people I would never usually come into contact with. Also, the support network around me makes sure I'm always comfortable if I have an issue, and the flexible working culture allows me to maintain a good work-life balance.

Don't panic if you don't have any knowledge of the service line you are applying for - the programme is designed to make sure everyone in each peer group reaches the same level of technical knowledge. Celebrate diversity, which is such an important part of EY culture; and most importantly, make sure you're keen to get started! Knowledge can be taught, but your attitude is all down to you.