Auditor Review

Reviewing and analysing financial data given by clients in order to determine if the data is accurate. This is done on a cyclical basis in order for the data to be approved when the client posts their financial statements which contains the data that is reviewed and analysed by the EY team.

My excel skills have improved dramatically since joining EY. This along with general business insight especially in the financial sector. It has also helped to develop my confidence and speaking skills as you are required to converse with the client about their data in order to understand how to test it.

The programme is very challenging. This is due to multiple factors such as the hours, where you can be working up to 60 hours a week in 'busy season' which is January to March. Their is also a large focus on learning as you go whilst on the job so their can be lots of gaps in your knowledge as not much training Is provided.

The programme is poorly structured. The exam team are poorly organised and take a long time to help you book exams / exam resits, there is very little practical training to help you to understand what you are meant to be doing day to day as their is a large expectation that the person above you should just help you along the way.

The employer support is varied. There is little support in terms of study leave for exams and exam bookings are hard to book due to a poorly organised exam team. However each employee is given a counsellor to help to support them in their general needs which is quite helpful.

The college classes provided by the training company are very sophisticated and useful. There is not enough time given in college but this is an employer decision rather than the provider. Online materials are also provided which are very useful when studying for exams. Overall the support given is good.

Only being in year 2 of a 5 year programme, its hard to say how useful the qualification is for my role. However the exams seem to have a strong overlap with the day to day work. The other side of the apprenticeship however ( level 7 qualification ) seems to have no relation to my actual role.

There are many groups and activities that are on offer at EY that everyone is encouraged to join. There are sporting groups, religious networks, team and department socials, away days and a lot of others that are advertised for anyone to go along to. This is something EY does very well in.

No

For the salary, the job just is not worth it. Whilst the qualification is good and EY has a strong brand. The work is tedious and not enough training / guidance is given. Resourcing is a huge problem at the firm and every project is understaffed meaning there is a large amount of stress day to day.

Consider moving into the UKI department which offers more range of roles than financial services. EY is a large company with lots of roles so don't just consider one role only. Also consider that you will be expected to work very long hours so be prepared to work those.