Associate Review

My role as an associate is to assist the audit team with auditing the client's financial statement ensuring that it is fair and accurate of their position. This involves me typically having to getting to know the client with how their business operates, their systems they use and how they record transactions in order to recognise profit/loss and etc

Yes. I would say I have learnt new skills such as how to problem solve through client provided data and how to effectively use technology to assist with my day job. This has come through internal training and coaching. In addition going to college to study for my accounting exams has given me a better of what accounting is and how it is more than looking at numbers.

I throughly enjoy my programme and I definetley do not regret not going off to university. This is a programme where I enjoy the work and I enjoy working in teams in order to complete audits. I would certainly say it is above expectations as it has given me many opportunities even though I am in the very early stage in my programme. However, at times the working hours can get very long which is the only downside.

The programme is well organised as I know who are my points of contact,support and my peer group. I also enjoy the fact that I have a calendar in which I can have an outlook of my year such as when I am scheduled to go into college to study and when my exams are.

I receive a decent amount of support as I have been introduced to multiple networks and point of contacts since the first day I have joined the firm. This is through social events, team events and networks. In addition their is a genuine team culture in which you feel supported in your career.

This is something I would say needs a bit of improving as it does feel quite hard to balance studying and working since at times you can be working long hours which makes it difficult to find time to study. However, their are people that you can speak to in order to guide you as they were once in your shoes.

Certainly I would say that my qualification has helped me to perform better in my role as it allows me to understand the terminologies and client provided data. It has helped me understand how business's account for events and records it as of a financial year and the behind the scenes of successful companies.

They're sports networks, professional networking events, social events, volunteering events and so much you can get involved with. EY genuinely has a lot of opportunities and extra curricular activities for you to get involved with from day one. I personally participate in my religious faith's network and volunteer for their foundation.

Yes

It is genuinely one of the best platforms out there to get you into the world of business, finance and companies in general. You do grow quite a lot within the firm as the coaching from most people is exceptional and you have opportunities to make your career into a unique story.

Be original. Be yourself. As much as it sounds cliche. It really does set you a part. Their is a whole variety of people within the firm as the firm does not just recruit people of one type. Show what you bring to the table and what genuinely makes you, you.