Audit Associate Review

On a daily basis my job role involves, understanding a companies financial statements and performing audit work on this. We are required to understand the nature of the number report and to obtain supporting documentation from the client to either perform recalculation on this number or to perform testing where we obtain a breakdown of this number and select a sample in which we would obtain bank statements and invoices to support the balance. Also we are required to complete form to comply with the accounting/audit regulation. I attend meeting with the client on request we are to make, expectations and emails to and from the client. I also coordinate with my team and work collaborate to complete the end task of auditing the financial statements to ensure we have assurance over these financial statements to be signed off and published. Also we are required to attend training on work task to help us understand and learn about audit, we attend college and study towards our professional qualification.

The following skills I have learnt and existing skills I have developed are the following: Team Work as you working in teams of different sizes and collaborate with the team on a day to day basis. Diligence through working on detailed areas and performing testing work. Communication with the client and also over the phone and emailing in a professional manner, Professional Sceptic when working in audit we are required to use our professional understanding and judgement of an area and apply this to our work. IT skills including Microsoft programs especially Excel.Time management, Organisation and planning are we are always working to tight deadlines.

I enjoy the programme as it remains challenging on a day to day basis but also I have fun with the team and am continuously learning. I enjoy working in a team environment as the culture here is great. Aspects of the programme I don't enjoy are the working hour which require us to work 50+ hour from January to March with no annual leave allowed.

I feel the programme could be structed better. The programme requires us to complete 15 exams in 5 years, whereas the graduate programme requires 12 exams to be completed in 3 year. This could be improved by School leaver to complete 6 exams within the first 6 months, but after my first year I only completed 2 exams. From September (when the programme starts) to December, the graduates completed 6 exams whilst school leaver completed 0 exams. This could be changed and the firm could implement a minimum of 2 exams during this time. Also before starting the programme and at the being of the programme we should be given a 4/5 year schedule of how the programme is structured as this was unclear and still is for the 3/4/5 years.

The employer provides support through the work as we are learning everyday and do the best to provide online training programmes and classroom training on the job. Also the employee's of the firm are helpful and offer support. Overall I think the employer support has been great as they provide different channels of support.

When working towards the qualification I feel the training provider have been great in providing support to the students. We receive the content and for most exams we have classroom learning which is generally of a high standard. The tutors offer to help outside classroom when needed with emails. Also Kaplan on programmes provides realistic mock tests and provide further support on content via video tutorials.

I feel the qualification helps slightly when performing our work role, but the employer provides most support with performing better and understanding tasks within the job role. I feel the training provider help us completed the exams which can be applied in work scenarios in relation to regulations, but not a great amount in helping us performing better in our job roles.

Working at EY which is a global people business there are always many opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular activities, which I have taken part in. I have attended training days where we speak to you students and provide then information about the programme and the firm. I have organised social activities for teams within the firm, and taken part in sport charity events.

Yes

EY is a fantastic firm, with a grate programmes for individuals who are considering apprenticeships after sixth form/college. They provide a variety of roles and learning opportunities, you are continuously learning new skills and developing existing skills, it is a perfect way to kickstart your career. With the qualification from the level 7 apprenticeship and support they provide throughout the programme, you remain challenged but achieve a great qualification which will open many door in an individuals future professional career.

For any individuals applying, I advise then to understand the different roles in which they are applying for and during the application process, interview process ask about the programme structure as this is not clear before starting the programme. I would ensure you understand the vision, values and mission of the firm. Get involved in extra-circular activities that make you stand out from the rest.