Associate Review

I am part of the insurance department within EY. I perform audits for FTSE 100 and Fortune 100 companies. My job involves collaborating with clients with the end project being signing a true and fair financial statement. This is done by testing specific accounts like cash, investments and payroll on an entity level

Yes, I have learnt many new skills such as learning what is accounting, how to test certain accounts and how to collaborate with clients in a professional and appropriate matter. I have also improved my public speaking and team leadership skills through my time at EY. Mainly through the medium of auditing companies.

I do sometimes enjoy the work as it is always different and never boring. The one major issue is the hours that we work being 9am-Midnight over busy season (Jan - Mar). The stress can also be overwhelming at time with the rewards EY give back being extremely limited with no benefits or overtime pay

Although the course is fairly well organised with dedicated workers who try to assist as much as possible. It can be seen that EY at times has over promised and under delivered when it comes down to how the apprenticeship course will run. This can lead to confusion and wrongdoing at times

If I take the word "support" to mean exam support I believe the compensation and assistance in working on the apprenticeship work is extremely limited. This is mainly due to EY's focus being mainly on work rather than the exams and apprenticeship. Once example is the constant desire for me to work from 9-6pm most days and 'lie' about my apprenticeship working hours.

Kaplan (our training provider) are also not too efficient and considerate when working towards our qualification. Their time management and organisation skills are sub par. The one good thing with regards to Kaplan would be the exceptional teachers. Although this is sometimes in the air as to when we get taught and who by, the teachers have never failed to deliver

I believe the qualification is directly linked to my role. Therefore the more work I do on the accounting exams, the more I understand and can perform my day to day work. I do believe the amount of support and hours of off the job work hours is extremely limited and exasperated for legal reasons.

There are a few social events that occur during the year including a Christmas Party and the limited amount of drinks events. We were also supposed to have a summer party, however, due to poor performance in a completely different sector that is unrelated to my normal work of business, this event was cancelled

Yes

My answer would have been potentially if that was an option. EY looks very good on your CV and other than the long hours and lack of care. The qualification and the brand does look very good especially as a first job when you are still young with less responsibilities (e.g. a family)

Have a think why you are actually applying for EY. Is it because it looks good on your CV and you want to be an accountant or is it because your parents told you to apply! Apprenticeships are not a second grade university degree. In my opinion they are harder than uni life. If you do put in the time and have the passion then it isn't too bad!