Audit Senior Review

I am an audit senior within the Wealth and Asset Management (WAM) department at EY. My day to day responsibility involves taking ownership of the audit including communicating with the client and having oversight of the staff internally as well as senior reviews.

I have built my confidence significantly since starting the firm and have really owned communications both internally and externally. I have also enhanced my management skills as I have had the experience of working with a magnitude of different individuals.

I enjoy the level of responsibility I am given as a senior within audit and the challenges that come with it however I think the expectations of a senior are sometimes unmanageable especially with regards to the work load, deadlines given and hours expected to work. The level of work combined with the level of exams as part of the program sometimes gets overwhelming but there is a lot of support to help when needed.

The organisation is good with specific teams allocated to help with specific areas of the program for example there is a dedicated HR team, Apprenticeship team and Professional Qualifications team. As well as this you are given a buddy, counsellor and supporting counselling family tree that meet up on a quarterly basis.

I believe I am well supported from all angles in both work and exams as an apprentice. I have recently enquired to move internally and I feel although the process has taken a significant amount of time to resolve, everyone has ensured they help to make it possible to ensure I am happy at the firm.

Kaplan offer support when upcoming exams are in sight however they are not really in the picture for the most part of my day to day work. When I have exams they offer support both during classes and in between classes and exams to ensure you are best prepared from all angles.

I feel the exams and training received helps me to perform my role to an extent however it is mainly with regards to understanding the bigger picture which I don't think will come into full use until I progress to more of an oversight role specifically with regards to the financial statements.

I was previously involved with the social committee in the department however the budget has since been scrapped and so the department no longer exists. I was also involved in the EY mixed hockey team until COVID-19 as we are not able to play as a team at the moment. I am also a part of the department's women's network which meets quarterly.

Yes

I think EY is a very reputable company which really supports young people in the workplace. I have always felt valued as an apprentice and feel I have come across so many opportunities that otherwise I would not have had if I did not work for a firm as reputable and large as EY, being one of the big 4.

I would advice any apprentice applying to EY to really understand the job role to ensure it is in line with their expectations especially with regards to balancing exams and work as some students are caught off guard with this. I also would encourage them to say yes to every opportunity that presents itself - networking is KEY.