Financial Services Audit Review

My team's role is to check the financial statements of banks to ensure they represent the bank accurately. My role within the team so far has been to contact the bank's staff and request documents, I then run tests on the documents to ensure they are complete and accurate. The testing is usually recalculations of figures but can also be checking signatures, spelling & grammar or taking to bank staff to find out more about how the bank processes.

Since joining I have improved my people skills as I am always emailing or calling our clients to request things or ask questions, and also communicating with my team to get the work done. My Excel skills have improved massively just through taking to colleagues and learning what they do.

Although I have never been into the office because of restrictions, EY has been very welcoming and helpful. I'm enjoying the work and learning how to do more things everyday. I do not enjoy the hours though especially in January and February as this is the busiest time. The college part has gone well so far and the virtual classes were very helpful.

The induction was very informative, but maybe slightly too long especially as it was online so there wasn't much interaction. The work training is mainly on-the-job which I find most helpful as I can actually see what is going on and do it with someone. The apprenticeship team at EY send us regular emails informing us about updates and exam information too. We have days off work for college and exams so we can not stress too much about work then.

EY assigned me with a 'buddy' who is a 2nd year apprentice who I can ask questions to, but so far I have found asking my colleagues the most useful way to find stuff out. EY is quite flexible about when and where I work as long as I ask my manager beforehand. Everyone also has a councilor who deals with any issues and we have regular calls to discuss any issues and feedbacks. I have had to contact HR a couple of times and they have been easy to talk to on email.

Kaplan has kept me up-to-date with my exams and learning since I have joined. The tutors I have had on the online classrooms have been really good at explaining the content. We're sent the a folder in the post which has the broken down content from Kaplan which we go though on the online classrooms, and now have the ICAEW books online to practice with. I haven't used this, but Kaplan also have a tutor available on the website most days to resolve any questions we have.

So far I have done my 1st exam which is all about basics of accounting. I found it useful doing this so early on as it really did help understand what my managers were talking about whilst working. I can't comment on the rest of the course, but the ICAEW ACA course seems well aligned to the work and future options.

Due to the covid restrictions I have been working from home since I joined which is not ideal. However, I have heard that that EY have lots of networks for people to join. This is something I think I might look into more once in the office. I have read that EY allow their staff to take 2 days of extra leave per year for voluntary work and will match any charity donations up to a certain point.

Yes

I spent a year at university and discovered it wasn't for me, the option of an apprenticeship sounded perfect as I am getting paid to work and learn at the same time. The options I have after my apprenticeship either at EY or elsewhere seem positive as long as I put the work in now.

The interview stage had many parts. For the online tests, practice online on other websites to improve your speed and accuracy. My interviews were online which meant I could have plenty of notes with me to remind me of what I want to say. I would recommend writing down bullet points of the main points you want to get across so you don't forget anything. Wear something smart and don't be afraid to ask questions as this shows you are interested.