Audit Associate Review

I use Microsoft Excel to perform basic auditing tasks such as testing invoices. I also liaise with my clients to build long term relationships and obtain relevant documents from them. As I progress through the apprenticeship, I am also responsible for providing on the job coaching to more junior team members.

I have developed my Microsoft Excel skills hugely, with little to no knowledge to begin with - I now use complex functions on a day to day basis. I've also developed my own interpersonal skills such as communication and confidence; and I have learnt accounting and auditing skills through professional qualifications.

I enjoy the opportunity to learn new skills and technical knowledge every day. The company culture is very supportive, and I always feel that my co-workers want me to succeed. The team at the Reading office is in particular very welcoming and friendly, with lots of social events which are very enjoyable.

The structure of the programme is based around professional qualifications. I am sitting exams with the ICAEW, and course dates for my studies are communicated well in advance so I can plan things like holiday and time off. We also have internal training every year which supplements the knowledge gained on the job.

My employer is very supportive with examinations - each exam can be retaken a few times should you fail, and they will work with you to understand why you have failed so that next time you're ready to pass. Everyone is also allocated a counsellor who is a few ranks above that can offer support with meetings generally once per quarter.

My training provider gives lots of support when working towards qualifications - on top of the supportive tutors in the classroom, there is a section on the website where you can contact a tutor out of hours that can help you with a specific question. My tutors also give out their email addresses so we can contact them with questions whenever.

My qualification gives an overall view of accounting, with exams on different areas such as tax, financial management and auditing. In particular the auditing exams are helpful to perform in my role, however learning about the other areas of accounting are also helpful in understanding my colleague's and client's work.

There are office wide social events regularly - we have a Christmas party, and usually an event over the summer along with audit specific socials which can be organised by anyone such as a cake sale for a charity. There are also corporate social responsibility events that everyone can get involved in - for example we have recently had a sponsored walk, and a virtual walking challenge.

Yes

As an employer EY are very supportive of its staff, and provide good benefits such as sick pay, parental leave and bereavement. The company culture puts a big focus on inclusivity which makes it feel like a welcoming place to work, and there is a support network in place if you are struggling.

The application process consists of online tests, assessment days and interviews so you need to get involved as much as possible so that your personality can come through in these assessments. If you want to work for high profile clients in a big office, then London is the place to be; if you'd like a mix of clients with more of a community environment then regional offices are better.