Assurance Associate Review

There are 2 parts to the job; 1) I help audit companies, performing substantive and control testing of private and listed companies under UK and US GAAP. As a second year, my job is as a preparer but I also get to coach and teach first year graduates and apprentices. 2) Additionally we are taking our exams to contribute towards the ICAEW ACA.

1)The main tool that I use in my day to day job is Microsoft Excel, which I have significantly increased my ability at. 2) My people skills and ability to get information or outcomes that are desired has improved significantly. 3) My understanding of accounting and the different standards has increased.

I enjoy the program greatly due to the fact that we are given significant responsibility to do important tasks which I did not expect as an apprenticeship programme. The graduates at work perform the exact same role as the apprentices, with the sole difference being the rate at which we take our exams. In addition, everyone at work is always eager to help and welcoming. I think the people are the best part of the job and I really enjoy it.

The programme is very well structured and organised. The programme is 4.5 years, with the duration of the qualification being the limiting factor of the length. At the start of the course we are allocated into a department by sector, and then the teams that we are in depends on the clients that we are booked too, with each team having a different dynamic. Personally in my team I am given a range of tasks to help develop different areas.

When starting at the company we are allocated 2 points of contact, a councillor and an apprenticeship coach. In addition we are assigned an apprenticeship peer group, and a buddy, all allowing for support and growth. We are offered continuous training and opportunity. For the qualification we are given time off to study allowing us the best opportunity to pass our exams.

We are given lots of support from our training provider. For each of our exams, we are given time off of work to study for the exams. In addition, there is a culture within the firm which allows us to finish at 5PM on the weeks running up to our exams.

As an auditor, training towards the Accounting qualification is essential for the job. There are lots of aspects of the qualification that I do not realise will help the job until I learn it, which I think will continue as I develop further through the qualification. In addition the qualification offered is the best accounting qualification.

There are, I am currently a member of the social committee at my work where we have monthly socials, albeit virtually at the moment. In addition, before the pandemic struck, our department hosted football played at the local 5 a side pitches. In addition, there are opportunities to run events and facilitate training for more junior members of the team.

Yes

I have absolutely loved working at EY. The people are all friendly and welcoming, the training is great with constant improvement and opportunity to grow. Additionally, we are given significant amounts of responsibility which is really great. Finally, there is clear career progression to the top of the business if you are good enough which makes motivation really easy.

My biggest piece of advice would be to do the preparation. Before each stage of the application process, make sure to know exactly what they are asking you to do. I would also try to find someone who works at the firm that you can speak to and talk to about the business, which will give you an advantage in each of the processes.