Associate Review

As part of my role I am split 50/50 between audit practice and analytics, during my analytics period I am delivering bespoke products to our audit teams to aid in identifying significant risks, picking samples and overall analysis, during my audit rotation I am testing accounts using said analysis on a range of clients.

During my time in audit I have developed many analytical skills, furthering my accounting knowledge greatly from nothing at the start. I have also furthered my coaching skills as well as team leadership skills, leading certain areas of the audit. During my analytics rotation I have developed my knowledge base for technology as well as my aptitude for curiosity and visualization.

Having had zero experience in finance prior to the role I had trepidations about my audit rotations, which were accurate at the start, where I did not enjoy it as much as my analytics time, which suits me more and is what I am used to. However as time has passed and I have gained more responsibility in audit I have greatly increased my enjoyment and can now more fully see my contribution.

I believe my programme is well structured, the actual education during a pandemic has been excellent and well communicated to me individually, I have received appropriate levels of excused leave and support from my organisation. However the communication between my employer and education provider could be improved, furthering both their understandings of my roles and responsibilities so I can better manage my time

The support I receive from EY is second to none, there has been no occasion where I felt I can not speak to someone about a personal issue that may affect my work. Further from this, the networks and joint meetings in place put me at comfort that the organisation as a whole is moving in the right direction. I firmly believe help is there whenever I need it

I think the communication from QA while good, and impressive during a pandemic, could be improved, further communication about my study days and the specific number of would be greatly appreciated, an updated calendar of when and what modules we have in the coming year would also be great. Overall communication is okay but could be improved fairly easily.

I believe that my education relates much higher to my time in analytics however is still limited, the education we receive is far more technical than currently required in my role, however I believe this will increase going forward as my I gain more responsibility and experience in different roles within EY and analytics.

there are a multitude of networks at EY, from the women's network to the young entrepreneurs network, however I do not participate in these networks, not during a pandemic there is further socials for specific offices and networking events where employees can get to know each other, these have gone online during the pandemic and I have recently participated in a coffee social.

Yes

EY has a high turnaround of employees, specifically because it builds a large knowledge base in a very intense environment, the experiences obtained, people met and knowledge gained I believe will be very valuable going forward in my career. further from this the team ethic and people centricity of EY definitely makes you feel welcome and inclusive.

keep your options open and take every opportunity provided, working in different teams within EY has given me a broader understanding of the company as a whole and has helped me meet a multitude of interesting and intelligent people. further from this to be honest about your capabilities, your mental health and the parts that you are interested in, EY is very accommodating and flexible and will always provide support.