Senior Assurance Associate Review

On a day to day basis I work on the audits of large corporate investment managers, with a focus on real estate and private equity clients. I am the lead senior associate on these clients and therefore I am responsible for the day to day running and project completion for the audits.

I have learnt a wide variety of new skills because EY continues to provide you with opportunities throughout your career. I have developed my skills in project management and presenting. I have learnt new skills such as developing my professionalism and learning how to coach other individuals who are more junior than me.

I personally enjoy working in a high pressure environment which is what you get when working for a company as large as EY. I have also found everyone at the company very welcoming and love the social side of the job. There are times where it is harder due to the long hours but you always get compensated for it.

There are two sides to the EY apprenticeship with the first focusing on your job and day to day role. This side is very well run and you are provided with endless opportunities to develop and can shape your career as you with. The exams side is less well run because we do not get a lot of time to actually study for the exams.

I receive a large amount of support from EY. When you join EY you get assigned a counsellor who provides you with impartial career advice and constantly assists with whenever you are having an issue. EY also provide lots of study support and people can easily change their role if they are struggling.

The Kaplan institution provide an exceptional level of teaching and their support system is second to none. You are able to get your questions answered by a dedicated team at all hours and your tutor will always promptly respond to any emailed questions. The online learning is definitely the worst part for me but, that is because I can focus easier when in a class room.

To become eligible for promotions to manager or above you have to be qualified as a chartered accountant which is the qualification you study for on the apprenticeship. The exams are definitely helpful to help improve your understanding and this does help in the day to day role. However, since we are auditors and not actual accountants its use can be limited.

EY has endless networks and clubs to join, every sport/minority/religion etc all have their own network at EY where you can meet likeminded individuals. EY also provide constant social opportunities which are fully paid for and a great way to meet other people in the company who you would not normally interact with.

Yes

EY took an opportunity with me since I was hardly an A* student at school and they helped me to take on large amounts of responsibility at an early stage in my career. EY provides so much flexibility and you can really shape your time there as you see fit. It has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience for me at the company so far.

EY's differentiating factor from other large accounting firms is its focus on people, therefore when applying I would recommend to try and stay relax. If a candidate is showing that they are lined up with EY's core values they would likely be successful. It is important not to sound too rehearsed in the interview process and to remember that the interviewer is a person too, a good conversation can go a long way to make an impression. I would also recommend attending any EY ran events to talk to EY employees as they would be able to share valuable insights.