Assurance Associate Review

I work on different accounts, carrying out audit procedures and testing company controls. This means that most of my work is done on excel. Day-to-day, I tend to have a daily catch up meeting with my team and various calls throughout the day to discuss different areas I am working on. This can either be over teams if we are working form home or in-office/client-site meetings. I often communicate with clients online and sometimes have calls to discuss questions we have.

I have definitely improved my communication skills, and learning to speak up if I have a problem as everyone is happy to assist. I am studying towards the ACA qualification and have attended college for the first of 15 exams. Since joining, it's amazing how much I have been able to learn and take on in such a short amount of time.

I really enjoy the environment at EY, especially in the office which usually has a buzz about and there are often socials and events going on, in and outside of work. The EY culture is very inclusive and there are various networks available to join, for example, the Women's network or the Ability network, which are open to all who want to join.

The Business Apprenticeship is well structured in terms of studying towards the qualifications and regular support meetings with your counsellor to catch up and bring up any issues. There are also two monthly peer group meetings: one for your intake in your office and one for Business Apprentices over the country. On the apprenticeship, I believe all 15 courses of the ACA are taught by the tuition provider, and you get a mentor to help with any professional qualification questions.

I have found that in my day-to-day work, support is always there from your team, be that a senior or a manager, if you ask. EY assign you a buddy (someone who joined in your position the year before) and a counsellor (either an Assistant Manager or Manager) to help you throughout your programme and with career progression. Everyone also gets an Apprenticeship coach to support specifically with the PQ.

We have a period of time at college with the tuition provider, usually over Adobe Connect due to the pandemic. There are always opportunities to ask questions during the courses and tutors are happy to answer. Everyone enrolled with the tuition provider also gets assigned a mentor, who is there to provide support throughout the entirety of the profession qaulification.

There are some principles within the qualification that are important in helping with understanding of the job, such as Assurance and Accounting. These are key and will be used constantly within my role. However there are some modules which are not particularly relevant to audit and hence not especially useful everyday.

The office often hold social events, usually there are drinks and food on a Friday every few weeks. These are held in Headspace - the communal area for lunch in our building. There are often themed events as well for example, Red Nose Day events with stand up comedy and bake sales. There are also larger charity events held, as we have an office triathlon coming up to raise money. There is also a football team in the office, held nearby. There are often events outside of work with colleagues such as meals out and drinks.

Yes

I would recommend EY especially due to the culture and community feel as the people are very welcoming and supportive. The qualification I get is very valuable and I am earning a good wage while studying towards becoming a Chartered Accountant. There is also flexibility, as you are able to work from home, from office and sometimes from client-site.

I would encourage anyone applying to join some calls with EY to learn about the company and gain insight into the business and roles available to you. Another tip would be don't be afraid to be yourself throughout the application process as diversity and inclusion is what EY is all about.