Assurance Associate Review

My role is to gain assurance over financial information. I am given financial information that i will perform analytical reviews and tests on, selecting samples, sending them to the client and then matching these samples to the items i selected for testing. As well as filling in forms and other assurance work.

My time management skills have definitely improved, you are given a deadline for a piece of work and expected to meet them. My planning skills have also improved as you have lots of tasks all on at the same time and need to make sure you are aware of everything that is going on in relation to each task

The programme is relatively enjoyable. The work is not always incredibly intersting but i would not describe it as boring or anything particularly negative. The apprenticeship side of things is definitely challenging and can be difficult revising alongside work. On the whole it is definitely challenging but relatively enjoyable but like all things is not always exciting

There can be issues in communication between the learning provider and the employer with issues around college dates not being booked correctly. However if you are on top of your calander and communicate well with your resourcing manager you will be fine. The actual structure of the work is very good and you always know what you will be working on in advance

There is a very good support network in place with my employer. Upon joining you receive a buddy, this is someone in the same role but has been here for a year, they act as a first point of call and are very helpful. you receive a councillor for more detailed queries and formal support. And an apprenticeship coach who's main role is to make sure you are on track

When in college periods you learn in the day and are not expected to work, however as a school leaver apprentice we do not get any leave to study for exams after we have had the time off to learn the content, so you will have to revise in evenings/use annual leave. This can add to stress but if you are clear with your managers you will be revising in the evenings they will understand

Originally i did not see much cross over and felt it was quite unnecessary however as i have been with my employer longer and started to progress in the complexity of my tasks as well as progressing through the many ICAEW exams i have started to see more and more overlap, so i do believe the qualification helps you to perform better

I originally joined in the peak of Covid so EY did not have much ability to do this. However after Covid numbers reduced and things opened up there was a clear push from EY to have social events. I play football with the EY team once somethings twice a week and there are regular work social events such as pizza and drinks or group meals etc

Yes

If my friend is a hard working individual with the ability to pass the exams i would recommend EY to them. If you work hard the job is manageable and if you can pass the exams you will have a great opportunity to work for a prestigious firm, earn a salary and get a qualification to go along with it.

EY is always pushing that we want our employees to bring their whole self to work. So be yourself when interviewing, everyone i met has been very nice and will appreciate you being yourself. Demonstrate your ability to work hard and manage yourself to a timely manner and you will have a great opportunity to be accepted.