Associate Review

On a day to day basis I test the balances of the financial statements. This includes being provided a TB with a breakdown of each posting code and we select samples and obtain supports to gain assurance over each balances. We also test non-monetary numbers such as the going concern of a business

I have really developed all my IT skills such as my excel skills. This job means alot of hours working with excel where it is in your interest to learn shortcuts and become more efficient. I have also developed my team work skills, as this job is not doable alone.

I enjoy the range of experience the job allows. For example I have been able to work on the group team of a FTSE100 audit client. This type of experience out does any university equivalent. However, balancing college and work and home life can sometimes become slightly challenging to arrange.

The program is split across the 4.5 years. In your first year you will do EY's modules on the basics of auditing and each year this will evolve slightly to become more advanced as you move into a senior role. It is also laid out which college and exams you will perform when

When you start as an Apprentice you are provided with a counsellor, apprentice coach and buddy. This means no matter what your query is there should be someone who is able to help you. I have yet to find a situation where I have felt there has been a lack of support

EY uses a separate company for the teaching of ACA. This tuition provider provides good levels of support while you are at college, this includes a live chat 7 days a week where you can speak to a tutor. They also have helplines and the emails of your tutors to make contact.

Our external training provider teaches us the modules and exams of ICAEW ACA qualification. Therefore a large amount of the content does not reflect the work we perform. There are exams such as Audit and Assurance where the exam covers work we perform, but not all college reflects this work,

EY offers a range of different extra activities. For example I am currently part of the badminton extra activity. However, EY could do alot more to help advertise these activities and possible funds them more. I found out about the badminton by my own research rarther than because these clubs were advertised.

Yes

EY offers a level of experience that no university could offer. You are present the chance to work on some of the worlds largest businesses while earning a strong salary with good pay and job progression. At the end of your apprentice you have a secured job rather than needing to find a new one.

It is important to perform your research ahead of you applying. I would recommended looking into some of the big clients EY works on and use these as examples in interviews as this shows you are serious about EY rather than that you have just applied for anything and everything.