Assurance Associate Review

I assist in the audit of financial statements of many large worldwide companies. There is no such thing as an average day-to-day as our roles and tasks are constantly changing. I also work with the client on behalf of the team to build relationships and to obtain sufficient audit evidence.

As part of my training contract, I study the ACA program through ICAEW. As well as gaining a professional qualification, EY provide us with many internal training sessions to cover all the necessary skills and behaviours for our role. These have been extremely beneficial to my work in the assurance sector.

I really enjoy my programme at EY. My job is full of many challenges which means that I can push myself outside of my comfort zone and so I become more confident and skilled. EY as a whole are extremely accommodating, right through from Partners down to staff and everyone in between.

My programme is structured very well. This includes external tuition from our training provider towards our professional qualifications, as well as many internal meetings and training such as ethics reviews, skills and behaviours meetings and more. There are certain tasks which have deadlines towards for the ICAEW training profile however this can be easily managed alongside your normal working day.

EY are always there for their staff. We have a vast array of contacts to reach out to when necessary, as well as your counsellor and team manager. Everyone is fair and understanding, so no one should feel like they cannot speak their mind or ask for help when needed.

When studying towards my ACA qualification, I receive no end of support from my training provider. They are there to answer question right from before out course begins through to the exam itself and in between when we are studying at home ourselves. Kaplan offers support from your tutor, as well as support from another tutor in that area if yours can't be of help/isn't responsive etc.

By progressing towards a professional qualification, the content taught to us and then subsequently learned is associated with much of our work internally. I am able to apply my knowledge and behaviours taught to me through my professional qualification into my work in order to increase the standard of work done.

There are many extra-curricular activities that you can take part in at EY. Most commonly will be team socials, such as those with your audit client team, assurance family or others in the same cohort as you as a new joiner. There is always an option, and many networking events are sent round inclusively.

Yes

EY is an exceptional firm to work at on all degrees. Working at a Big 4 not only pushes yourself to be the best that you can be but it also has a great reputation for a reason. There is stigma about Big 4 including working extremely long hours however I'm yet to work past 7pm as I set boundaries and prioritise work so that I don't need to stay late.

Throughout the application process, it is important to sell yourself. Tie in any relevant experience or skills or characteristics where possible. It isn't so much about grades and exam results and more about you and your willingness to learn and face the challenges that can occur in the workplace.