Assurance Associate Review

As an assurance associate, I work in the audit department. I have been involved in various audit engagements for different clients ranging in size. A typical day in this role starts with a meeting with the rest of the audit team to catch up and set a plan. I am always allocated tasks that are manageable for my experience level and I am always given good quality coaching from seniors and managers when faced with a new and unfamiliar task. My tasks usually include selecting and documenting samples for low risk accounts and walk through transactions. When completing these tasks, I often have meetings with my senior for guidance on the best approach to take. Sometimes client meetings/client site visits also take place when we are trying to understand the support they have provided us. I would highly recommend this role as an engaging and varied role.

In this role I have developed my communication skills, as the role involves working and interacting with lots of different people and it is important to communicate in a way that the target audience will understand. I have gained lots of new accounting knowledge - I started the role with no prior knowledge of accounting and in this role I have learned about different accounts, the terminology, the audit process etc.

I really enjoy my programme and would strongly recommend it. My role is engaging and I feel like a valued member of the audit teams that I work with. Everyone at EY is so friendly and are keen to help. I receive high quality coaching from the people I work with, which means I learn a lot on the job. I feel very supported at EY, as I was given a buddy and counsellor when I joined and there are also other support networks in place such as peer support groups.

The programme is well structured. I was given a welcoming induction and thorough introductory training when I first joined EY. My exams are spaced out nicely and First Intuition provides good tutoring for learning the content. However, after the college time, there a no study days before the exam so revision after work can be challenging. Having study days in between the First Intuition college time and the exam would be my only suggested improvement to the structure. When it comes to the actual job side, I work on a variety of audit engagements, which keeps it engaging. I am always allocated tasks appropriate for my experience level and whenever I am given a new or unfamiliar task, my seniors/managers are always happy to talk me through it and provide coaching. I feel very well supported within my teams, everyone is keen to help. I also feel supported at EY as a whole - I was allocated a buddy and a counselor when I joined and there are also other support networks in place such as peer support groups.

I feel incredibly well supported by EY. When I joined I was given a buddy and a counsellor, who I can go to with any questions and for general support. There are also peer support groups and families as larger support networks. I feel well supported by teams on the jobs I work on too, everyone is happy to answer questions and provide coaching to me.

First Intuition provide a lot of support when working towards the qualifications. The online resources are of a high quality - overall it is easy to navigate the platform, the course notes are detailed and clear, there are also lecture videos which explain things in a way that is really easy to understand, the progress tests and practice questions are a great way to track progress. The lessons delivered by First Intuition are engaging and the tutors are always incredibly helpful. All tutors have had so far have gone above and beyond to help and answer questions, even after the course and late at night / early in the morning.

The knowledge gained from studying towards the qualification helps in the day to day role when it comes to having a better overall understanding of the processes that we are carrying out in the audit and being familiar with the terminology that is being used in meetings and in documents.

There are so many different activities to get involved in at EY. There is usually a service line social every month, which is a great way to bond with different members of the office. There are charity days, for example there have been cake sales, walks and mud runs this year. There are events to celebrate different occasions such as Christmas meals and Eid meals. There are so many different networks on offer at EY too, which all have their own events.

Yes

I would recommend EY to a friend because the culture is so supportive and everyone is so friendly, it is a great environment to work in. The programme is well structured and leads to a highly regarded qualification. The work is varied and engaging and the rest of the team is always keen to provide support to maximise your learning on the job.

Think about why you would like to work for EY, how your values align with the EY values and why you are interested in the service line that you have chosen to apply for. Show that you are keen to learn and above all be yourself - EY is such a supportive organisation that allows you to feel comfortable in being yourself.