Trainee Associate Review

Job Title: Trainee Associate in Assurance Daily Tasks: - Meeting with clients and visiting client sites - Working in audit teams - Everyday tasks include reviewing work provided by the client, picking samples for testing, testing items and obtaining explanations and evidence to support client's work. Responsibilities: - We are given responsibility over various sections within accounts. - The level of responsibility is very high but if you need help or are struggling help is always given.

Qualifications: From being in the job 8 months I have already passed two exams. These 2 exams are the first of many and the exams are spread over 5 years. Training Courses: We are often sent away on training, both for knowledge but also training and events that teach about EY and their values. What have I learnt?: In the last 8 months I feel honestly that I have learnt more in this time than I have in the last 2 years at sixth form college. The learning curve is very steep to begin with but after a while the job terms and processes become second nature. Before starting the school leaver programme I did not have any idea about accounting and in particular bookkeeping however now I feel that I know a reasonable amount!

Work: The level of work is quite extensive particularly as I have just come out of sixth form age 18. On average we work about 45 hours a week and this a lot however you feel a large sense of achievement at the end of the week. Team, Culture & Company: In every team that I have worked in, everybody that I have worked with so far has been really pleasant and fun to work with. Additionally the members of my teams have been extremely helpful and are always approachable if I have queries or am struggling.

Appreciation: I do feel at times very appreciated by EY. We are encouraged to ask for feedback from our seniors in our audit teams and on multiple occasions I have been extremely pleased with the feedback provided. On two occasions I have felt very valued as I was nominated for impact awards. This is an EY scheme where, if nominated, you receive a £50 award for your working efforts.

Training: I feel that the training is organised well however I do have slight concerns that the programme is 5 years long as opposed to the graduate programme that is 3 years long. With this difference in length of training it will result in school leavers performing the same job as a graduate however because of the training schedule, graduates will qualify earlier and earn a higher salary before school leavers. Organisation: I would encourage that there be slightly more organisation in the beginning of the programme. For example, I feel that a week in the office to begin with would have helped largely instead of being sent to a hotel for an induction week!

Support: There is support provided which is good because I think for this style of job where the workload is intense, support is definitely needed! One area that I feel should have been addressed earlier is in relation to the training file with ICAEW that needs completing. We have not been shown how to fill this in yet.

Support: You receive a large amount of support from EY as everyone has a counsellor who are there to help with problems you have and also they provide support on developing your career. EY do run a buddy scheme however my buddy was never told about me and we only met through working together. I do not feel that the buddy scheme has been that effective.

Firstly, it should be said that the salary I receive is very good for someone of my age (18), however I feel that for the tasks given to me I feel that my pay should be the same as a graduate salary. At the office I work in, I started in September at the same time as graduates and up until now I have been performing exactly the same tasks as them. Graduates at our office, however, do earn approximately £3K more than school leavers. I do think this is unfair as the expectations for school leavers and graduates are the same however there is a gap in salary.

Leisure/Events/Social: As of yet, I have been invited to various events associated with work that have been great- the most recent being invited to and attending an event at Twickenham stadium. Additionally, I have gone to EY's Christmas party and work meals which has been fun.

No

Whilst I feel for me, I have learnt a huge amount from EY and have enjoyed my experience, from my set of friends I do not feel that many would like the working hours, job role and the type of job. I feel that this job would be great for people that are prepared to work long hours, have a passion for business and want to work for a large firm, however I do not believe that this school leaver programme would be for everyone.

Application Process: I would encourage applicants to practice the online tests, practice interview skills and be confident! When I applied for the programme I did in fact actually fail one of my tests at my assessment centre however (this was a rare occasion), they invited me back and I passed! I was told after that I was invited back because I was confident and showed enthusiasm that stood out. Experience: I would suggest to everyone applying- make sure you have work experience first! It will really help you to get an initial feel for working before stepping straight into an intense full-time job. Additionally I strongly believe you learn a lot through working and I feel that my Saturday job at John Lewis helped me to get my next job at EY.