Audit Assurance School Leaver Review

I am a school leaver working with EY as an Audit Associate. I am currently working in the Banking and Capital Markets sector working with team with a variety of clients to complete the audit. Each day I will work together alongside my team members to give assurance over the financial statements and accounts of our clients.

As part of this school leaver programme I am working towards a 5 year chartered accountant qualification. I also believe that I have increased my confidence and have built on my team working skills. In addition, we have had specific interal training courses such as 'Expedition Audit' to help us to build upon our knowledge for the job role that we are in.

I am currently enjoying my programme however, there were times during busy season where work was getting very difficult. This is because during busy season we are expected to work 50 hour weeks and this was very draining and some nights I was staying in the office until 10/11 oclock at night. Althouhg there were very late nights everyone I have met in the company has been very friendly and always willing to help.

I do feel valued at EY as I do feel we get treated correctly and we get constant feedback from the people we work with which helps us understand what we are doing well and what we can improve upon.

I believe that the programme is very well structured, as we have been provided with the correct support and training to start of our programme.

Our training provider has been very good and has given us the correct resources we require in order to help us to pass our exams.

I feel we do receive a fair amount of support from our employer as we are assigned a counsellor who is able to help us with any queries we have and can also help us with our career progression. We are also assigned a buddy.

I believe the salary package meets the costs well. I am currently still living at home and so I have to pay travel each month, which is very expensive. However, I do feel that the salary still leaves me with a fair amount of disposal income after travel and other expenses.

Yes I believe there are many opportunites outside of work, however, I am not involved in any.

Yes

I believe EY is a good company to work for, however, I would warn people of the late hours during busy season to ensure they are prepared for the amount of work they will have to do.

I think it is important to be yourself and show your true ability in any of the stages of the application process. I also think its vital to gain a good understanding of the business before you apply and try to understand which sector of the business you would like to apply for.