Associate Review

I am part of the Assurance service line where we perform audit services. I have regular interactions with clients and as I have progressed since I have started I have been able to obtain more responsibility for my own tasks and audit tests. After the first year I have begun to coach new joiners too.

I am currently studying with ICAEW to become a qualified Chartered Accountant. I haven't completed any exams yet however am studying towards my first accounting exam. In regards to professional skills, my communication skills with both clients and colleagues has significantly developed. We also have internal training in regards to the general procedures we perform throughout the year.

I enjoy the programme as personally I have been able to gain some responsibility in the early stages of being here. My colleagues are very keen to support my development offering me guidance in both work and study. There are also lots of opportunities within the company to try new things to enhance your experience.

The ACA programme is structured so that we are sent off to college/study leave for a few days per exam. We then return to work for a bit before sitting the actually exam. Personally I like this structure as returning to work allows you to mix up the study/work time so that you're not studying all day long.

EY has many ways to support each individual. My team firstly are very supportive and understanding given that I joined the firm straight from school with no experience. You are also given a counsellor who is there to support you with any issues and provide you formal guidance, my counsellor has been incredible and help me resolve various issues since I joined.

When you go to college I think the quality of the teaching is brilliant, they are very helpful with questions as the way they teach really helps me learn the content well. For some exams we have to self study the content, which I find quite challenging however we are able to email and chat online with tutors to ask any questions during this time which is more helpful.

I think that sometimes it does help, however a lot of what I do I learn on the job rather than through college. However I do believe that as my career progresses the knowledge I have learnt from my qualification will become more beneficial and aid the tasks I perform on a day-to-day basis.

There are lots of different networks who organise various events, this could be from sport events to having breakfast or drinks. Also if you are interested in some other activity but there is not a network for it... create one! There are frequent social events to get involved with outside of work.

Yes

EY is a great way to build the foundations of your career. The relationships you build and the experience you can gain is invaluable. There are so many opportunities within the company to develop your career in your own way. The ACA qualification is also highly respected and you receive a lot of support when studying towards this.

After you have submitted the application there are some online tests to complete, these are nothing to stress about, just take your time. For the assessment day I would recommend for the group activities, make sure you voice your opinion but try not to talk over others, they want to see you can work well as a team. For the interview, just try and relax, the majority of people at EY including partners are lovely and just want to see what kind of person you are. The best way to show who you are is by being calm and open.