Assurance Associate Review
at EY
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Birmingham
Review Submitted: March 2021
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I complete financial work for a variety of large worldwide firms. On a day-to-day basis, my work varies constantly. More so than others, a usual day involves working on a certain account of an entity to ensure that the financial information provided to us is fair and accurate - ensuring reasonable assurance is provided.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I thoroughly enjoy my apprenticeship and working for EY. They have gone above and beyond to help me settle in when I joined in a national lockdown, ensuring that all potential questions were answered even before they were needed to be asked. I look forward to starting work everyday which truly shows what a great employer they are.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Before starting my apprenticeship, I had no prior knowledge on Accounting theory, principles or ethics. Throughout my time at EY, I have gained more and more knowledge everyday, not only through my training provider but more so the firm and it's expertly skilled employees. EY has taught me so many skills, not only theory but people skills which are equally as important in this career.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
We have clear structural guides to show the duration and steps in our apprenticeship. These can be accessed in a variety of formats, and we have regular catch-ups with colleagues to ensure that our progress is sustained. We have small, frequent targets to ensure that the likelihood of being as successful as possible is maintained.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
EY on the whole are extremely supportive. They ensure that every employee is supported through various means such as a personal buddy, mentor, and HR Team. Senior staff members are extremely supportive to us, and are always willing to provide support or advice at all times whether busy or not.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
When working towards our qualifications, we have our own tutor to assist with the initial teaching. They thoroughly explain principles and will make time out of their day to answer any questions. After the initial teaching period, Kaplan provide ongoing support through a huge variety of questions, but also through the access to tutors when necessary.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that I am constantly demonstrating the knowledge that I have learned from my training provider. It is very relatable to my day to day work, and so I build upon this taught knowledge on a daily basis. I find myself having to ask less questions and making less mistakes through my ever-growing knowledge.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
EY provides a huge variety of extra-curricular activities (more easily practiced prior to the pandemic). There are many groups which you can be a part of, so there is always a social activity for someone. New employees especially get to participate in many networking events which is especially beneficial to a new employee.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend EY to a friend?
Yes
Why?
EY are an exceptional, prestigious worldwide firm. They go the extra mile to employ the best people, grow their skills, and ensure that they provide the best service to their clients. There is a huge ability to progress and grow, not only through your qualifications, but through first hand experience of working for worldwide firms.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to EY?
In order to be a good candidate, I would suggest that you really work on achieving good results in exams. Not specific exams for accounting, but any exam as it shows that you are capable of achieving something when you put your mind to it. Besides that, I would suggest participating in extra-curricular skills and activities to be a well-rounded candidate.
