Assurance Apprentice WAM Review
at EY
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
London
Review Submitted: March 2021
Overall Rating
3.6 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.2/5
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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:
4/5
Conducting audits in the wealth and asset management subsector. Completing typical tasks assigned to first/second years on the audit team. These include cash confirms, preparing FS tie outs, setting up analytical review, performing test of details/ test of controls. In addition to this I have to balance studying towards a professional qualification as well.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy the opportunity to work and study towards a qualification at the same time. I think the work life balance is very hard to maintain and the qualification length is too long. I think the programme could be developed in stages to achieve the equivalent of 1st/2nd year degree qualifications to help feel like we are progressing.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes learnt about audit procedures as well as conducting assurance engagements. I have developed a basic knowledge of accounting while working towards becoming a chartered accountant.
Completing typical tasks assigned to first/second years on the audit team. These include cash confirms, preparing FS tie outs, setting up analytical review, performing test of details/ test of controls. In addition to this I have to balance studying towards a professional qualification as well.
Completing typical tasks assigned to first/second years on the audit team. These include cash confirms, preparing FS tie outs, setting up analytical review, performing test of details/ test of controls. In addition to this I have to balance studying towards a professional qualification as well.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I think qualification length is too long. I think the programme could be developed in stages to achieve the equivalent of 1st/2nd year degree qualifications to help feel like we are progressing.
I feel that the programme is deliberately dragged out to ensure that they tie you into 5 years and 5 busy seasons. The grads get to qualify much quicker and this should be available as an option.
I feel that the programme is deliberately dragged out to ensure that they tie you into 5 years and 5 busy seasons. The grads get to qualify much quicker and this should be available as an option.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I receive a good amount. The professional qualification studies are well supported by Kaplan but it is difficult to manage time to revise around working.
In addition a large part of the role is on the job training. The majority of the time this is very good and more senior members are extremely helpful, but occasionally they do not have the time and can be left drifting and stuck.
In addition a large part of the role is on the job training. The majority of the time this is very good and more senior members are extremely helpful, but occasionally they do not have the time and can be left drifting and stuck.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I receive a good amount. The professional qualification studies are well supported by Kaplan but it is difficult to manage time to revise around working.
In addition a large part of the role is on the job training. The majority of the time this is very good and more senior members are extremely helpful, but occasionally they do not have the time and can be left drifting and stuck.
In addition a large part of the role is on the job training. The majority of the time this is very good and more senior members are extremely helpful, but occasionally they do not have the time and can be left drifting and stuck.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
The qualification definitely gives a good background in accounting. As we progress onto the professional level for the ACCA I feel this will become increasingly useful knowledge.
As mentioned above I think the programme is too long and consequently there are a few longer periods of time without any further study.
As mentioned above I think the programme is too long and consequently there are a few longer periods of time without any further study.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
Yes but to be honest I haven't had a chance to properly experience these as was only in the office for about 5 months pre covid. There have been some virtual events but I have chosen to create a physical break from work and use the time to study.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend EY to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes - but you need to know why you are doing it and have clarity over what you want to achieve. If they have other ambitions then I would strongly consider what their priority is as once you begin the programme you can feel trapped in a cycle without any opportunity to leave early with any qualification.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to EY?
Yes - but you need to know why you are doing it and have clarity over what you want to achieve. If they have other ambitions then I would strongly consider what their priority is as once you begin the programme you can feel trapped in a cycle without any opportunity to leave early with any qualification.
