Assurance Apprentice WAM Review
at EY
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
London
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
3.5 /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!
3.5/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.2/5
-
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
Performing Audit procedures on mainly group audits. This includes typical first and second year tasks such as financial statement tie outs, preparation of lead schedules and cash confirms. I have also worked on valuations which is a more interesting part of the job. I have mainly worked on FTSE 100 clients but have performed a few smaller engagments.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I have enjoyed the programme. I have found the studying towards the professional qualification tough to balance with the demands of working. The college time can be quite intense and the business works you very hard. The work hours can be long and there is a real danger of burn out.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I was completely new to accounting and have learnt everything from scratch. I have received excellent coaching regarding performing audit procedures from my seniors on clients. I have also received training from the business that is good but sometimes feels too simulated. The studying towards the professional qualification has also supported my skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The programme is well structured. The only quibble I would have is that the programme should have some sort of rotational element to allow apprentices to experience other sectors such as advisory/transactions/tax. This would allow a much better experience and potentially enhance career skills. The rest of the programme is well structured.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I was completely new to accounting and have learnt everything from scratch. I have received excellent coaching regarding performing audit procedures from my seniors on clients. I have also received training from the business that is good but sometimes feels too simulated. The studying towards the professional qualification has also supported my skills.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Kaplan has been a good training provider. Most of the college time has been online. The London classrooms are run down and have fairly poor facilities that need renovating.
Occasionally Kaplan cut it really fine when delivering study materials and often require chasing as books aren't delivered when expected.
Occasionally Kaplan cut it really fine when delivering study materials and often require chasing as books aren't delivered when expected.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualification is essential to assist with good performance in the role. While the technical knowledge from the qualification is only largely applicable for the accounting and assurance modules, the sense of achievement when completing exams helps to engender a sense of confidence when talking to clients and other colleagues.
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
This is difficult to answer as the majority of my time has been under COVID restrictions. I have attended a couple of social events and participated in social sports teams. The firm has run virtual events but I have largely chosen to try to switch off during these as they are often run on Friday evenings.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend EY to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The opportunity to gain the experience and the qualification is a great foundation for any career. I would say that you must have a clear goal and you do have to work hard and be diligent with balancing study/work. The programme suits some and not others and there will be impacts of not going to university compared to an apprenticeship.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to EY?
The opportunity to gain the experience and the qualification is a great foundation for any career. I would say that you must have a clear goal and you do have to work hard and be diligent with balancing study/work. The programme suits some and not others and there will be impacts of not going to university compared to an apprenticeship.
