Assurance Graduate Review
at EY
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Audit
Southampton
Review Submitted: December 2023
Overall Rating
3.8 /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
3.6/5
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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
Day to day audit work involves: talking with the client, creating workbooks, testing accounts, testing evidence received from the client, visiting client site. Role also includes: observing client stock counts, completing ICAEW accounting exams, building relationships with other members of my team. My role is hybrid so normally I work from home 2/3 days a week and are based in the office for the rest of the week.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
Overall I have enjoyed my time so far at EY. All the staff are super friendly and welcoming and there is a good level of support available for you when you need it (counsellor, buddy, student support team). There have been a few blips that have ruined my experience e.g. HR failing to submit my P45 twice and poor communication prior to starting but these do not outweigh the positives.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt many different skills across many different platforms since joining EY. In my audit work: IT skills (particularly excel), client communication skills, audit specific skills (such as professional scepticism) and general teamwork skills from engaging with my client team. In my studies I have gained a lot of knowledge about the audit and accounting professions, as well as learning how to balance my time between working and studying.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The programme can at times be confusing. When you start at EY it is not clear when your studies are expected to start; nor the fact that as a graduate you complete 2/3 exams at a time. The study dates we would be given on our student databases would differ to our rota. I found this really overwhelming and even know I still find that I do not know when my study dates are. There is always support available though, so anytime I have been unsure I contact my counsellor who seeks clarity for me.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
EY have a really good support system. There are so many people to speak to if you have problems - this system is in place from when you join and all throughout your time at EY. Your main source of support is your personal counsellor and I have found mine to be super helpful and willing whenever I have needed her support. EY also take mental health really seriously. There are clear contacts to reach out to if you have any problems with your mental health. My office holds mental health calls every couple of months to support those who may be feeling bad and remind them who they can reach out to for support.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I don’t find first intuition that supportive. The last few college sessions I have had, the pre course work has been given out late and all the content is rushed through so I feel as though I have to reteach myself after the course. The tutors are always contactable by email which is useful, but it would be better to feel as though you are learning at a steady pace and understanding everything as you go.
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 definitely useful to me in my role. It has helped me to understand why we do certain processes in audit e.g. what we are testing certain accounts for, as well as learning what is expected of me in my role. Without the qualification I feel as though I would struggle to understand.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Yes, EY has loads of extra curricular activities to take part in. There are a range of networks you can join as part of the company: women, family, LQBTQ+, BAME etc. These allow you to become part of a community and take part in events when they take place. In my office there is a football and a badminton team, with other sports like running and netball taking place for charity events through the year. We have a social committee who organise social events outside of work hours including events like; cinema nights, brunch, after work drinks
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend EY to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I have really enjoyed my time at EY to date. Everyone I have worked with is friendly and welcoming and I feel like I have learnt so much since starting. I was worried I would feel overwhelmed and ignored working for such a massive company but it has been the complete opposite. It’s really refreshing to start your career in a company where everyone is treated as equals, you are given fair opportunity to learn new skills and work on your qualification and you can socialise and build rapport with those around you.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to EY?
1) Building relationships is more valuable than any excel/audit skills you can learn (particularly in interviews/internships)
2) Learn EYs core values
3) When you start at EY, don’t be afraid to reach out for support if you are feeling overwhelmed or need help with something. EY are so supportive and non judgemental.
4) Don’t believe all the negatives you hear about working for the big 4 - yes there are busy seasons but majority of the time you will have a good work-life balance, your colleagues will be flexible around you and you won’t be in a constant state of stress.
2) Learn EYs core values
3) When you start at EY, don’t be afraid to reach out for support if you are feeling overwhelmed or need help with something. EY are so supportive and non judgemental.
4) Don’t believe all the negatives you hear about working for the big 4 - yes there are busy seasons but majority of the time you will have a good work-life balance, your colleagues will be flexible around you and you won’t be in a constant state of stress.
