Assurance Associate Review
at EY
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Audit
Manchester
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
4.6 /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!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.4/5
-
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
Completing tasks related to the stage of the audit cycle currently on such as performing substantive test of controls and reviewing financial statements. Communicating with the audit team via meetings and calls and also external clients to gather information and evidence to complete a successful audit. Multiple projects ongoing and main software used is Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Canvas.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The mix between working whilst learning at the same time can be difficult but rewarding. I enjoy learning from seniors and managers who have worked all over the world at different EY offices as they bring new perspectives.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed my existing communication skills in different settings, such as communicating effectively over email, in person at client office or virtually over Teams calls. I have also developed technical skills regarding auditing and using tools such as Microsoft Excel to perform data analysis. and Powerpoint to present findings.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
There is clear periods throughout the year whereby associates are in college and have exams. It is organized abd clear to follow. We have apprenticeship leaders who oversee our program and have catch ups with us to discuss our progress.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
We receive plenty of support via our teams and specifically our counselors. There are procedures in place to help with things such as retaking of exams. The seniors help support associates through their learning via 1 to 1 support in office.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
ICAS and their teachers often communicate over email effectively and timely. Weekly lessons are conducted in person and online, which are always organized effectively. ICAS and EY both support with exams and help with any mitigating circumstances or adaptions needed when sitting exams.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The skills and knowledge we learn is directly applicable to our work, however there may need to be some adjustments to apply this to real world examples. The qualification helps lay the foundations and through work in office, we can build upon this to apply to real life situations to help complete successful audits.
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
There are weekly events occurring which are communicated through email and Teams channels. There are a variety of activities too, such as football, run club and climbing. There are social activities between teams too, like team meals which occur throughout the year.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend EY to a friend?
Yes
Why?
EY is a great company to work for due to its commitment to professional development, diverse and inclusive culture, and global opportunities. Employees benefit from innovative projects, strong mentorship, and a focus on work-life balance, fostering personal and career growth in a collaborative environment.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to EY?
To reach out on Linkedin to current employees in the field you want to work in. Prepare for the application process with online help and once progressing to the final stages, just be yourself. EY value team members so it is important to be confident but easy to work with.
