Assurance Associate Review
at EY
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Audit
Bristol
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
3.9 /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
3.8/5
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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
Audit work for clients. This involves verifying their accounts. EY's clients are usually large companies, and so we work in teams for each client. As I am a first-year, I am provided with support by senior members. I also complete a professional qualification which will take 3 years, where my cohort goes to college for stretches and completes exams. The qualification is built into the job.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
As EY is a large company, many recent graduates also joined at the same time as me, and therefore there are many people I work closely with going through the same experience and challenges as myself. This makes me enjoy the programme. Perhaps a slight drawback is that teams I work in are often rarely in the office at the same time, and so this can make asking for help difficult sometimes, as often these issues would be better solved in person as oppose to online e.g. through Microsoft Teams. Another slight drawback is that some days can feel very busy, whilst others quite quiet, and it is sometimes hard to predict when will be busy and when won't be. However, I understand this is the nature of the work/industry. The time in college to complete the qualification is nice as when it is classroom days you are with your cohort. You also learn a lot about the job very quickly and the teachers are very good. However, college is very intense, with a very short time frame to learn a hugely significant amount of content. I feel like college could be extended to make this more manageable, as you can feel burnt out by the end of the college stretch.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt how to work in a team effectively, and to work to deadlines. I have improved my proficiency in software such as excel. I have improved my ability to process large amounts of information, and make judgements about it.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I would say it is well structured in the sense it balances time in the job, and time in college, making for a variety in things I do. However, as mentioned above, I believe college could be extended as the amount of content is vast in a very short time frame.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
There is plenty of support available if needed, whether that be help for experienced team members with your work, or help with other areas if required. All new joiners are assigned counsellors who we can go to for issues. A slight drawback is this would rarely be in person, as people are often in the office at different times, and in person support is often better to online all the time. However, I understand that people are increasingly working from home.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Support is available if needed regarding the qualification. We have an apprenticeship coach who we have catch up sessions with regarding the on the job training part of the qualification. For the exam part of the qualification, it is carried out by BPP, who delivers the lessons for the ICAS qualification. The teachers at BPP are very helpful and supportive.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualification teaches you the fundamentals of finance (including audit), and so is crucial to improving my skills in the job, especially for the more technical elements.
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, there are plenty of extra-curriculars e.g. sports as well as after-work socials available and is very inclusive.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend EY to a friend?
Yes
Why?
EY is a great place to start your career, and provides a sound grounding in all professions they have to offer. EY is very social and friendly, with many out of work clubs, event, and socials for all employees, regardless of rank or title. I would certainly recommend to a friend.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to EY?
Research which role you would like to join at EY e.g. audit, tax, consulting etc. and make sure you are aware of the qualification you are studying, as well as where the role can potentially take you in the future. Show an understanding of EY, including its values and current activities of the company on a broad scale, as well as the region you are applying to.
