Overall Rating
4 /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!
3.8/5
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Overview of the Role
4.2/5
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Experience & Company Culture
4/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at EY?
After 6 months, I am enjoying my job at EY. While there are certain changes which I think could be made to the grad scheme in terms of training/organisation/communication, my team are great people and I very much feel supported in all that I do.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
Tracking communications between local EY offices, researching legislation, preparing and reviewing reclaims, transforming tax operations for clients, FATCA/CRS regulations (identification of classification, preparing returns).
There is a lot of admin, but that is to be expected as a new joiner (need to nail the basics). I do not mind this sort of work, as it is balanced with data analysis and other more interesting work types.
There is a lot of admin, but that is to be expected as a new joiner (need to nail the basics). I do not mind this sort of work, as it is balanced with data analysis and other more interesting work types.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
3/5
Mostly contribute meaningfully and feel valued - this does vary between team members but that is natural. In my previous position (not in this company), I was a manager, so I find the step down hard and limiting at times. Everyone is also very busy so sometimes you feel less appreciated, but I think this is something for me to work on rather than an issue with the company.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
Yes, the pay is good for my age and my working hours, especially as I get training and professional quals funded by EY. The wellbeing spend account is really good - I also like the thrive time days (for wellbeing and personal growth), the charity days and a nice amount of annual leave as well.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
Very well prepared - full qualification, tax technical knowledge, experience of Big 4 corporate world, good networking opportunities.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
3/5
Formal training is not always relevant (depending on the area of tax you work in) but may become useful in the future. In the day-to-day role, you learn a lot but you also have to be inquisitive and ask/research off your own back - you will not be handed information, you need to look for it!
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
4/5
Lots of support from buddy - she has been really helpful, non-judgemental and very chill. My managers keep changing (as they leave EY) which is annoying but can't be helped - they always ask who I would like to be my new manager which is nice and I am very much listened to in this regard with my managers. The most support I get is from seniors/juniors and sometimes the managers who i have worked with on previous projects, as I have built a rapport with them which can always be relied on - 'no question is a silly question'. Joining within a grad cohort is always a benefit as well as I am now great friends with the other grads in my intake.
How is your work-life balance?
4/5
The flexible/hybrid working is great for work-life balance. Have to be in office 28 days a quarter, but I come in Mon-Weds every week. I usually come in early to have a slower morning, then I can leave just after 5 and not feel bad... You are encouraged to not look at your work emails while in college (for ICAS route) on study leave, so the balance between work/study/personal life is great.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
4/5
Great atmosphere, everyone is super friendly which i did not expect from a Big 4 firm. The values are clear and most people are like-minded (hardworking but sociable). Very positive and usually welcoming (only usually because sometimes team members are too busy to introduce themselves / get to know you until they actually work with you on a project). Compared to other new joiners who come in less frequently, you definitely have a more positive experience if you come into office more regularly.
How would you rate EY initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
Really good. Quite a 50-50 split in juniors/seniors in terms of gender (although not at partner level, but hey one step at a time...). Very diverse company - you will always find people who match your interests or personality type - joining the various EY networks or sports groups helps! It feels like a second university campus within the building in terms of support/schedule/societies.
How would you rate EY CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
4/5
As a CSR rep myself, I think opportunities could be more varied, but there are definitely good options out there. I haven't had much time yet to delve into CSR volunteering yet, but will soon (you get 2 days a year). Lots of charity initiatives and fundraising!
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend EY to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Doesn't meet the 'cog in a large corporate machine' stereotype of big 4 firms - it feels like a little family at times! Joining within the apprenticeship/grad scheme meant you have a group of people going through the same thing as you (same issues / highs and lows / college classes). Tax is not the most exciting thing in the world, but the people around you make the job very enjoyable!
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
4/5
It is much more 'you have to enquire to find work' rather than being just given it than I was expecting, but in a way I think this is a good thing as it encourages you to be inquisitive, independent and to meet new people in your team. Tax is what I expected: a nice mix of numbers and writing, a steady workload, a mixture of advisory/audit/operations work. Work like a consultant very often. At times, because the company is so large, it can feel a bit disorganised and communication delayed because there are lots of steps/people to go through. Also, the commercial side of EY was something I hadn't thought about before - lots of upselling services and billing etc. Not a bad thing (as I have sales experience) but just something additional to my expectations from the recruitment process.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to EY?
Be authentic, but also, FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT. Everyone feels the imposter syndrome as you get further ahead in the application process, just remind yourself of how much you deserve it and tell the interviewers/assessors that with confidence!! When it comes to written assessment, think structure - use each bullet point as a heading and think of any extra info you'd like to complete the task, but also take it as a drama exercise (get into character eg constructing an email 'hope you had a nice weekend' etc). Group task - do not LEAD the group by overpowering, let others talk and then guide the group by being polite, asking questions, moving the topic of conversation on at the right time, and making notes for the group. Interview - the best interviews feel like a casual conversation, breathe and pretend this is someone new who you share an interest with, get to know them and ask questions about what they do and what you find interesting about what they say. Also use the STARR technique for answering questions (situation, task, action, result, reflect - reflection is the MOST important).
