Audit Senior Review
at EY
Degree Apprenticeship
Audit
Newcastle upon Tyne
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.5 /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!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.6/5
-
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
I am responsible for aspects of planning and delivering external audits alongside my engagement team. This includes gaining a strong understanding of each client’s business, operations, and internal control environment, identifying key risks, and tailoring audit approaches accordingly.
I focus on areas such as revenue, fixed assets, leases (IFRS 16), inventory, trade payables, and accounting estimates including impairments and provisions.
You often act as the main point of contact between the audit team and the client, building strong working relationships with finance teams and senior stakeholders. You manage expectations, coordinate information requests, discuss audit findings clearly, and resolve issues efficiently while maintaining a professional and collaborative approach.
A key part of my role is supporting and developing first‑ and second‑year auditors in a way that suits their individual needs and experience levels. I take time to build strong working relationships with junior team members, creating an open and supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and learning.
The role requires managing multiple deadlines and client expectations, with periods of long hours during peak audit cycles. However, this provides substantial opportunities for technical development, exposure to a wide range of industries and accounting issues, and the development of leadership, communication, and project management skills critical for progression within audit and the wider finance profession.
I focus on areas such as revenue, fixed assets, leases (IFRS 16), inventory, trade payables, and accounting estimates including impairments and provisions.
You often act as the main point of contact between the audit team and the client, building strong working relationships with finance teams and senior stakeholders. You manage expectations, coordinate information requests, discuss audit findings clearly, and resolve issues efficiently while maintaining a professional and collaborative approach.
A key part of my role is supporting and developing first‑ and second‑year auditors in a way that suits their individual needs and experience levels. I take time to build strong working relationships with junior team members, creating an open and supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and learning.
The role requires managing multiple deadlines and client expectations, with periods of long hours during peak audit cycles. However, this provides substantial opportunities for technical development, exposure to a wide range of industries and accounting issues, and the development of leadership, communication, and project management skills critical for progression within audit and the wider finance profession.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I have really enjoyed the programme to a great extent. Starting alongside a peer group has made a significant difference, as it has allowed me to build friendships and a strong support network from the outset. We are able to share experiences, help each other through challenges, and support one another both professionally and personally, which has made the programme far more rewarding and manageable.
I have also found the balance between work and study particularly positive. Being able to apply what I am learning in exams directly to my audit work (and vice versa) has helped reinforce my understanding and made the learning feel practical and relevant. While the programme can be demanding at times, the mix of hands‑on audit experience and structured study has contributed greatly to my development, building both my technical knowledge and confidence in the role.
I have also found the balance between work and study particularly positive. Being able to apply what I am learning in exams directly to my audit work (and vice versa) has helped reinforce my understanding and made the learning feel practical and relevant. While the programme can be demanding at times, the mix of hands‑on audit experience and structured study has contributed greatly to my development, building both my technical knowledge and confidence in the role.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt a range of new skills and significantly developed existing ones throughout the programme.
One of the key areas of development has been my Excel skills. Through audit work and study, I have become much more confident using Excel for data analysis, including extracting and manipulating large datasets, performing reconciliations, using formulas efficiently, and presenting information clearly to support audit conclusions.
I have also greatly improved my time management skills. Balancing client work alongside studying for exams has required careful planning and prioritisation, particularly during busy periods. This has helped me become more organised, manage deadlines more effectively, and work efficiently under pressure.
Another important area of growth has been my confidence in speaking to new people. Regular interaction with new clients, finance teams, and internal colleagues has helped me become more comfortable asking questions, explaining audit requirements, and building professional relationships. This has contributed to greater confidence in meetings and day‑to‑day communication.
My analytical skills have also developed significantly through audit work, particularly when reviewing financial information, identifying risks, challenging variances, and applying professional judgement. I am now more confident in understanding how different areas of the financial statements link together and in assessing whether information makes sense in the context of the business.
From an audit‑specific perspective, I have developed a stronger understanding of audit methodology, risk assessment, testing controls and substantive procedures, and documenting work clearly to support conclusions. I have also gained experience across key areas such as fixed assets, leases, revenue, and balance sheet reconciliations.
Finally, the programme has strengthened my teamworking skills. Working closely with peers and senior team members has taught me how to collaborate effectively, support others when needed, and contribute positively to team outcomes, while also learning from those around me.
One of the key areas of development has been my Excel skills. Through audit work and study, I have become much more confident using Excel for data analysis, including extracting and manipulating large datasets, performing reconciliations, using formulas efficiently, and presenting information clearly to support audit conclusions.
I have also greatly improved my time management skills. Balancing client work alongside studying for exams has required careful planning and prioritisation, particularly during busy periods. This has helped me become more organised, manage deadlines more effectively, and work efficiently under pressure.
Another important area of growth has been my confidence in speaking to new people. Regular interaction with new clients, finance teams, and internal colleagues has helped me become more comfortable asking questions, explaining audit requirements, and building professional relationships. This has contributed to greater confidence in meetings and day‑to‑day communication.
My analytical skills have also developed significantly through audit work, particularly when reviewing financial information, identifying risks, challenging variances, and applying professional judgement. I am now more confident in understanding how different areas of the financial statements link together and in assessing whether information makes sense in the context of the business.
From an audit‑specific perspective, I have developed a stronger understanding of audit methodology, risk assessment, testing controls and substantive procedures, and documenting work clearly to support conclusions. I have also gained experience across key areas such as fixed assets, leases, revenue, and balance sheet reconciliations.
Finally, the programme has strengthened my teamworking skills. Working closely with peers and senior team members has taught me how to collaborate effectively, support others when needed, and contribute positively to team outcomes, while also learning from those around me.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I find the programme to be very well structured. The study element is clearly planned in advance, with set dates for college, broken down into tuition, revision, and exam days, which makes it easier to plan work commitments and personal time around these key milestones.
The study support is strong, with tutors who are approachable and readily available to answer questions, whether during taught sessions or outside of planned study time.
The study support is strong, with tutors who are approachable and readily available to answer questions, whether during taught sessions or outside of planned study time.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
From EY’s internal perspective, the programme is also well organised. I have been assigned a buddy, counsellor, and apprentice coach, each with a clear and distinct role, which adds clarity and structure. My buddy provides a more informal point of contact, helping with day‑to‑day questions, introductions, and settling into teams. My counsellor offers more formal support, including feedback, development discussions, and a channel to raise any concerns.
In addition, the apprentice coach plays an important role in overseeing the overall pathway, supporting with exam progression, training file and ethics reviews, and acting as a clear point of contact for programme‑related queries. Having defined support roles and clear communication channels greatly improves the structure of the programme and helps ensure expectations and requirements are well understood.
In addition, the apprentice coach plays an important role in overseeing the overall pathway, supporting with exam progression, training file and ethics reviews, and acting as a clear point of contact for programme‑related queries. Having defined support roles and clear communication channels greatly improves the structure of the programme and helps ensure expectations and requirements are well understood.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive a high level of support from my training provider while working towards my qualifications. The study programme is clearly structured, with dedicated tuition, revision, and exam days, and tutors are always available to answer questions and provide clarification when needed.
In addition, the First Intuition learning resources are extremely helpful. I receive physical copies of study notes, which are well structured and easy to follow, and also have access to an online learning platform that contains all course content in one place. The question bank is particularly valuable, as it walks through the full exam syllabus and allows me to practise exam‑style questions regularly, building both confidence and exam technique.
In addition, the First Intuition learning resources are extremely helpful. I receive physical copies of study notes, which are well structured and easy to follow, and also have access to an online learning platform that contains all course content in one place. The question bank is particularly valuable, as it walks through the full exam syllabus and allows me to practise exam‑style questions regularly, building both confidence and exam technique.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that my qualification supports my performance in my role to a large extent. The content covered through my training provider closely aligns with the work I do in audit, which means I am able to apply technical knowledge from my studies directly to client work. Topics such as financial reporting standards, audit procedures, and professional judgement have strengthened my understanding of audit methodology and improved the quality and confidence of my work.
The combination of theoretical learning and practical application has been particularly beneficial. Studying accounting and auditing concepts alongside real‑life audit work helps reinforce my understanding and gives context to what I am learning, making it easier to retain and apply.
In addition, the structured exam preparation and practice questions have helped develop my technical confidence, enabling me to engage more effectively in discussions with clients and senior team members. Overall, the qualification is highly relevant to my role and has contributed positively to my technical capability, professional judgement, and progression as an audit professional.
The combination of theoretical learning and practical application has been particularly beneficial. Studying accounting and auditing concepts alongside real‑life audit work helps reinforce my understanding and gives context to what I am learning, making it easier to retain and apply.
In addition, the structured exam preparation and practice questions have helped develop my technical confidence, enabling me to engage more effectively in discussions with clients and senior team members. Overall, the qualification is highly relevant to my role and has contributed positively to my technical capability, professional judgement, and progression as an audit professional.
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‑curricular activities to get involved in at work, which really helps create a sociable and inclusive environment.
At an office‑wide level, we regularly have social events, often aligned to key cultural and seasonal occasions such as Chinese New Year, Ramadan, Easter, as well as Christmas socials. These events are a great way to bring people together across teams and celebrate diversity within the office.
At an engagement level, audit teams usually organise socials at the start of an assignment to get to know each other better, and again at the end to celebrate the completion of the audit. This helps build strong team relationships and creates a positive team dynamic, particularly when working closely during busy periods.
Outside of client work, the peer group also often organises informal socials, which has been a great way to make friends, relax outside of work, and support each other throughout the programme.
There are also opportunities to get involved in charity days, sporting events, and other firm‑wide initiatives, allowing people to engage in activities beyond their day‑to‑day role and contribute to causes or interests they care about.
At an office‑wide level, we regularly have social events, often aligned to key cultural and seasonal occasions such as Chinese New Year, Ramadan, Easter, as well as Christmas socials. These events are a great way to bring people together across teams and celebrate diversity within the office.
At an engagement level, audit teams usually organise socials at the start of an assignment to get to know each other better, and again at the end to celebrate the completion of the audit. This helps build strong team relationships and creates a positive team dynamic, particularly when working closely during busy periods.
Outside of client work, the peer group also often organises informal socials, which has been a great way to make friends, relax outside of work, and support each other throughout the programme.
There are also opportunities to get involved in charity days, sporting events, and other firm‑wide initiatives, allowing people to engage in activities beyond their day‑to‑day role and contribute to causes or interests they care about.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend EY to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I chose to apply to EY because of its strong reputation for high‑quality audit work, professional development, and its emphasis on building well‑rounded professionals rather than just technical specialists. EY’s focus on learning, coaching, and teamwork strongly aligned with what I was looking for at the start of my career.
The opportunity to gain hands‑on audit experience alongside a structured professional qualification was a key factor. EY’s approach to combining client exposure with formal training allows you to apply technical learning directly to real‑world situations, which I see as the most effective way to develop both competence and confidence as an auditor.
The opportunity to gain hands‑on audit experience alongside a structured professional qualification was a key factor. EY’s approach to combining client exposure with formal training allows you to apply technical learning directly to real‑world situations, which I see as the most effective way to develop both competence and confidence as an auditor.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to EY?
Do your research early. Take the time to understand EY as a firm and, in particular, which service line or sector best suits you. Having a genuine interest in the area you apply for makes a big difference, both during the application process and once you start.
Focus on your people skills. While technical knowledge is important, a lot of what makes you successful at EY comes down to your ability to communicate, build relationships, and work well with others. Audit is very people‑focused, involving regular interaction with clients and team members, and technical skills can be developed over time through training and experience.
Be yourself and be open to learning. EY values curiosity, teamwork, and willingness to learn. Showing that you are approachable, adaptable, and keen to develop will set you apart.
Highlight teamwork and collaboration. Whether through work, study, or extracurricular activities, examples that demonstrate how you support others and contribute positively to a team are particularly valuable.
Focus on your people skills. While technical knowledge is important, a lot of what makes you successful at EY comes down to your ability to communicate, build relationships, and work well with others. Audit is very people‑focused, involving regular interaction with clients and team members, and technical skills can be developed over time through training and experience.
Be yourself and be open to learning. EY values curiosity, teamwork, and willingness to learn. Showing that you are approachable, adaptable, and keen to develop will set you apart.
Highlight teamwork and collaboration. Whether through work, study, or extracurricular activities, examples that demonstrate how you support others and contribute positively to a team are particularly valuable.
