Employer profile: EY, one of the 'big four' accounting and consultancy firms
What it’s like to work at one of the ‘big four’

Professional services firms help global companies make better decisions about business, finance, and technology. But what’s it like to work for one? In this guide, you’ll learn all about working at EY, the apprenticeship opportunities available, and how to apply.
Founded | 1989 |
Locations | Worldwide: 700 offices across 150 countries. Across the UK, 18 offices: Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Channel Islands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, Northern Ireland, Reading, and Southampton. |
Employees | 400,000 globally |
Sectors |
What does EY do?
We’re a professional services organisation that helps global companies make better decisions about business, finance, and tech. We’re a group of over 400,000 people spanning the globe in more than 150 countries.
Our four main business areas are assurance, consulting, EY-Parthenon, and tax.
- Assurance helps businesses and clients make sure their finances are in order and healthy for employees and investors. They also look at the risks businesses have and advise on them.
- Consulting is about helping clients reimagine and deliver a purposeful future, guiding them to make the best possible business decisions to fuel business growth. Consultants do so much more than advise – they take insights and turn them into world-leading solutions that help clients in lots of ways.
- Strategy, Transactions, and Corporate with EY-Parthenon helps clients grow, transform, and be successful through advising them across all aspects of their business. They might help them buy other businesses, sell parts of theirs, merge with another, or transform themselves to be more competitive.
- Tax professionals work with banks and insurance companies. They help clients understand tax rules better, as well as use technology to improve processes and support companies merging or buying each other.
Where is EY based, and what’s the work environment like?
EY has 18 offices across the UK, including in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, and Edinburgh. But we're a global company, and outside of the UK we have offices around the world from South Africa to the US, and Australia to Canada.
At EY, there’s a real emphasis on wellbeing, which is why we offer flexible working. You could split your time between working from home, the office, and client sites.
On the social side, there are lots of ways to connect with colleagues and share your interests and experiences. Our groups include sports teams, our EY Women’s Network, LGBTQ+ network, and faith- and race-based networks.
What kind of entry-level roles are there and what do they look like?
If you’re a school leaver, we offer two entry-level pathways to help you take the first step into your career and gain skills for life.
1. Career Starters Programme:
If you’re in Year 11/S4 or Year 12/S5 and interested in an apprenticeship, this one- or two-day work experience is for you. You'll gain essential business skills and insights into the professional services industry, plus tips to succeed in our assessment centres.
- Financial Futures: on this programme, you’ll understand our assurance and tax teams, experience life as an apprentice and manager, and work on real-world case studies.
- Female Tech Futures: on this programme, you’ll connect with inspiring women in technology, learn about their roles, and glimpse a day in their lives as you prepare for our digital degree apprenticeship.
Impress us during the Career Starters programme, and you could be fast-tracked on to an EY apprenticeship before applications go live!
2. Apprenticeships:
With apprenticeship opportunities across assurance, tax, consulting, and EY-Parthenon, you’ll earn while you learn, delving into real client projects whilst working towards industry-recognised qualifications.
Business apprenticeships:
- Tax, Assurance, or EY-Parthenon: Level 7 Apprenticeship in Accounting and Taxation (4 years) with ICAEW (ICAS in Scotland) equivalent to a master’s degree.
- Mobility, Rewards, and Immigration: Level 4 Apprenticeship (4 years) with the Association of Taxation Technicians.
- Entity Governance and Compliance: Level 4 Apprenticeship (2 years) with the Chartered Governance Institute.
Note: Scotland Level equivalent to England Level 7 is Level 11 in Scotland; England Level 4 is Level 6 in Scotland.
Degree apprenticeships:
- Business Leadership and Management: Level 6 BA Hons Apprenticeship (3 years) with Northumbria University and the Chartered Management Institute.
- Digital Technology: Level 6 BSc Apprenticeship (4 years) with the Chartered Management Institute and BBP University.
What are the entry requirements for these roles?
For Career Starters, you’ll need to be interested in joining an apprenticeship programme, and studying three A levels, five Highers, or their equivalent.
For apprenticeships, you’ll need to be studying towards three A levels, five Highers, or their equivalents. You'll also need to be working towards a minimum of 112 UCAS points. Don’t worry if you’re not studying business or finance-related subjects – all subjects are welcomed.
What opportunities for progression are there?
As an apprentice at EY, you’ll join a close-knit team and get support in lots of different ways. You’ll have a mentor, who you’ll meet with regularly; a career coach, who can advise on wellbeing; and a buddy, who can answer any questions you may have.
As you progress, you’ll also have access to learning opportunities with industry recognised trainers like ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) and CMI (Chartered Management Institute). Along the way, you can earn EY Badges (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) that recognise your achievements and skills, showcasing your growth beyond your apprenticeship.
At the end, you’ll remain a valued member of the EY team, with opportunities to advance to roles like senior associate or explore different areas of the business.
What can students be doing right now to build their experience?
Try to seek out opportunities that develop the EY core strengths. At EY, we look for applicants who can demonstrate these skills:
- Adaptability
- Learning agility
- Curiosity
- Resilience
- Collaboration
- Motivation
- Integrity
- Relationship building
For example, volunteering for community projects can help with your collaboration and integrity, while part-time jobs and keeping to deadlines can build resilience. Joining clubs or societies can show curiosity and motivation, whilst pursuing online courses can boost learning agility. And networking with professionals through events or social media can foster relationship building, and help you make the most of any work opportunities that might be out there.
What’s one top tip to help someone apply successfully for an entry-level position at your company?
Believe in yourself and aim high! EY may be a large organisation, but approach your application with an open mind and a positive attitude. We’re here to support you at every step of the process, helping you feel confident in your journey!
We believe all candidates should be given the opportunity to be their best selves throughout the process. We have adjustments in place to make applications as accessible as possible.
You can get prepared by attending EY webinars and insights events, taking part in company visits, and asking questions to show curiosity. Following EY on social media and reading our publications and case studies can help too – as can keeping up with the news to stay up-to-date on industry trends.
Good stuff from elsewhere
School leaver opportunities
Find out about EY's work experience and apprenticeships.
Upcoming events
Explore EY's upcoming webinars and in-person events.
Adventure Awaits
Discover EY's immersive experience, and get hints, tips, and advice from the company's apprentices, graduates, and Student Recruitment team.