Ernst and Young (EY) Careers: Employment Process/Job Openings
Updated November 18, 2023
EY is a global 'Big Four' accounting and professional service firm and an employer of choice for many jobseekers.
The company receives thousands of applications yearly, and the interview process is highly competitive.
The Ernst and Young employment process varies depending on the job vacancy you have applied for.
In this article, you can learn what to expect when applying for experienced professional job openings and the graduate program.
What Are Ernst and Young Careers?
Ernst and Young (EY) was founded in 1989. At this time, accounting firms Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young & Co merged, creating the new brand name of Ernst & Young. In 2013, the firm rebranded as EY.
The company employs more than 190,000 people globally. It works with many high-profile clients, including Facebook, McDonald’s and Porsche.
EY offers various career paths, including:
- Assurance
- Core business services
- Consulting
- Strategy and transactions
- Tax
Graduate opportunities in assurance, consulting, strategy and transactions and tax are available.
The company also offers internships, allowing students to gain exposure to all business areas.
Research by Great Place to Work identified that 83% of EY employees believe EY is a great workplace.
It offers its employees a variety of generous incentives, rewards and benefits, including flexible working opportunities (such as Ernst and Young remote jobs), paid holiday, health and wellbeing initiatives and regular salary reviews.
Prepare for the EY Hiring Process with JobTestPrep
How to Find EY Careers (Ernst and Young Jobs)
Whether you are a recent graduate, entry-level professional, professional worker or contractor, EY offers a variety of job opportunities, including Ernst and Young contract jobs.
Generally, all job opportunities are listed on the company website, although you can often find them advertised on other job sites too.
To find job opportunities at EY, visit the EY careers page on the company website. You can use the job search function to search all the current vacancies.
Here are some examples of current US vacancies listed on the EY website.
- Legal Contracts Counsel, Commercial Contracts – Assistant Director (Atlanta, GA)
- Tax Senior – Tax Accounting and Risk Advisory Services (TARAS) – California and Texas (San Francisco, CA)
- Strategic Marketing Programs Leader (Denver, CO)
- Forensic and Integrity Services – Government Contract Services Manager – (Chicago, IL)
- HR Operations & Transactions Supervisor (Dallas, TX)
What Is the Ernst and Young Careers Hiring Process?
When applying for jobs at EY, you must work through the general EY hiring process.
There are five key stages, and you will be notified as to whether your application will progress to the next stage throughout the process.
If you do not pass one of the stages, your application will end, but you will be allowed to reapply for EY job vacancies.
The EY hiring process includes the following stages:
Register and Browse Open Job Vacancies
To view current job vacancies, visit the EY career pages. You can search for EY job openings by keyword, country/region, business area and location flexibility.
Submit an Online Application (Learning About You)
You will need to set up an online profile before applying. Setting up a candidate profile and completing an application takes around 30 minutes.
If necessary, you can save your progress and return to complete your application later.
If you want to apply for multiple vacancies, you must complete an online application for each job role. You can use your online account to review, update and withdraw submitted applications.
After your form has been submitted, an EY recruiter will review it. If they think you might be suitable for the role, they will be in contact to discuss the next stages of the hiring process.
Complete the Online Aptitude Tests (Learning for the Changing World)
For many EY roles, you will need to complete a series of online aptitude tests.
These include personality assessments, numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning and abstract reasoning tests.
Your assessments will vary according to the vacancy you have applied for.
Participate in Job Simulation (Learning on the Job)
For some EY job vacancies, you will be required to participate in the Cappfinity EY Job Simulation.
This includes a series of personality profiling questions, situational judgment problems, written test questions and video interview questions, which are designed to give you an overview of the everyday situations you might face as an EY employee.
The job simulation assessment includes 14 questions, some of which you must answer within a specific timeframe. Most people complete the test within one hour, and all of the questions must be answered in one sitting.
Before sitting the real test, you will be able to complete the practice round. This allows you to practice recording yourself answering a question and re-recording it if you want to.
Before attending the job simulation, take a look at these EY job simulation questions on JobTestPrep.
Attend an Assessment Day Event (Learning in Person)
For some roles, you will be required to attend the EY Experience Day, which is an assessment center. The day is divided into five activities. These are:
-
Aptitude tests – The aptitude tests are similar to those completed earlier in the application process, although they tend to be more challenging. The tests include numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning and abstract reasoning. For some roles, you will be required to complete a personality profiling assessment.
-
Group discussion – During the group discussion, you will be assigned to a small group of around five people. Once you have been placed in your group, you will be given a work-based topic or problem to discuss with your team members. The topic or problem will usually be broad or ambiguous. Your task is to work as part of a team to come up with an agreed approach to the problem, then present your answer to the assessor in a Q&A session.
-
Case study – You will be presented with an information pack, which will include details of a made-up company requiring advice from EY. Your task is to analyze the written material, devise a planned approach and submit a written summary of your findings and recommendations.
-
E-tray assessment – You will be presented with a series of emails, which must be prioritized according to urgency and importance. You should outline which of the emails should be dealt with first, giving the reasons for your decision to the assessor.
-
Interview – This will be a face-to-face discussion with an EY partner or interview panel.
The EY Experience Day is a full-day event renowned for being a highly challenging aspect of the EY hiring process.
If you need to prepare for a number of different employment tests and want to outsmart the competition, choose a Premium Membership from JobTestPrep.
You will get access to three PrepPacks of your choice, from a database that covers all the major test providers and employers and tailored profession packs.
Attend a Final Interview
The format of the final interview will depend on the job role you have applied for.
In some cases, it will be an informal discussion with a partner; in others, it will be a formal panel interview.
Whatever type of interview you are asked to attend, you should be ready to talk through your reasons for applying, transferable experience, key strengths and motivating factors.
Receive a Job Offer
Successful candidates will receive a conditional job offer within two weeks of the final interview stage.
Ernst and Young Careers – EY Graduate Program
The EY Graduate Program aims to hire talented future leaders with the ability to innovate, grow, learn, lead and belong. It is operated on an open-access basis, which means applicants are not rejected based on academic performance at A-level or degree alone.
Applicants must have gained a minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade C or above (or equivalent qualifications). Some of the EY graduate schemes have other specific application requirements.
In most cases, EY graduate programs are open to graduates with an honors degree in any discipline, but some programs require a specific undergraduate major.
The program runs from September each year. The program lasts three to three and a half years, depending on the candidate’s preferred service line. You can find out more on the EY graduate program pages.
If you want to apply for one of the EY graduate programs, the application process mirrors the one outlined above. Applications usually open in the fall and close during March. This allows EY adequate time to shortlist applications and complete its structured hiring process.
EY’s graduate program provides excellent opportunities for on-the-job training and career progression. It is a highly regarded option for recent graduates.
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an EY Graduate Consultant in the UK is around £35,255 ($60,000 to $80,000 per year in the US)
All EY employees can access attractive perks and benefits, including sick pay, free eye tests and subsidized gym memberships.
Tips for Getting Ernst and Young Jobs
Read on for helpful tips on securing employment at Ernst and Young.
Step 1. Research EY and the Job Role
It is important to consider your suitability before applying for any job role. When applying for EY positions, you should research the company mission, strategy and culture, considering whether you will likely be a good match.
You must also gain a clear understanding of the job role. Read the job description carefully, ensuring you meet the minimum requirements. This includes skills, qualifications and experience.
Gain an understanding of the team the role sits in and the key working relationships you will be expected to maintain. Also, consider your career objectives and whether the job role offers the appropriate job progression opportunities to help you achieve your personal development goals.
Step 2. Tailor Your Application to the Job
EY receives thousands of applications for every job role, so you must ensure yours stands out.
One way to achieve this is by tailoring your application to the job role you have applied for.
This involves thoroughly reading the job description and personal profile and indicating your skills, qualities, experience and qualifications to show how you meet these requirements.
Step 3. Practice for the Ernst and Young Online Assessment
You can find many examples of aptitude tests and pre-employment assessments online. The JobTestPrep website offers a variety of situational judgment practice assessments, numerical reasoning questions, verbal reasoning questions, abstract reasoning problems and more.
Step 4. Prepare for Interviews
Preparing for your EY interview is vital. As part of this preparation, research the company, job role and interview panel. You should aim to comprehensively understand the job description and where it sits within the wider organization.
You should also consider the type of questions you will likely be asked. Search for common interview questions online and practice answering these. You could set up a mock interview with a friend or family member or practice recording yourself answering the questions.
If you are attending a video-based or Skype interview, check your IT equipment is working and you have a reliable internet connection. Ensure you are working from a space where you will not be disturbed, and choose a business casual outfit that you will feel comfortable wearing.
If you are attending an in-person interview, make sure you know where you need to go and what time you need to leave. Check the arrangements for parking or find out the public transport arrangements for getting there.
Leave yourself plenty of time to arrive early – this allows you to have the chance to get your bearings, visit the restroom and compose yourself before you enter the interview.
The application process at EY is simple – you can search for EY job openings on the careers site and apply online for any vacancies you are interested in. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to attend a series of assessment tests and interviews. If you are successful at the interview stage, you will be issued with a formal job offer, including details of the organization’s onboarding process.
Business students can pursue various job opportunities at EY, including graduate programs and EY entry level jobs. Vacancies for business students are available in many different sections of the organization, from EY consulting graduate opportunities and business development internships to finance, HR and marketing roles.
The application process to join EY is competitive – the company receives thousands of applications every year, but just a small percentage of applicants are invited to attend an interview. To stand the best chance of being successful, you must be fully prepared for all aspects of the Ernst and Young employment process.
The average salary at EY (Ernst & Young) in the United States can vary significantly depending on job roles, experience levels and locations.
On average, salaries at EY range from approximately $55,000 to $140,000 or more per year.
For entry-level positions, such as Audit Associates or Tax Associates, salaries may typically fall in the lower range of the average. As employees gain more experience and move up the career ladder, their salaries tend to increase.
Senior-level roles, such as Managers and Senior Managers, can earn higher salaries, sometimes exceeding the upper range of the average.
Throughout the hiring process, EY seeks to employ candidates who are creative, collaborative, good problem solvers, emotionally intelligent and able to demonstrate cognitive flexibility.
EY does not require candidates to have work experience when applying for an apprenticeship or graduate position. For other roles, it may be necessary to demonstrate that you have prior experience.
As part of your EY interview preparation, you should revisit the job description to ensure you are familiar with the position requirements. You should also research the company mission, values and culture and answer practice interview questions.
Ernst & Young offers a variety of excellent job and career opportunities, from internships, apprenticeships and graduate programs to professional career roles. You can search for current job vacancies at EY on the company website's careers page.
You can search and apply for jobs at Ernst & Young on the company website. Visit the careers page and job search to browse current vacancies.
Ernst & Young offers its employees a comprehensive package of perks and benefits. These include career development opportunities, work lifestyle benefits, learning opportunities, health and insurance benefits, paid vacations/time off, wellness initiatives and recognition programs.
Yes, Ernst & Young offers internships and apprenticeship programs in many different areas of the business. You can learn more on the EY website.
The work environment at EY is high-pressured, which some people may find stressful. The company offers a variety of wellness initiatives and work lifestyle benefits to help combat stress in the workplace.
Final Thoughts
Ready to apply for a job role at EY? Whether you are just beginning your career or an experienced professional, EY offers a range of exciting job opportunities.
To get started, visit the EY careers and job search pages. Once you receive notification of your interview, follow our EY application process tips to stand the best chance of success. Good luck with your application!
