Career Advice Expert Advice

Great people, greater team

Ernst & Young

At the CPA Australia Career Expo 2013, Ernst & Young isn't simply after potential employees. It looks forward to face-to-face interaction with participants to explain its corporate culture and career opportunities, while providing insights, answering questions and disseminating other useful information.

"We are looking to hire candidates who are seeking a career, rather than just a job in accounting for the salary and status," says Agnes Chan FCPA (Aust.), regional managing partner, Hong Kong and Macau, Ernst & Young.

"Accounting is a tough field, so we want people who have the right attitude, and who are prepared and willing to work hard," she adds.

The firm is hiring 2,000 fresh graduates and professionals in Greater China this year, with about 400 in Hong Kong.

Chan believes that culture always trumps strategy and that a distinctive culture doesn't happen by accident.

"It starts with great people. We neither win new work with colourful glossy proposals nor create lasting relationships built on trust by filling out checklists. We do it with great people who know how to work as a team."

New hires will be introduced to "EYU", its learning and development framework that stands for "Ernst & Young and You". "EYU focuses on three pillars: learning, experience and coaching. It is designed to provide staff with skills, knowledge and confidence they need to power their careers," Chan says. "It is built on the proposition that whenever they join, however long they stay, their exceptional experience at Ernst & Young will last a lifetime.

"Recruits will become part of a worldwide team committed to thinking and acting globally, with a unique global structure that will provide them with extensive career opportunities while delivering consistent quality service," she adds.

Maintaining a good work-life balance is highly valued at Ernst & Young, so its offerings include networks for working parents, professional women and people from different generations. It also has a people-advisory forum, social recreation club and various corporate social responsibility programmes.