Frequently asked questions - Ernst & Young - Switzerland

Applying to Ernst & Young

Q:

Given the downturn in the market are you still hiring? If so, what areas are you hiring into?

A:

Business and economies are changing — and so are we. Our business is adapting but still growing. We're looking for people and leaders with new skills and diverse experiences. You could help us build the practice of tomorrow and help our clients address the complexities of a rapidly evolving business environment.

Q:

Where can I learn about open opportunities with Ernst & Young?

A:

Visit Job Offerings for opportunities in Advisory, Assurance, Tax, Transactions, Legal and Core Business Services. We list jobs by service line. You'll also find more detailed information about specific requirements within each job description.

Q:

How do I start the application process?

A:

Go to Job Offerings and browse the list of job opportunities available. Once you've identified a suitable position(s), apply online and submit your CV/resume. We'll send you a confirmation email. If your application meets our requirements, we'll invite you for an interview. Visit Applying to Ernst & Young or Interview tips for more information on the process.

Q:

How do I submit my CV/resume online?

A:

Visit "Apply Online". It will take you only a few minutes to fill out the form and load your CV/resume.

Q:

If I submit my CV/resume for a specific position, how long will it be before I find out if I'm being considered?

A:

We make sure that applicants are kept up to date on the status of their application. For helpful tips on how to prepare for an interview, click here.

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Working at Ernst & Young

Q:

How is Ernst & Young structured?

A:

Ernst & Young is a global organization made up of member firms in 140 countries. Each member firm is owned by its partners and they have operational control of their business. However, in order to maintain the same high standards of service quality and delivery in each of our locations, we have a global governance structure. This consists of five geographic Areas, each with an Area Executive that works in close partnership with our Global Executive, headed up by our CEO, Jim Turley. To support our efforts as a global organization, we also have a global entity, Ernst & Young Global, which works strategically with each of our Areas to support consistency and excellence in all of our activities around the world.

Q:

Where does Ernst & Young have offices around the world? And what locations do you have in Switzerland?

A:

Ernst & Young has 135,000 people working across the world in 140 countries. Take a look at our location map. Ernst & Young in Switzerland has 10 branches: Aarau, Basel, Berne, Geneva, Lausanne, Lugano, Lucerne, St. Gallen, Zug and Zurich.
The choice of location is considered and discussed on an individual basis. Contracts always state the head office, but we reserve the right to post employees anywhere in Switzerland. While it is true that employees are primarily hired for one particular location, they can change location or transfer temporarily to other language regions after consultation with their line manager.

Q:

What do Ernst & Young professionals in the different service lines really do?

A:

Use the links below to gain in-depth information about each of our main service lines, their various sub-service lines and areas of focus.
Advisory Services helps organizations manage their risks and achieve sustained improvements in their performance.
Assurance Services gives stakeholders peace of mind about the validity of financial statements or other vital business information.
Tax & Legal Services helps clients comply with and navigate through the complexities of international tax strategies and regimes.
Transaction Advisory Services helps clients buy, sell and merge with other organizations.
Core Business Services manages and operates our internal functions to support all aspects of our business.

Q:

What is the organization's policy on flexible working?

A:

We're committed to helping our people succeed professionally and personally. We have a pragmatic approach to supporting individuals in meeting commitments in and out of the office. Through discussion and negotiation, we work together to agree on a framework that meets the needs of our business, our teams, our clients and those of our people. It's an approach that allows you to manage family commitments, or pursue personal passions outside of work. We're proud that some of our people have participated in the Olympics, written novels and recorded albums alongside pursuing a career at Ernst & Young. During your interview with us, our HR Managers will be happy to explain in details what flexible work arrangements we have in Switzerland.

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Developing your career

Q:

How will I continue to grow as a professional?

A:

You want to realize your ambitions and advance your career and we want to help you get there. We have a learning and development framework that will help you identify and make the most of the learning, experiences and coaching you need. Your development is a mutual commitment between us and you. We provide an infrastructure that supports your growth and you take responsibility for articulating your needs and making the most of opportunities. Together, we'll help you reach your aspirations.

Q:

What kind of training can I expect from Ernst & Young?

A:

Training is a core part of our learning and development framework. We'll help you address your specific needs through award-winning formal learning, both classroom-based and virtual. No matter where you are, you'll have access to global tools and resources to build the technical competencies and business and relationship skills you need for success. And you'll also benefit from informal training through on-the-job coaching and mentoring.

Q:

What influence will I have over my career progression?

A:

You own your career at Ernst & Young but developing it is a mutual commitment. You're responsible for articulating your development needs and aspirations. We provide a supportive learning, teaming, high-performance environment that will help you become a leader in your chosen service line. We offer plenty of career options and, wherever possible, we allow flexibility, so you can balance the demands of work and personal life. In return, you take responsibility for your professional and personal growth and for performing at your best every day.

Q:

Do I have to travel to develop my career?

A:

The amount you travel depends on the service line you join, your area of focus and the clients you serve. While travel is not a requirement for career development, we strongly encourage diversity of experience. You can discuss likely travel requirements in more detail during your interview.

Q:

What if I join and then want to explore international opportunities?

A:

At Ernst & Young we have a culture that truly fosters mobility so if you have a proven track record, and the right skills and qualifications, we encourage you to work with your manager to explore the global opportunities that are available through various short- and long-term secondments.

Q:

How can I find out where I might use my previous skills and experience?

A:

You'll find specific information about our service lines, sectors and areas of focus within our career pages, as well as on the main ey.com pages. Once you've identified where you're most likely to fit within our business, go to Job Offerings to look for available opportunities. The job descriptions for these opportunities contain a wealth of information including qualifications and experience required.

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Life at Ernst & Young

Q:

What hours will I work a week?

A:

There's no typical week at Ernst & Young. Your hours will vary according to the work or engagement in which you're involved. Occasionally, there may be some weekend work, particularly during busy periods. We encourage teams at all levels to work flexibly and discuss and negotiate how to meet the demands of each engagement. By communicating regularly with your team and supervisor, you'll be able to understand their expectations and plan your time effectively. In Switzerland, our contracts are set to 42 hours a week.

Q:

What is Ernst & Young's approach to diversity and inclusiveness?

A:

We're committed to creating an environment where all people feel valued, are part of the community and are able to perform at their best. Diversity and inclusiveness are about everyone. It's about welcoming and harnessing diverse viewpoints, and about how this leads to making better decisions for us and for our clients. It's also about operating in a way that helps people to achieve their potential and make a difference, wherever they come from and whatever their characteristics. We believe in developing our people's cultural awareness and skills, including helping them to be aware of their own assumptions, frames of reference and behaviors. To us, diversity and inclusiveness make business sense: it helps us to engage with clients and teams in a global economy. And in a world of shifting demographics, it allows us to navigate efficiently across boundaries.

Q:

What is the social life like in the office?

A:

Here, you’ll find individuals representing a variety of backgrounds, opinions and perspectives but united by a shared set of values. This means that there are plenty of groups and networks built around shared issues and interests. These range from hobbies, sports and creative or intellectual pursuits through to support and volunteer opportunities. Regardless of your background or areas of focus, you’ll find colleagues likely to share your interests with whom you can enjoy socializing.

Q:

The environment is very important, what is Ernst & Young's approach towards sustainability?

A:

We recognize that we have a corporate responsibility to the environment and believe in making it possible for our people to contribute on an individual basis. As an organization we've implemented various strategies. For example, developing carbon neutral buildings; reducing the need for overseas travel through the use of video and teleconferencing; and sourcing green energy suppliers wherever possible. As an individual, you can participate in one of the eco-teams in our offices that promote responsible practices or you can contribute your time to a charity or organization that benefits the environment.

Q:

How can I get involved with my local community?

A:

We support volunteering and strongly encourage you to support your community in any way you can.

Q:

Can you have a family while working at Ernst & Young?

A:

We value the contribution that working parents make to our organization and are committed to supporting them professionally and personally. We recognize there is more to life than work. Women in particular sometimes feel more pressure around family and work issues. Our encouragement of working mothers in the workplace has been recognized in many countries as leading class. In Switzerland we are members of the Childcare organization. They offer support in finding a kindergarten space and nannies. We also have reserved slots at some kindergartens.

Q:

Do you provide information about or for your alumni?

A:

At Ernst & Young, we are committed to building life-long relationships with our people. We run a successful alumni program to bring previous and existing Ernst & Young people together.

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