Students

Business Advisor Program

Businesspeople in meeting
  • Share

<< Back to Financial Services Office

Financial Services Office (FSO) — Business Advisor Program

You already know that no other Big Four firm in the US possesses a financial services practice that is as focused or integrated as our Financial Services Office (FSO). If you find the prospect of working in the FSO an exciting and attractive option, then it is time to ask yourself the next big question: Where do I fit in? If you have a passion for working in the financial services sector and a desire to be in a consulting environment, then the FSO Advisor Program could be the place for you.

The FSO Advisor Program is not only a starting point for a career in financial services, but it is also an unparalleled development environment. By combining hands-on multidisciplinary working assignments, structured learning and mentoring, the Advisor Program prepares you for a thriving career in one of our various Advisory service lines within the FSO.

The Advisor Program consists of two different tracks: the Business Advisor Program and the Technology Advisor Program. While the programs focus on different skill areas, both of the three-year programs are designed to build your knowledge by providing you exposure to multiple industries, clients and teams. In addition, Advisor Program positions offer broad, cross-functional experiences along with continued upward progression opportunities.

Our Advisor Program opportunities provide a platform from which to launch your career — but which is the best program for you?

Read on to find out more.

On what projects or engagements would I work?

Your first day of work in the Business Advisor Program might find you:

  • Getting involved with the measurement and management of market, credit and operational risk; asset and liability exposures; economic capital; accounting, advisory and implementation services; and supervisory/regulatory risk and compliance
  • Assessing the risks associated with various client derivatives and other transactions
  • Improving the effectiveness and design of clients’ operations, finance and accounting functions
  • Evaluating and enhancing clients’ internal audit functions, as well as the overall control environment, by providing strategic, industry-focused outsourcing and operational offerings
  • Assisting in project management processes, controls and procedures to enable project delivery
  • Supporting clients with raising capital and managing risk relating to structured finance transactions, including: commercial mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations and residential mortgage-backed securities

What opportunities would the Business Advisor Program present?

The entire process is designed so that at the end, you will emerge with a firm command of the range of critical business functions and requirements that financial services clients face. We will then work with you to determine the appropriate practice for you to join based on business needs, your skills, personal preferences and long-term career goals. Through it all, you will be doing what you love while at the same time becoming an invaluable resource to the global industry.

What requirements do I need to start?

The range of qualifications you will need to succeed include:

Education: A bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance with an Accounting concentration

Core skills: Exceptional oral and written communication skills, demonstrated project management and leadership skills, a willingness to travel to client locations along with a strong work ethic, high energy and an achievement-oriented approach

Typical designations: Ernst & Young LLP will work with Business Advisor Program candidates to help you gain the practical experience required to become certified in any number of designations: Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Financial Analyst, Certified Internal Auditor, Financial Risk Manager and Professional Risk Manager.