Leave Policies for Articleship at EY: An Overview

At Ernst Young (EY), articleship refers to the practical training period for Chartered Accountancy (CA) students aspiring to become Chartered Accountants (CA). The leave policies during this period are subject to specific guidelines set by the CA Institute of the respective country. Below is a detailed overview of how leave in EY is typically managed during articleship.

1. Leave Entitlement

The entitlement to leave during articleship can vary, but generally, articles are entitled to a certain number of casual leave days per year, often around 12-15 days. This is complemented by provisions for sick leave, which requires medical documentation, and earned leave, which may be based on the duration of articleship.

2. Approval Process

Leaves, including casual and sick leave, must be requested in advance and approved by the supervisor or manager. In cases of emergency or sudden illness, articles are advised to inform their supervisors as soon as possible. This ensures that leave requests are managed smoothly, adhering to the company's policies.

3. Leave for Exams

Articles are typically allowed to take leave for examination purposes, including study leave before the exams. For instance, at the CA Final level, EY allows the use of 100 continuous days for study leave, which includes weekends. Additionally, EY provides 25 days of compensatory leave, which is earned by working 10 hours more than the required 35 hours in a week.

4. Policy Variations

Leave policies may differ between offices and regions. It is crucial for articles to consult their office’s HR or their supervisor for specific guidelines to ensure compliance. Understanding these policies is essential to avoid any disruptions in the articleship process.

5. Documentation Requirements

Articles may need to submit leave applications or maintain documentation for sick leave. Proper documentation helps to validate requests and ensures that the leave process is followed diligently.

6. Impact on Articleship Duration

Extended leave may affect the total duration of the articleship. Firms often require a minimum number of days to be completed. If the number of leaves availed, including CA final study leave, exceeds the official leave entitlement and compensatory leave balance, additional extension periods may be required after the intended completion date.

7. Specific Example: CA Final Leaves at EY

For CA Final leaves, the process involves utilizing official leave entitlements and compensatory leave balances. In my case, during the attempt in May 2016, I started my leave officially on 10th December 2015, but was allowed to go on leave from 1st December 2015. EY's policy entitles articles to use 100 days of continuous leave plus 25 working days of compensatory leave. These rules ensure that articles can manage their workload effectively during this crucial period.

By following these policies, CA students can maximize their study leave without compromising their articleship duration. It is important to keep in mind that not utilizing the full entitlements can result in the need for additional extensions, affecting the total duration of the articleship.

For the most accurate and specific information, it is best to refer to the internal HR policies of EY or consult with a supervisor or mentor within the firm.