Ernst & Young is ranked for 7th consecutive year
E RNST & YOUNG is the first professional services firm and one of only seven organisations to be certified as a Top Employer across Africa. For the seventh year in a row it has been recognised as one of South Africa’s top 10 BEST Employers as certified by the CRF Institute, ranking in 3rd place for 2012/2013.
CEO for Africa, Ajen Sita says this success reflects the firm’s embodiment of its tagline, ‘Quality in everything we do’. He adds that the professional services firm has set itself apart from its competitors with an extensive footprint across Africa. It has offices in 33 countries, all supported by a fully integrated business model.
He points to an ambitious growth strategy, a pan-African vision, inclusive leadership philosophy and a leading people culture. These contribute to attracting and retaining the best talent allowing them to deliver seamless and innovative, value adding solutions to our clients across the continent.
“We are focused on unlocking value across Africa for our people, our clients and our communities. Our working environment is both exciting and challenging. We embrace diversity and inclusive leadership. This is imperative as we operate in a global environment of different languages, geographies and cultures. Our ability to team and bring together the best talent across the continent to meet our client needs is a key differentiator,” he elaborates.
On leading this integrated firm across Africa, Sita says, “To all the people in our business at every level who continue to demonstrate leadership, innovation and commitment, and take our firm The following illustrates the firm’s achievements in various best employer categories. 2006 Ernst & Young wins Corporate Research Foundation’s ‘Best Company to Work for 2006’ survey. 2007 Top 10 ranking in the Corporate Research Foundation’s ‘Best Company to Work for 2007’ survey 2008 Top 5 ranking in the Corporate Research Foundation’s ‘Best Company to Work for 2008’ survey. 2009 Firm wins ‘FASSET’ Skills Development award (the Labour Department’s SETA for finance, accounting, management consulting, and other financial services) for ‘Making Best Practice Count’. 2009 Top 3 ranking in the ‘Corporate Research Foundation’s Best Company to Work for 2009’ survey. from strength to strength by addressing the needs of our clients on a daily basis, I would like to say, thank you.”
Seshni Samuel, Africa People Leader at Ernst & Young says, “Our consistent performance in the BEST employer survey reflects our focus on creating an environment where all of our people are supported in achieving their full potential, to the benefit of themselves, our clients, our firm and our communities. Our employees are empowered with experiences, relationships, learning and development opportunities and coaching to build career value.This allows them to emerge as true business leaders to serve South Africa, Africa and the rest of the world. It is our intention to build life-long relationships with our people, irrespective of whether they choose to become leaders within our firm or in our broader environment.”
She further states, “Our employees are also encouraged to own their careers and are provided with the tools and opportunities to develop a career plan which addresses their aspirations and development needs.
“Mentoring, coaching and appropriate sponsorship is critical for building succession plans and supporting our commitment to diversity in leadership.
“Our performance process is supported by a career development framework called, EYU (Ernst & Young and You) which ensures that employees are exposed to appropriate learning, experiences and development to accelerate their career development.
“The Best Employer survey validates to our existing employees that our HR policies and procedures are well thought through and supportive of their overall wellbeing and development.
“It also confirms to potential employees that we are the employer of choice across Africa for experiences, opportunities and development that create career value.”
She concludes, “We are unwavering in our commitment to develop business leaders. In the event that our people leave we know that they will always remain a part of the Ernst & Young family through our Alumni program and remain Ambassadors for the firm.
“It is also heartening to see many of them return because they recognise that Ernst & Young is a great place to achieve one’s full potential and make a difference.”