By Maria Charalambous, Economics Teacher
On the 3rd of July 2025, the Association of Economics Teachers of Cyprus, accompanied by a group of enthusiastic students from the Summer Workshop on Economics and Entrepreneurship, had the distinct pleasure of visiting the offices of Ernst & Young (EY) in Limassol.
This initiative formed part of the ongoing commitment of the Association and of EY Cyprus to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world professional experience, and to offer young learners meaningful exposure to the contemporary business landscape.
The visit, organized by the Economics Teachers Mrs. Maria Charalambous and Mrs. Maria Vrioni in collaboration with EY, proved to be both enlightening and inspiring. With open minds and eager questions, the students stepped into one of the world’s most prestigious professional services firms, ready to learn more about the accounting profession and the diverse services that EY offers. What they encountered, was a dynamic environment where numbers tell stories, teamwork drives innovation, and ethics meet ambition.
A warm welcome and an engaging introduction
Upon their arrival at the EY Limassol office, a respectful appreciation was expressed by the teachers to Mr. Philippos Raptopoulos, Partner and Head of the Tax and Legal Services at EY Cyprus, in recognition of his leadership and support for educational initiatives. His commitment to bridging the gap between the academic and professional worlds is deeply valued by both the Association and the participating students.
The students and the teachers were warmly welcomed by all staff members of the EY Cyprus team, especially by Mrs. Myria Sarapilla, Tax Partner and Mrs. Niki Christofi, Tax Manager, who had thoughtfully prepared a comprehensive presentation tailored to the students’ interests and background. The atmosphere was both inviting and professional, striking a perfect balance between formality and accessibility.
The enthusiasm of EY individuals for sharing their knowledge and their genuine interest in the students’ future careers was evident from the start.
The EY hosts began with an overview of Ernst & Young’s global footprint, highlighting its presence in more than 150 countries and its longstanding reputation as one of the “Big Four” accounting firms. The EY team introduced the core values and mission of EY, placing a strong emphasis on integrity, inclusiveness, and “building a better working world”, principles that resonate strongly with the values that the teachers aim to instill in their students. The importance of ethics and accuracy was emphasized repeatedly, moreover, all participants agreed that quality is as crucial in education as it is in business.
Discovering the profession of Accounting
The heart of the visit centered on the profession of accounting, a field often misunderstood or oversimplified in the public eye. Students had the opportunity to hear directly from experienced professionals about the realities and responsibilities of being an accountant in today’s economy. Through engaging presentations and real-life case examples, Mrs. Myria Saparilla and Mrs. Niki Christofi demystified the role, illustrating how accountants do much more than just “numerical calculations.
The students learned that accounting is a multifaceted profession that combines analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Whether working on audit, tax services, preparing financial reports, offering advisory services, or ensuring compliance with international standards, accountants serve as trusted advisors who help entities and individuals to navigate complex financial landscapes by providing expert advice and tailored solutions.
The EY professionals explained the path to becoming a qualified accountant, including the academic requirements, professional certifications such as ACCA and ACA, and the career development opportunities available within the firm. It was particularly encouraging for the students to hear examples of professionals who started their journeys with similar educational experiences and aspirations.
Exploring the breadth of EY’s services beyond accounting
Beyond accounting, the EY professionals offered a detailed overview of the broad range of services the firm provides to clients in Cyprus and internationally. These encompass, among others, audit and assurance services, financial reporting, payroll services, tax compliance and advisory, M&A advisory, corporate finance, business and strategy consulting, people and workforce including immigration and performance improvement, risk management, sustainability and ESG, legal services, and technology transformation. It became clear that EY is a multidisciplinary powerhouse equipped to support businesses across all sectors.
One of the highlights of the workshop was the introduction to EY’s internally owned technology driven services. Students were introduced to how the firm is using data analytics, artificial intelligence, and other digital tools to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of audits, advisory work and other services.
In particular, the topic of sustainability consulting resonated with many students. The EY professionals discussed how modern businesses are increasingly focused on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, and how firms like EY help clients embed sustainability into their strategies. This showed students how accounting and business consulting are evolving to meet the needs of a changing world, where social responsibility and environmental stewardship are as important as profit margins.
Tax services
The EY team outlined the range of services that are provided from a tax perspective, covering both direct and indirect taxation. These services include tax compliance and advisory, transaction tax, as well as tax planning that are offered to both individuals and companies.
It was emphasized that taxation is essential for every country to build strong and prosperous societies on the basis that taxes collected by the governments are used for public services, free education and ultimately contribute to the well-being of citizens.
Student engagement and meaningful dialogue
Perhaps the most rewarding part of the visit was the lively Q&A session that followed the presentations. Students, many of whom are considering careers in business, assurance, tax and economics, posed thoughtful questions about the work-life balance of accountants, the impact of global economic changes on the auditing industry and the future of the profession in digital transformation.
The EY professionals responded with honesty, insight, and encouragement. They shared personal stories of challenges and triumphs, and offered practical advice about setting career goals, choosing university programs, and building a professional network. Their openness created a space for authentic dialogue, and it was evident that the students left the session with not just new knowledge, but also with a sense of inspiration and direction.
The students were informed that EY Cyprus promotes flexibility for the wellbeing of staff which is of utmost significance. EY Cyprus has been certified as “Best Practice Employer” by the National Certification Body for the implementation of Good Practices on Gender Equality in the working environment operated by the Department of Labour Relations of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance.
A Learning experience with long-lasting Impact
As the visit came to a close, it was clear that this was not just another educational outing. It was an experience that “planted seeds” for future aspirations and opened windows to possibilities that many students had not previously considered. The interaction with professionals, the exposure to a corporate setting, and the insights into the world of tax, accounting and consulting made a lasting impression.
Such experiences are essential in preparing students for the future. They help bridge the gap between classroom theory and the practical demands of the workforce and they encourage students to think critically about their personal and professional development. This visit may well be a turning point, a moment that ignites a passion for audit, tax, economics, accounting, entrepreneurship and other services.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
The Association of Economics Teachers of Cyprus expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the EY Limassol team for their hospitality, generosity, and educational spirit. Their willingness to invest time in the next generation reflects a deep commitment to the community and the corporate social responsibility.
The Summer Workshop on Economics and Entrepreneurship has been established for the first time in Cyprus by the Association and appreciates students’ active participation, curiosity, and respectful engagement throughout the visit. Students’ enthusiasm is a testament to the value of hands-on, experiential learning.
Looking ahead, the association will remain committed to offering students every opportunity to grow, explore and succeed and continue building partnerships between education and industry, and especially collaborating with EY. Initiatives like this one are essential in cultivating the leaders of tomorrow, individuals who are not only academically prepared but also socially conscious, globally aware, and professionally resilient.
The EY team expressed their sincere gratitude to the exceptional teachers, whose dedication and hard work made this educational visit possible. Their steady commitment to student development and their collaborative approach with EY Cyprus exemplify true educational leadership. Through their encouragement, they created an environment where students felt motivated to engage deeply and ask insightful questions. Their role in facilitating this connection between classroom theory and practical professional experience is invaluable. The success of this visit owes much to their passion for mentoring and coaching the next generation of accountants, tax consultants and business leaders. EY sincerely appreciates their efforts to inspire and empower students beyond the traditional classroom setting.
Conclusion
In a rapidly evolving global economy, equipping students with real world insights is more important than ever. The visit to EY Limassol served as a powerful reminder of how industry and education can come together to inspire, inform, and empower the next generation. It reinforced the idea that learning extends far beyond textbooks and that meaningful experiences can shape both minds and futures.