One of the ‘big four’ makes big move

AUDIT and business consultancy firm Ernst & Young, also known as EY, has announced plans to set up a new operation in Ballarat.

Located at the Federation University Ballarat Tech Park in Mount Helen, and to be known as the EY Nearshore Delivery Centre, the venture is expected to create 200 jobs.

The move is backed by the State Government and Treasurer and Minister for Economic Development, Tim Pallas, said the enterprise reflected opportunities in the district.

“Investments like this show that regional Victoria is a great place to do business and a terrific source of talent,” he said.

Along with KPMG, PWC, and Deloitte, Ernst & Young is part of what’s known as the ‘big four’ audit and accountancy firms.

All have expanded their business offerings beyond accounting services over the last 30 years, with consulting and service provision becoming a key income source.

EY’s new business centre will act as a “satellite hub” and is being set up to run business and tech support including online security and verification services.

In moving to FedUni’s technology park, EY partner and project lead Daniel Wong said Ballarat offered a range of prospects for his company and they were keen to reciprocate.

“We recognised this as an opportunity to invest in regional Australia, and the Ballarat Technology Park provides us with a great location, proximity to Federation University and access to a robust talent pool,” he said.

“We’re committed to providing traineeships and reskilling opportunities for anyone who wants to apply.

“Our focus is on creating accessible, flexible and inclusive opportunities for people who may be starting their first job, retraining, returning to work, or looking for new challenges.”

Federation University vice-chancellor and president Professor Duncan Bentley welcomed Mount Helen’s newest tenant.

“We will work closely with EY to help them to continue to build their vision for Ballarat and will ensure that they have a pipeline of high-quality graduates capable of meeting their workforce needs in future years,’ he said.

“This exciting partnership with EY and the Victorian Government will see us working together to deliver up to 200 jobs, significantly boosting economic activity in the Ballarat region.”