Senior Associate Review

My job title is Senior Associate. On a daily basis I write emails to clients, have meetings with various levels of staff in the office and work on various corporate tax returns. I am responsible for ensuring I stay busy, get involved in as much as I can and to stretch myself so that I can put a case forward for promotion.

I have developed presentational skills by going to recruitment events. I have attended college to develop skills and gain a professional qualification (ACA and CTA). I have gone to various technical and soft-skill internal training courses where I develop knowledge that helps me in my day-to-day job.

I love the people that I work with because I work with intelligent people. I like that I only have to sit 2 exams at a time over a period of 4-5 years, rather than sitting them intensely over a shorter period of time as that would be more stressful. The work I do is varied - although I applied to Corporate Tax generally, I have specialised in R&D, transfer pricing and tax depreciation.

I feel valued by the salary paid. The way that feedback has been incorporated into the promotion process is good as it forces you to evaluate performance which enables Managers to share their thoughts on the value that you added to the work. However, there are occasions when you work really hard and don't feel appreciated - I suspect this is with all firms though.

It has been slightly disappointing that the contract has been changed since joining to sit extra exams, and there is a potential of making the training contract shorter too. Having said that, the support that I get from my Manager/Mentor is very good. I think the training needs to be tailored more to School Leavers as it seems to be based more around Graduates.

The support depends upon the tutor - some are better than others. The majority are very helpful and are willing to give up breaks/lunchtimes/after college time to help you when you are stuck. Often those that I work with also offer their time to help.

There is lots of support - we have a 'buddy', 'mentor', 'grid manager' and 'exam manager'. They each have slightly different roles so they can specialise in one area of support. It also gives me the choice of who to go to for help and support, should I prefer the guidance of a particular person.

Very well. I am living at home with my parents but am still able to contribute to living expenses, food, train travel costs and still be able to save money for a house deposit and holidays in the year.

There is so much on offer - there are Christmas Parties, Summer Balls (free +1 guest), grid events, monthly drinks, Charity trips to various countries etc. The only way to improve is with offering more sports clubs.

Yes

It is an enjoyable, well paid job, working with intelligent people. It's a great alternative to University. Even if you decide to leave without completing your qualification, it is a well-respected Company to have on your CV.

My advice would be to speak to anyone you know who works at Deloitte to understand the application process more. Be relaxed in the interviews - be yourself. Don't lie on your CV! Try to show how much of a rounded person you are by listing all the "extra-curricular" activities such as music, sport, prefect, head boy/girl, babysitting, photography, holidays etc.