Assistant Associate Review

I work in the Audit department in the Deloitte Manchester Office, as an Assistant Associate. Day to day I tend to work at my clients' offices - clientele wide ranging across industries and size. I work with a range of people at different levels within Deloitte and Clients. Work is varied relating to the Auditing of various companies Financial Statements.

As part of the scheme I am training towards my ACA qualification. The scheme has enabled me to develop various skills - including: communication, IT skills, time management. Various training courses and regular access to learn new things, allow me to develop in my role.

The people are the key highlight of the job - both colleagues and clients. Work is challenging and the variety of clients, and their locations is an important aspect of the job - helps with my professional development.

Deloitte have systems in place whereby you are fairly recognised for any contribution you make to a job/the firm if you go above and beyond your role - through £50 vouchers that can be redeemed, a "limelight". This is a great scheme. Your team very much value the work you do, The year end appraisal system is poor for School Leavers. The initial welcome events were fantastic and a great start to life at Deloitte.

You have to accept that this programme is still in its early stages of development and as such, there are teething problems. The scheme is under constant development with input from current School Leaver employees around the country - 'the BrightStart Committee'. There is a central team who are in charge of organising the scheme for all UK Offices which can cause problems and delays when dealing with exam/scheme queries/changes.

As part of our training we work towards our ACA qualification, which involves the sitting of 15 exams. For each exam we are provided with time in a specialist Financial College who support us through the study and revision period. We attend the College whereby experienced tutors teach us the necessary syllabus and revision technique, alongside providing us with a wealth of materials. In addition, these tutors are available to contact once time in college has been completed. The staff at the College are extremely friendly and easy to deal with, catering for any query.

Deloitte provide us with time in college in addition to Study Leave - which is clearly scheduled in to our timetable from an early date. In addition, because the majority of audit staff are ACA qualified, they are able to help with any questions we may have. All levels of staff want you to pass your exams - you have the opportunity to finish work at normal time during the period coming up to your exam, so you can concentrate on your studying outside of work. There is an exams manager in place in the office, with a supporting central team, who are very organised and on top of all things surrounding your exams and qualification as a whole. On top of being allocated a Deloitte Buddy, you are also allocated an appraiser who is at Manager level - extremely useful on a day to day basis, aiding with the basic queries to my overall development.

In comparison to other firms, the salary is competitive. Expenses tend to cover all of my travel costs to clients. For people on the scheme it all depends on personal circumstances and accommodation costs. Most people on the scheme live at home to start with.

Plenty of opportunities to participate in a variety of events. On top of sporting clubs (i.e. 5 and 11-a-side football teams), you can take part in Charity events such as the London Marathon or local events. There are opportunities to be involved with the Recruitment side of the firm too. There are regular Office and Departmental socials.

Yes

Deloitte is a global firm with a great reputation and plenty of opportunities post qualification. They are very supportive during qualification and to quickly progress through the ranks. The experiences and variety of clients are outstanding. The ACA qualification is vital to the Scheme as a new joiner in audit. Furthermore the people you interact with make the job enjoyable.

The application process has evolved year on year. I would recommend any applicant does plenty of research on the Deloitte website surrounding: the firm (UK and Global); the department you are looking to join; the application process hints and tips pages. Make sure you are well prepared before attempting any part of the process i.e. try the sample online tests before sitting the actual test. Key point - apply early as places fill up on a first come first served basis.