Audit Associate Review

I work as an associate in the audit department. My daily tasks/interactions are 90% based out at the client site, where I perform testing's and inquiries to contribute to their external audit. I overlook first year juniors (school leavers and graduates) and am given a lot of responsibility in my every day job.

Throughout my time at Deloitte I've picked up a lot of skills. I am training for my ACA qualification to make myself a chartered accountant, but also learn and develop on the job itself, learning to deal with difficult situations, personable skills, business skills, as well as skills required for myself to become a very good auditor.

The work is often complex and challenging, and pushes myself mentally as a consequence. Some may not enjoy this but I believe I thrive from it. The teams are always friendly and great to work with. The company culture is one of working hard for sometimes long hours. I am so far enjoying the experience, perhaps not the hours but pushing myself to develop.

There are recognition schemes at Deloitte that reward particularly hard working individuals that have gone above what was required of them. However as the culture is usually one of working hard regardless, recognition is often more difficult to be seen. On individual jobs, you are important and integral, and so you do feel personally valued.

The programme is very structured. Initial introductions and trainings spanned over a month before you start work on audit clients. Exams are structured by block release from audit clients to attend college and study for exams. A mentor system is in place for which I had a 'buddy' before I joined to ask any questions. These are the first people you ever meet and it's very important to get that initial interaction.

Our training provider for ACA is Kaplan, and they provide very good resources and training to enable us to progress through the professional qualification. They are always very friendly and supportive.

There are lots of support contacts if needed but I have never had to use one as yet. On the job, the culture is that questions are always welcome to be asked, no matter how dumb you may think these to be. This is vital.

As I currently live at home, the salary/package is definitely enough to meet my costs. Travel costs are paid for by Deloitte. Some of my colleagues live in an apartment and seem to cope well.

There are several events throughout the year available to a Deloitte employee. Social clubs like football exist, with a global tournament held in Prague every year. I've had the chance to raise money for 3 charity partners at Deloitte, Prostate Cancer UK, Mind and Alzheimer's Society, by running two half marathons and will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro soon.

Yes

Deloitte is an opportunity not to be missed for prospective school leavers with the long term goal of becoming a chartered accountant. The pay is competitive, the benefits are really good and the chance to work in one of the biggest accountancy firms in the world gives a wealth of opportunities.

The application process is unorthodox from an outside perspective but I can see why they give the tests they do now. Interviews are more friendly in nature than you might think. If you approach the interview with a professional but friendly attitude, then that will get you far because that is what being a Deloitte is all about, and that is the type of person they look for.