Associate Review

I am part of the audit team in the Deloitte Gatwick office, currently working as an associate. This involves being on client site for the majority of the time, liaising with clients on a daily basis to test their financial statements. Whilst much of this must be documented on laptops, the key part of the job is client interaction.

Client interaction is fundamental to being a statutory auditor. As well as this, a number of internal training courses are run to ensure that you remain up to date in key areas such as IT, ethics and other skill areas. Alongside the job you study for your ACA chartered accountancy qualification.

You are working with a new team every few weeks as you change the client you work on and so there is a strong sense of camaraderie within each team; while also allowing everyone to work with a large number of people. I enjoy the responsibility given to everyone when they join-we are treated no differently to the graduates. The ACA qualification is second to none and is very worthwhile if wishing to pursue a career in finance.

Feedback is given on every job to gauge your personal performance. This allows you to be praised/developed throughout the program.

There is a 2 week induction to get to grips with the job and basic things such as using your laptop. You will be in college for a number of weeks at a time, then sit an exam and go back to work.

The Kaplan tutors are always available to help with any issues with exams. As they have usually worked in the field, their knowledge is invaluable when studying.

Every person has an appraiser who oversees their development upon joining the firm. You will also receive a buddy-someone in the year above who can help you with any issues you may have. There is very much an open door policy at Deloitte.

For someone who has just left school the salary is excellent.

There are a large variety of clubs within Deloitte, alongside Christmas/summer socials.

Yes

It is a great company to start work at to give yourself a strong hold on what working in the city is like.

Be confident in interviews; while always remembering that it is the client's requests that matter the most.