Assistant Associate Review

I work in the audit department, mainly based in client offices, performing statutory audits for a range of clients in a variety of different business sectors. The role involves verifying information, testing accounting balances and a large amount of client contact in order to gain access to the information we need to decide whether the company's accounts give a true and fair view of the company's position.

From the very beginning of the scheme, we have begun studying the ACA qualification, enabling us to become chartered accountants. There is continuous CPD and training courses which are relevant to each point in our career and push us to develop our knowledge further. I cannot believe how much I have learnt in the 9 months since starting the scheme; the people that I work with every day are incredibly knowledgeable and I learn something new every day.

The people that I work with are probably one of the best bits about the scheme. Everyone is very friendly and always more than willing to help. This reflects the company culture; everyone works hard and helps one another by sharing skills and knowledge. There are frequent social events to attend and I have enjoyed making new friendships.

I feel truly valued by Deloitte, they offer great internal recognition schemes and the regular feedback system means that, as well as knowing what we can work on, we always have manager appreciation for the things we have done well. Senior management and above are approachable and are always openly appreciative of the work the team has done.

The scheme is incredibly well organised, as can be expected from a large company who invests a large amount of money in their apprenticeship scheme. We had an amazing induction in a hotel where we participated in team building events and were well informed about every aspect of the scheme as we started. We are well supported both formally from mentors and appraisers and more informally from peers. The studying is well organised; we are assigned study time in blocks before our exams, rather than the traditional day release to college that is associated with apprenticeship schemes. This works really well and allows focus on study.

There are nominated people within the firm that we can contact in order to ask questions or problems to the training provider. The questions are generally answered but due to the contact with the provider not being direct, it sometimes does take a little longer to get a response. However, the firm is aware of this. The training provider's tutors are very knowledgeable and their general attitude towards helping pupils is exemplary. There is a dedicated website with resources and practice exams which is very helpful when studying.

There is an infinite amount of support from all different tiers within the firm. We are assigned mentors and our piers in other year groups provide great support, based on their experiences. As mentioned above, managers and above are also openly approachable and willing to help where they can.

I currently live with my parents which reduces my costs of living considerably. The salary package allows me to save money in order to achieve the goal of moving out into my own property in the near future, as well as enjoy my social life now.

There are always social events organised to attend within each office. There are also more regional events, although I have not had experience of these as yet. There are numerous societies to join ranging from a choir to charity work to sports teams. Schools event to inform about the scheme are frequent and we are asked to attend where we can as the best information often comes from those who have experienced it themselves.

Yes

The most amazing opportunity to learn and become qualified, whilst being paid and meeting and working with a fantastic group of people who love what they do. I can't think of a better way to start my career in business.

The application process is fairly rigorous but be yourself and throw everything at it. If you are lucky enough to get an interview, be sure to make a list of all the things you have achieved and try to understand what you gained from them. It's when you can illustrate your skills and what you have learnt through these experiences that the interviewer can really see what you are like.