Assistant Associate Review

My role as an assistant associate in the audit department requires a lot of hands on work with a variety of clients. On a daily basis, I will perform various testing's to make sure the client has not made any material errors within their accounts. Internally, I am in regular communication with seniors on the job I am working on, as well as maintaining contact with other colleagues. Externally, I can expect to visit the finance departments of the clients I am working for, as request work from them in order to perform various testing's (e.g. post year-end bank statements for unrecorded liabilities testing). I am often responsible for various parts of the file we work on, usually geared towards the balance sheet side of the accounts.

I am currently training towards the ACA qualification and as a result have already learnt and developed many skills. I have attended a variety of work-related courses aimed at developing my knowledge and awareness of various aspects of the job. But mostly, the skills I have learnt have been whilst on the client site. I've learnt what we test, how and why we test it. My soft skills have improved massively, as I regularly come into contact with brand new people. As a result, I am a much more personable person!

Whilst the work can be demanding, the rewards of the programme are very clear. The culture at Deloitte is one of helping your team, and they will help you. No question is a stupid question! You will feel right at home at Deloitte as your colleagues understand most of the situations you face and will often go out of their way to help you. It has met my expectations and so far, I am enjoying it.

I do feel valued working at Deloitte at this level so far. Work you do is always well received and helps lighten the load of busy seniors. If you go out of your way to help out (e.g. work a weekend) then you can be internally recognised with a Limelight award which rewards you with a £50 voucher for your efforts.

The firm is extremely organised throughout your first few months at Deloitte and beyond. You have an entire schedule leading up to Christmas which is specific to the scheme itself. Beyond, there is a schedule that you have which is regularly updated to show what clients you will be auditing in the coming weeks/months. There is support at all levels, with a 'buddy' in the year above assigned to you, as well as an appraiser who you can ask questions to also. Task delegation is a necessary and regular occurrence at Deloitte, and you will always know what needs doing and when it needs to be done for. Studying is done externally at a college and Deloitte support you in this studies by allowing time off in order to revise/catch up etc.

Kaplan provide us with a tutor for each module, who is willing to answer questions outside of hours and in class. The general attitude is positive and caring. Whilst I have only completed 2 modules so far, I have enjoyed the atmosphere for learning and look forward to going back for the next module!

Across the board, Deloitte fully supports you with any issues you may have or come across, on the job or off it. There are several points of contact you can use, which is always a massive help.

The salary is competitive and for my level is unlikely to be beaten by other firms. It meets my costs well, and I currently have enough money to save each month towards a property.

I regularly play football colleagues at work who are in a variety of positions (junior to senior). There are often subsidised events to attend, from an annual dinner to pub golf. There are a lot of voluntary initiatives that can be taken, particularly towards the 3 Deloitte-sponsored charities - Alzheimer's UK, Mind UK, and Prostate Cancer UK. There is a gym next to the office I work also.

Yes

It is a very, very good and unique firm to work at, which is all about the people who are employed by it. Furthermore it is a great platform for many who wish to work in industry etc. when they decide to move on in their career.

Be confident, and enjoy the challenges you come across in interviews etc.! Being personable is key.