Senior Associate Review

Currently I am a senior associate and this is a key role within the audit team. In this role I interact with key client contacts such as financial controllers and financial directors as well as updating the manager on the progress of the engagement and providing support to more junior members of the team. I will also preform testing on complicated balances having worked on simpler balances in my first two years.

This scheme has allowed me to study for my Chartered Accountant exams as well as providing training to develop skills such as team work and communication as well as technical skills of an auditor. I have also been able to participate in courses external to the firm to develop my understanding of an auditors role, for example courses run by NIAO.

I really enjoy the programme as the work is interesting, the company is well known and respected and I get to work on a number of different clients in different sectors. For each client you will work with a different team allowing you to build and develop business relationships. Every member brings something different to the team and are always friendly and willing to help out. I have been given more responsibility than I would have expected and have been treated as a graduate rather than a school leaver which has made the experience even more enjoyable and worthwhile.

There is no differentiation shown between graduates and school leavers which is appreciated. The managers will always provide you feedback on the jobs you have worked on and there are rewards given to recognise an achievement or fro completing a challenging task to a high standard. For most jobs you are involved from the beginning and will be updated of it's progress throughout.

The programme has an excellent induction for BrightStarts as well as a local office induction and a graduate induction. Training is provided throughout your team at the firm and ample time is given for study leave as well as revision classes provided if requested. There is an office training manager who is always happy to help and answer any questions you have and you can request to have a buddy or mentor when you join. You will be delegated tasks based on your skill level and tasks will become more challenging and you will be given more responsibility as you move up through the firm. Overall, the programme is well organised and extremely well supported.

The training manager is always available to answer questions and will provide support throughout your training contract. They will also provide revision classes if requested. They are also happy to answer any questions or help with any problems you have within the firm or your role.

The managers and mentors are very supportive and are willing to help solve any problems you may have or answer any questions. HR will answer any questions you may have but will not be as readily available as your mentor or manager.

For a school leaver the salary is very good. It is able to cover living and travel costs with plenty left over for socialising. Pay is based on location and varies across the firm.

There is an office social committee and an audit social committee which organise events throughout the year including an annual ball, Christmas dinners, quizzes and away days. Every year there is a community day where everyone goes out into the local community to help with various projects. There is also a local office charity partner which is supported throughout the year through different events. The firm also enters teams into sporting events such as football and tag rugby and is always looking to set up other clubs.

Yes

Deloitte is a great firm to work with and provides an excellent start into the working world without the student debt.

The application process is simple with an online application process followed by an online test and a manager and partner interview. There may also be an E-tray assessment to evaluate your decision making abilities, although this is not as difficult as it sounds! Don't waffle on your application but don't sell yourself short either! There is always plenty of support along the way and before you apply you can request a buddy to guide you through the process.