Associate Review

Associate in Audit - daily tasks include testing different balances that are reported in a company's financial statements - some can be straightforward and others much more complex. I interact with many different people on a daily basis, whether that's colleagues from your home office or client contacts. You are normally allocated a section of testing which you are responsible for which is great as it provides that sense of ownership, project locations can vary I've worked all over the country from Shetland to London

Learned more people skills, time management, as well as other skills gained on professional qualifications. There is a significant amount of time invested in online learning and training, as you progress in your career rather than training reducing it goes the other way ensuring it is adequate throughout the entire time.

The programme has many upsides and downsides. The work can sometimes be a little monotonous at first however it improves the more senior you become. The best thing about the programme is the people and the connections you make throughout the time you spend working together. There is definitely a culture of equality at the firm which is great to see.

I feel valued by Deloitte in respect of my skills as an individual. This is harder to achieve in your first year as there is so much to learn initially and as a result it is difficult to really shine. The best advice for this is to really stick at the tasks that you have been allocated and see them through to the end even if it involves that little bit of extra work. There are lots of ways to benefit from this, such as a "limelight" which is when someone who thinks you are a cut above the rest nominates you for an award.

The programme is very structured and organised, with there being a clear outline on what exams you are to sit and when. There is also a clear structure of progression on how your role will change year on year and what your new responsibilities will consist of when there are new recruits in the year below you. There is lots of support available and enough study time to get through your exams.

ICAS provide plenty of support with our ICAS correspondent being super helpful in providing us with updates on our learning. Tutors are always available via our online learning portal or by email - there's a lot of travelling involved from the tutors and the fact that they are willing to go the extra mile has not gone unnoticed. Tutors will always be proactive about problems you face, whether that's how to step up with the revision from school or exam practice questions

Deloitte have been supportive throughout my time at the firm - you are allocated a "buddy" from day one of joining which is really helpful for the pre new job nerves that many of us will no doubt get. Usually people are accessible via Skype over a quick IM or a call. You are also allocated a "coach" who is able to provide support and offer advice on areas of development - both professional development and also points that you can take outside of work. This is separate from your performance evaluation manager and it is a great way to support employees as you can go in confidence to your coach asking for advice without fear of it impacting your year end performance review

The salary in your first year is enough to meet your costs if you are sharing a flat but does not offer much else. This will improve over time and there is opportunity to earn bonuses as you progress within the firm and become more senior. A benefit of the job is that if you are away all your costs are covered - travel/flight, hotel, and all food (within allowance). This usually helps as the rates are generous for jobs that you need to travel for.

There's lots to do both inside and outside of work. There are always constant emails flying around asking about drinks, football, and other social activities. We've had barbeques, cocktail making classes, board game nights, and pizza and drinks nights in our office as par

Yes

Deloitte is a great place to meet people, travel, and expand your network. The best reason to work at Deloitte is for the people you will meet and come across, and the friends that you will make over your journey at the firm. I've met so many people with backgrounds in subjects that is astonishing, with close friends now across the UK who I've travelled to see in my own time. It's a great place to learn due to the amount of support that is available and is a highly reputable firm.

As Cliché as it is, the only advice I can offer is to be yourself. Employers value transparency and Deloitte are very much about the people rather than experiences. Don't be afraid to speak up at assessment days and interviews and voice your opinion. If I could offer one piece of advice to those thinking of accepting a position at the firm, it would to be prepared to step up - it's not an easy ride but is definitely worth it!