Analyst Review

My work typically involves the ‘groundwork’ behind any client deliverable, such as undertaking the initial technical analysis, gathering data, performing research, drafting documents and managing our internal take-on and risk processes. However, as I increase my technical and professional skills, I am expected to develop into the role of a Consultant, in which I will have more ownership of client deliverables and relationships.

I have learnt many new skills. Through my exam studies, external training and on-the-job learning I have learned technical skills around employment taxes, executive compensation and share plans. I have not only had to understand technical information, but have had to analyse this and take a few on what the client needs. This has then stretched my communication skills where I have had to explain this position to senior team internally, but also then to the client, which assumes a differently level of understanding. I have also enhanced my organisation skills as I have to manage my time across numerous projects throughout any day at work.

I have mostly enjoyed my time at Deloitte. I have received opportunities to do a wide variety of work with many different colleagues and clients nationally. The training opportunities are excellent. Sometimes there is a lot of work to do which requires us to stay late, but this is occasional and my local team has an excellent culture against presenteeism, which encourages us to communicate with each other and share the workload between us, so that no one person is overworked.

Internally the process is well organised. The pathway for our development and progression is very clear and there are numerous people making sure that we are developing as we should be. However this is the first year that the graduate programme has been formally an apprenticeship. The management of this with the training provider (First Intuition) has been poor.

Plenty of support. I meet with my Delotte coach every six weeks or so and he makes sure I am on track. Most managers and above are happy to give detailed feedback on request and some team members are exceptional in this area. Our exams process is also managed by a local manager who makes sure that we have all we need.

Our exams provider (Tolley) provides all of the study materials required for our exams and the tutors are excellent. They are always willing to answer our queries in their own time in addition to the courses we attend. First Intuition collects our exam results for the purposes of the apprenticeship although I have had to correct these results on occasion as they were not recorded properly.

I don't know if this is addressing the Level 4 apprenticeship or our professional ATT exams as required by the firm. The apprenticeship adds minimal value to our role. The firm already has a strong training and development programme for graduates which, combined with our professional exams, gives us all the technical and soft skills required for our career. The apprenticeship has largely been a burdensome process of replicating evidence of knowledge that we have already demonstrated. The ATT exams are very helpful in aiding our technical tax understanding and are also mandatory for our continued employment.

Yes, there are many of these. Our local office has various sports teams as well as regular participation in annual sporting events such as half marathons. My local team has socials every couple of months, particularly around Christmas. There are many networking events hosted both by Deloitte and by other networking groups that Deloitte associates with.

Yes

The firm is a brilliant place to develop technical and soft skills with opportunities to work on a wide variety of work all over the world. However, I would caution prospective applicants to carefully assess the culture of the team they wish to join. While the working hours culture in my team is very positive, I have peers in other areas who have had a very negative experience and therefore wish to leave after obtaining their professional qualification. This seems to vary wildly across and within service lines and office locations.

Connect personally to people working in the teams that you are considering joining so that you can hear a first hand experience of the job and culture. It's important that you know the role is right for you before joining. Also, research what qualities and competencies the firm is looking for throughout the recruitment process, and make sure your application evidences all of these- don't give them a reason to reject you before they've met you!