Assistant Associate Review

I am an Assistant Associate in Financial Services Audit. On a daily basis I spend most of my time at a client, testing basic balances such as cash. I spend a lot of time speaking to the rest of the team to ensure that all the work is completed to a high standard. I also spend a lot of time with the client getting the documents we need and getting explanations for our testing.

I am working towards gaining my ACA qualification. I also attend internal training courses to help improve my audit knowledge and to help me progress within the firm. I have also developed many personal skills, especially confidence, as I spend a lot of time meeting new people and making requests.

I enjoy the Brightstart scheme as I enjoy testing and learning about new businesses. I especially like audit as it gives you the opportunity to work in loads of companies, but also develop relationships with clients. I also enjoy working in the FS team. As the team is quite small you get to know everyone really well and the company culture is really social and friendly.

You often feel valued when you do something extra, for example staying late. However, the day to day work you do can some times be taken for granted by senior members of the team. You do however fell more appreciated by the small team you work with each day on that client. You also feel valued as you are given the responsibility of sections which makes you feel like you are trusted and gives you confidence in your ability.

The scheme is usually well organised. We went through a lot of induction training learning about the firm, audit and personal skills, such as interviewing. We also had training to help you with the promotion to a higher grade as this comes with new responsibilities, such as feedback. We were also provided with a study schedule when we joined the firm. This was helpful as it allowed you to know when you will be in college throughout the year and when your exams will be. However, as the scheme is relatively new sometimes it can feel a bit unorganised for example, when it comes to the year end ratings.

The tutors at college are very helpful and always available. When you start a course you are provided with an email address for a tutor which means you can contact the with any queries you have. They also immediately emailed me when I needed to do a resit to offer help with any areas I was struggling with and any other help I may need.

We were allocated an Appraiser when we joined the firm who helps us write and achieve our objectives. They are also always available for a chat or call if you have any questions or requests e.g. client type. We were also allocated a Buddy before we joined who helped us when we starting and also provides a contact if you don't want to speak to someone as Senior as your Appraiser.

This varies a lot. Most people on this scheme live at home and therefore the salary covers there costs of travel and socialising well. However, for someone like me who had to move when they started the apprenticeship, it can be hard. My rent and bills took over 70% of my salary, I also went home a lot which cost quite a lot, this left little for socialising and daily costs.

The department but on socials which allow you to meet with people in your department and speak to people you wouldn't get to speak to very often e.g. partners. There are also societies such as MCASS who put on events allowing you to meet with people who work in a similar industry to you. Deloitte also offer the opportunity to volunteer for charity events.

Yes

The job is really interesting and the variety is great. Deloitte offers the opportunity to get your ACA qualification and be completely submerged in your career. The atmosphere is also really friendly, everyone is really helpful and it is a really enjoyable place to work.

I would say be calm, prepared and be yourself. The managers and partners in the interviews want to see that you are capable of the job but they also want to get to know you. Make sure you are prepared for the questions, e.g. have examples for the competencies. Also, do some research into what the job is and the qualification you will be working towards so you have a basis knowledge, in case they ask you about it and to ensure its what you want to do,