Associate Review

I work in the audit department in the Reading office. Auditors are responsible for ensuring that the financial statements published by businesses are a true and fair reflection of the business's financial position. We also ensure that books and accounts are properly maintained as required by law. Audit is considered to be the cornerstone of market confidence and plays a crucial role in an effective economy. On a day to day basis, I would usually work out at a client site with a small team. As part of our work we involve clients in discussions surrounding how various balances and transactions work, and agree these to supporting evidence. We provide clients with professional advice and assurance on their controls and accounting systems throughout the year.

I am currently studying for the ICAEW ACA qualification, which is giving me an in-depth knowledge of accounting and business. I've definitely gained confidence and the ability to interact and build rapport with a wide range of people. My excel skills have definitely improved!

I really enjoy the fact that the job is always different: each week I am on a different client in a different location! This means I get to work with a wide range of different people, both within Deloitte and on client finance teams, and get a wide range of experience. I also really look forward to away jobs, as I love having the opportunity to travel away from home. I'm looking forward to becoming more senior, and the great career progression opportunities available to me.

There is a lot of internal recognition from individual managers and the teams I work within. I have been given the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of projects: from exciting client work to internal social events and employee initiatives. Deloitte operates a fantastic employee reward scheme, and has annual ratings and promotions. I have been very well supported by appraiser, who always provides fantastic advice on my career development and has helped me to tailor my portfolio.

The programme is very well structured. Deloitte operates annual promotions over the 5 year scheme, so although you start out as an Assistant Associate, by the time you qualify you will be an Assistant Manager. There was an impressive induction process at the beginning, and fantastic support was given upon joining the firm. There's also an established track record of support given relating to the professional exams.

Kaplan produce a range of detailed materials, which help with studying for the exams. A lot of the initial exams are self-study, which is fantastic in helping you to develop personal initiative and the ability to self-start.

I have been very well supported by appraiser, who always provides fantastic advice on my career development and has helped me to tailor my portfolio.

I'm on a London salary, which is great as I live in Reading! I definitely think we're very well paid, and Deloitte also operates a fantastic bonus and employee reward scheme, known as 'Limelight'.

The Reading office has lots of social events outside of working hours, including regular Christmas / Seasonal parties. There's also a summer ball, charity fundraisers and an annual away weekend. Within the audit department, we have also just introduced a team structure, and individual teams will be organising additional social events including Go Karting, Paintballing and Theatre Visits. I'm also a member of the ICAEW Student Society for my local area, which organises business network events with trainees from other firms. This has included a Casio Night and Annual Ball. These are great opportunities to get to meet and make friends with other people in an informal setting, and they're usually going through the same things as you! I've also had the opportunity to meet and network with Brightstarts from other offices. This has led to us organising a variety of informal social events and trips away.

Yes

The business training you receive is second to none, there's great progression opportunities and I love what I do on a day to day basis!

Make sure you know what role you're applying for and have researched it properly prior to your interview. After that, be confident and remember the interviewer isn't trying to catch you out!