Associate - Audit Review

Prior to starting the experience at Deloitte I was unsure of what to expect in terms of job satisfaction in the accounting profession, but from the very start I found myself getting immersed and enjoying each working day and looking forward to the next - it was a fantastic experience.

Every Deloitte employee I worked with during the client engagements treated me like I was a valued member of the team where my input was actually crucial in each job carried out. The company itself organised an all expenses paid over-night induction event in a luxury hotel, as well as socials to both Brighton and Top Golf (in Surrey) for our office; our field managers also treated us to a few meals out when projects were nearing completion - all of this reinforced the fact that Deloitte is a company who values and rewards each and every employee for their hard work.

I was given a 2 day induction followed by a whole day of in-office audit training, however the majority of guidance was given as and when you needed it - i.e. if you needed help you were encouraged to ask! Tasks were always well explained and there was always someone at hand to ask for help if you had an issue, be it an associate or even someone more senior depending on the team you were working within. Most of the people I met also told me I could contact them after the scheme had ended if I needed any advice.

I picked up an invaluable amount of knowledge and skills during the scheme, and was able to see how some of the content taught in my accounting and finance degree is used in reality. I now feel more positive and enthusiastic towards finishing my degree and am confident that the scheme will help me to better manage my time in my final year of uni.

Most of the summer scheme appeared planned in advanced and the dates of the social events had already been chosen, so it seemed very organised. During each job I was assigned to, I was 'partnered' with another associate, all of who knew how to integrate me into their working days to make the experience as true as possible. As I learnt more, I was given more challenging things to do.

Every employee I met seemed to genuinely be passionate and enjoy their jobs. This attitude made the office a friendly, comfortable place to be, where everyone including the senior staff were approachable. I felt constantly surrounded by outgoing, easy to get on with people.

As mentioned previously, a formal induction into the company and its culture followed by a whole day of in-office audit training was given, however due to the nature of auditing, most of my training and development was carried out whilst on the job which was made it much easier to understand how everything works. A lot of time was put into making sure I was competent to do what I was assigned.

Whilst I wasn't able to experience the dreaded 'busy season', I got a full-on experience of what everyday life was like as an auditor; I worked longer hours were necessary in order to meet deadlines and I was given a lot of responsibility to mirror that of a graduate employee.

The scheme allowed me to fully understand the firm and its values which were demonstrated by each employee, as well as the company culture which had a real focus on career development for everyone working there, as well as commitment to supporting each other in achieving excellence - the best way to learn the culture is to work there after all!

The experience helped to confirm in my mind that accounting was the profession for me.

I was paid generously considering all my travel expenses to social events and client sites were also reimbursed, no expense was spared.

The office organised a couple of socials during the scheme where we were able to meet other interns as well as new graduate students who were able to tell us about their experiences so far. When working at client sites you were always working in new teams so you quickly got to make friends.

The socials really helped to show that everyone who works at the firm are 'normal, down-to-earth people', and all the events were focused at team activities so that everyone could get involved and get to know each other outside of the corporate environment. All the socials were well organised.

The scheme wasn't really long enough to get involved with outside of work activities with the other staff, however from speaking to people during my time there I found out there is an office football team, as well as various other sporting and charity events that anyone can get involved in.

Absolutely, it was one of the most valuable experiences I've ever had, and would look great on any CV.