Qualifications: Masters in MORSE (Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics, Economics)
A levels in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics.
AS level computing.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for.
Deloitte are one of the ‘Big 4’ international professional services firms providing clients with a range of financial services with our 4 main service lines being Audit, Tax, Consultancy and Corporate Finance. More details can be found on our website www.deloitte.com
Explain what you do on an average day at work.
I work in International Assignment Services, a service line within Tax, that deals with international companies moving their employees around the globe to suit the needs of the business. They can often be senior employees reaching right to the top of an organisation. For example, the company might be looking for a new Global Marketing Director to work in their New York office but the right internal candidate is the European Marketing Director in the UK, therefore they will need to offer the individual a package to move to the US to perform this role.
This is where I come in. We can assist the company with moving that individual, more specifically with some of the tax and social security issues arising as a result of the move, and we will often work closely with the foreign Deloitte office (in this case, in New York) to address the US and UK aspects of the move.
I therefore assist with the taxation issues that arise from such secondments, ranging from assisting with complex tax planning to preparing someone’s tax return.
What do you like most about your job?
The challenging nature of the job means I am constantly learning new things and finding new problems to solve, particularly as many assignees that I deal with are unique in their situation, meaning that the advice provided requires a tailored approach. I’ve been given a large amount of responsibility from the word go, something that is very inspiring, particularly when I get exposure to some of the most senior employees within a household name client.
I’ve also been lucky enough to join a very good group of people, who have been very supportive from the start, which has really helped with my integration to the firm.
What stimulated your interest in maths, and when?
Maths as a subject appealed to me from a very young age (having to count the right number of Smarties in order to eat them as a child was a big incentive). This developed into something that I enjoyed, particularly for the logical approach to problem solving, and the practical applications that came with this.
What influenced your career choice?
I did an internship with Deloitte during the summer before my final year at University. When looking at internships, Deloitte stood out from many presentations and events held around campus, mainly because of the passion with which they spoke about Deloitte, and their friendy nature which made me feel I would enjoy my experience.
During the internship itself I found I was given a significant level of responsibility and everyone went out of their way to make me feel welcome. It was this friendliness, the individuality of each piece of work and the drive of the company that made me choose to apply.
Which skills do you consider to be essential for your job?
Strong interpersonal skills are a key asset for involvement in a professional services job as you will be meeting and liaising with clients from a very early stage in your career. Along with this, a positive attitude and well organised approach will always help.
With regard to the technical work, a logical approach to tasks is helpful and a willingness to learn is evident in those that have progressed.
Any advice you may have for other individuals considering your career path.
Becoming involved in extra-curricular activities is a great way to distinguish you from other potential candidates. In addition, there is a large focus on personal skills, so an enthusiastic and friendly approach will go far!
Look out for Deloitte career events on our website – you will learn a lot more about whether Deloitte is likely to be right firm for you by meeting the employees in person, and there will often be representatives from Manager level and above who can give you a really good insight into how you could progress in a career at Deloitte.
It is also worth considering applying for a summer internship. It will give you a great insight into what a graduate job will entail if successful in your application (and these positions are generally very competitive), and if not then the experience of the interview process will definitely be of benefit in future.
We also have a number of Scholar positions within Deloitte. These are aimed at students who are going on to University but who would like to work for Deloitte during holiday periods to gain experience and with a view to a potential job on graduation. The Deloitte website has further information.
Your future career plans.
My long term interest within Deloitte is to become involved with the Sports Business Group, a specialist group designed to provide consultancy services to sports clubs, in areas such as feasibility studies and project development. I’d also like to try and take advantage of secondment opportunities to Australia as Deloitte are very supportive in offering secondment opportunities to their staff!
