Aneliese Algie, Partner in Audit & Assurance

Read on to hear Aneliese Algie, a Partner in Audit & Assurance based in Sydney, share her career journey and insights.

From her initial days as a graduate to her current role as a Partner specialising in regulatory assurance for the financial services sector, Aneliese's story is a testament to the opportunities and support Deloitte offers for career growth and personal development. 

Tell us about your role at Deloitte and what it involves?

I'm a Partner, specializing in regulatory assurance for the financial services sector. I have been in this role for 7 years, being admitted to partnership in 2016. 

I have been with the firm for almost 17 years, and what makes me stay is the constant challenge in my work, the opportunities to learn, and the diverse and curious team members I work with. 

Why did you want to join Deloitte?

I joined Deloitte as a graduate straight out of university in 2007. At the time, I didn't really know what I wanted from my career, and starting in the external audit practice seemed like a safe bet.

It would give me a good base level grounding in accounting, and broad skills that I could then apply as I progressed through my career. 

Can you share a personal experience where you felt supported or encouraged in your career growth?

I feel very lucky to have had leaders who believed in me, my growth potential, and who gave me the space to be who I wanted to be as a Partner.

Over the years, I've been put into projects that may have been beyond my years of experience, but my leaders at the time gave me the right framework so that I was supported and able to flourish, learning quickly and growing and developing in a way that would not have been possible in a different environment.

How does Deloitte help you develop your career, and why is it important to you? 

Deloitte has provided me with the support and opportunities to grow and develop in my career. What's important to me is that I love to feel challenged by my work, I'm always learning new things, and I enjoy working with a group of team members who are curious, keen learners, and come with different life and professional experiences. 

What does hybrid or remote working look like for you?

Hybrid working looks a little different for me compared to the "norm" at Deloitte. My husband and I decided to move to the mid-north coast of New South Wales for a better work-life balance during the COVID pandemic.

We regularly travel to spend time with our clients and teams in Sydney, Brisbane, and sometimes Melbourne. Being close to family and friends and living in a more relaxed environment has made it easier for us to manage the work-life balance. 

How has working part-time allowed you to balance your professional and personal responsibilities? 

I started working part-time after parental leave to spend more time with my children. Open discussions upfront and ongoing with my clients and my engagement teams have been crucial. Team check-ins on deliverables and showing flexibility when needed have been essential. 

I took 14 months of parental leave after having twins. I never felt pressured to return earlier than I was physically and mentally able to do so. Upon my return, I was supported and mentored by multiple senior partners as I stepped back into client work. 

What was your experience like when transitioning into a leadership role within Deloitte? 

Growing up in the firm, every progression or promotion presented an opportunity to lead others, each in a different way. I learned from others around me the type of leader I wanted to be and not be, and created my own authentic leadership style. 

I have had the privilege to participate in several leadership development programs over my career with Deloitte. These programs gave me the opportunity to reflect on what truly motivates me to go to work every day and supported me from a whole-of-life point of view, rather than just in my day-to-day work. 

What advice would you give to candidates looking to join our firm? 

The number one thing I tell candidates joining the firm is that you need to be kind to yourself. Take the time you need to settle in and adjust your expectations of the impact that you can have, especially if you have never worked in professional services.

Over time, these can be adjusted, and it's important to be clear with your leaders, your teams, and your clients around your goals and the role you want to play. 

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