Quick start your career as a Tax Trainee

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your role at Deloitte. 

My name is Antonia, and I joined Deloitte in October 2024 as a Trainee in the Transfer Pricing Team at our Zurich office. Prior to joining Deloitte, I completed my bachelor's degree in economics at the University of St. Gallen.

How long have you been with Deloitte, and what attracted you to the firm?

I have been with Deloitte for eight months now. What initially attracted me to Deloitte was their excellent reputation for high-quality problem-solving capabilities, not only among students but also within the industry. Additionally, the diverse community with bright minds from various countries and different backgrounds was a significant deciding factor for me. Deloitte’s focus on continuous learning and professional development also played a crucial role in my decision.

What does a typical day look like in your role? 

As a trainee, I provide support during various stages of projects, which means no two days are alike. My support can range from project management tasks to drafting deliverables for clients. I also engage in regular team meetings and client interactions, which help me understand the broader context of our work and contribute effectively. Given the diverse set of challenges I face daily, I must remain adaptable and spontaneous. Whether working from home or the office, I am flexible in my approach to ensure I finish all my tasks on time. One thing is certain: it never gets boring.

Can you share an example of a project you’ve worked on and what your contributions were?

In the Transfer Pricing team, our focus is on ensuring that our clients meet the respective regulatory requirements applicable to them. A typical project involves resolving intragroup pricing matters, including economic analysis, aligning tax outcomes with value chains, and thoroughly documenting transfer pricing positions to meet regulatory requirements. My contributions during these projects include preparing documents, coordinating to ensure smooth project execution, and participating in client and internal meetings to gain a detailed understanding of the questions at hand. We often collaborate with other teams such as Business Tax, International Tax, VAT, or the M&A team, especially when involved in a due diligence. Our projects often require collaboration with teams not only in Deloitte Switzerland but also in other member firms.

How would you describe your team?

We are a highly diverse team with various backgrounds, including finance, accounting, economics, mathematics, law, and other fields. Additionally, many team members have an interest in technology, which they utilize by working on technology solutions for our daily tasks to increase efficiency. This diversity means each of us brings different strengths and expertise to our projects.

We also foster a collaborative working environment, where I can ask anyone on the team for help, not just those on my project, and they are always happy to provide support. During projects, we are encouraged to give each other feedback to enable personal growth, not only from the top down but also from lower grades to managers.

What training and development programs have you participated in? How have they helped you grow professionally?

Learning has been a crucial part of my journey with Deloitte from the very beginning. During the first week, we have an onboarding programme for new joiners in Tax & Legal, where we learn about the functions and processes behind Deloitte and specifically the Tax & Legal department. Additionally, as a new joiner in Transfer Pricing, there are detailed learning modules designed for those without a deep knowledge of Transfer Pricing, which helped me develop a basic understanding. Furthermore, once this basic understanding is achieved, I continue to learn something new daily. I am often encouraged to work independently on parts of projects, providing valuable learning opportunities. We also have internal training sessions specifically for our team, offering insights and continuous learning opportunities. As one can see, there is no shortage of learning opportunities in this position.

What qualities or skills do you think are important for success in your role?  

In my role as a Trainee in Transfer Pricing, adaptability is crucial since I never know what task or project will come my way. Good time management skills and a high level of flexibility are essential for juggling various responsibilities simultaneously. Curiosity for new things is also necessary to develop a broad skill and knowledge set. Additionally, analytical thinking and attention to detail are also vital. These qualities, combined with effective communication skills and a collaborative mindset, are key to a successful career in our team.