Matthias' growth journey in Audit

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

I attended a summer recruitment event hosted by Deloitte, which provided a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the firm and its culture. Following the event, I was fortunate enough to be recruited by Deloitte. Currently, I work as a Senior Assistant on a major group engagement with headquarters in Switzerland. This role has allowed me to gain significant experience and exposure to complex audit processes and international business operations.

What training and development programs have you participated in so far? How have they helped you grow professionally and what skills have you developed?

Since joining Deloitte, I have participated in annual training programs designed to prepare us for the next level in our careers. These programs are comprehensive, covering both soft and technical skills, which I find particularly interesting due to their broad scope. One standout experience has been the "Business Chemistry" training, which focuses on understanding different working styles and how to effectively address them. This has been invaluable, especially when working on the client side, as it has enhanced my ability to interact efficiently and purposefully with clients.

How has your role evolved since you joined?

When I first joined Deloitte, I started as an Assistant, primarily handling simple reconciliation tasks. Over the years my role has evolved significantly. Now in my third year - and having passed the first part of the CPA exam - I am involved in more complex tasks such as cash flow testing. This progression has allowed me to deepen my technical expertise and take on greater responsibilities within the audit engagements.

What types of projects and clients have you worked with? Do you collaborate across different levels, with other business lines and/or member firms?

I have been involved in a group engagement that includes consolidation at the headquarters of a listed company, as well as components with statutory audits. This combination of complex and smaller-scale audits has been instrumental in helping me understand the "whole picture" of business operations and financial reporting. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with tax and valuation specialists, which has greatly enhanced my understanding of these areas. Working across different levels and with various business lines has broadened my perspective and enriched my audit experience.

How would you describe the team culture within Audit?

The team culture within the Audit department at Deloitte feels like a small family. There is a strong emphasis on learning technical skills and project management through close collaboration with experienced managers. This supportive environment fosters autonomy and responsibility, allowing team members to take ownership of their tasks while receiving valuable guidance and feedback from leadership.

How do you experience flexibility in your current role?  And how do you balance the busy seasons in Audit?

In my current role I experience a great deal of flexibility; I can arrange my work independently and manage my tasks autonomously. During busy seasons I prioritise maintaining a healthy balance by meeting up or calling friends and focusing on sleep and good nutrition. This helps me stay energised and focused. In slower seasons I take the opportunity to travel and enjoy the outdoors, which allows me to recharge and gain new perspectives.

What has surprised you the most about a career in Audit?

The most surprising aspect of a career in Audit for me has been realising that it is not just about boring number crunching. Instead, it involves understanding the processes and the stories behind the numbers, which are then summarised in the annual report. This deeper insight into how companies operate and the narratives that drive their financial performance has been both fascinating and rewarding.