What made you choose a career as an auditor at Deloitte?

I had no idea what it involved, but it sounded exciting, and I have always had a knack for numbers. On top of that, I hated the idea of studying full-time – I found it difficult to picture myself doing that. In high school, I worked almost more than I attended school, because I found it far more exciting. So, the whole set-up of working practically appealed to me.

What surprised you about the job as an auditor?

There are many things that have surprised me positively – especially because I had no idea what an auditor did. The biggest positive surprise is probably the work process. It is not just sitting in front of a computer on your own. You almost always work in teams, you have a great time together all day, and you spend a lot of time at client sites. There is far more of a social element to it than I had expected – both in client relationships and working relationships. On top of that, I was surprised by how attentive and helpful people are towards new employees. The classic assumption that you would not dare approach an experienced colleague with a high level of seniority was quickly dispelled. Even though people are very senior, they are very open and will sit down and help with the basic things.

What is the best thing about the job as an auditor?

The social aspect is probably the very best part, because it makes you want to come to work. Your colleagues quickly become your friends – almost like family. You share almost everything with one another, and that makes you genuinely want to come in. On top of that, there is a great variety of tasks. You never quite know what your day is going to look like – it can go off in all sorts of directions.

What responsibilities have you been given in your role?

You quickly take on responsibility for specific areas and clients, and people count on you to see things through – although you are of course free to ask questions along the way. Responsibility is typically given after a conversation. Colleagues who wish to delegate a client downwards will ask whether you have the inclination and capacity to take on the responsibility. You are not simply thrown in at the deep end without being consulted.

What would you say to a student who is unsure whether auditing is the right career for them?

You can almost forget mathematics as a subject. It is more about having a fundamental understanding of numbers and how businesses operate. You never sit and calculate by hand. It is far more about interpreting the numbers than computing them. If you enjoy working with numbers, understanding how businesses function and develop, then this is the right place for you.