Why did you choose the Deloitte Graduate Programme?
Because I wanted to become a chartered accountant and Deloitte stood out to me over the other firms during the recruitment campaign. I think it stood out because everyone I spoke to during the campaign was really positive and that left a good impression on me. It seemed there would be a better work life balance in Deloitte than the other big four.
What did you study in college?
Commerce in UCD, Masters of Accounting in Smurfit Business School (UCD).
With this Graduate Programme are you now working in the industry of your choice?
Yes.
What were your first impressions and how easy did you find it to become integrated at Deloitte?
My first impressions was of a very friendly team environment in the company. Everyone was always willing to help out when needed and that made you feel a lot more comfortable at the start. There were events organised which made it easy to get to know people and make friends.
Can you describe a typical day in your role?
A typical day involves: Interacting with clients and building relationships with them so I can help them with their queries and issues. This could be through face-to-face meetings or phone calls. Attending meetings with managers/directors/partners to get feedback on my work, to update them on the status of audit file and to learn more about our clients. Using analytics and Deloitte audit tools to work on the audit file. I review controls that our clients have around financial reporting and I perform tests on the significant balances in their financial statements. I liaise with the bank and solicitors, if necessary. Delegating work and helping more junior members of the team with that work.
Have you ever felt daunted by the level of responsibility presented to you while working in Deloitte? If not, why do you think that is?
Yes, it can be quite challenging and sometimes there is a lot expected of you. There is a really good team environment though so I always felt help was available if needs be. If you get more responsibility it’s usually a sign you’re performing well.
What do you feel makes a good leader in Deloitte?
A good leader in Deloitte is someone who is a good communicator and is good at working as part of a team. The better you can do this, the better the team will perform. A good leader also takes responsibility for their own work and performs that to a high standard.
What is the social life like while working at Deloitte?
It’s really enjoyable. Among year groups there is always a strong social life with regular after work events. Department and firm wide, there are connectivity teams and a sports and social committee who set up societies, organise parties and let people know the different activities that are on.
Do you feel you have managed to achieve a good work-life balance within Deloitte and, if so, what steps have you taken in achieving that?
Yes I think I have. The most important steps are working hard to get your work done and then planning and communicating with the other members of your team so they are aware if you have things on. The benefits of a work-life balance are regularly communicated to employees in Deloitte and the managers try to make that a reality.
What makes Deloitte stand out as an employer?
The culture set in the company makes Deloitte stand out. There is a friendly atmosphere, a strong team ethic and a good work-life balance. At the same time, it’s a professional environment with lots of learning opportunities and a good chance to grow your career.
What impact do you feel is made to the working environment by the diversity within the team at Deloitte?
I think because you are working within a diverse team you are being challenged with new ideas and contrasting perspectives all the time. This helps with your own development and enables you to see things differently.
Have you been involved in any of the Deloitte CSR activities?
Yes, I annually take part in the Deloitte Impact Day. This is a day where everyone in Deloitte is off work and volunteers in different projects around the local communities. This year, I helped out in a school in the inner city where we painted the school and planted trees. It’s a really fun day and a very rewarding experience.
Read more about our Graduate Programme in Audit.
Commerce in UCD, Masters of Accounting in Smurfit Business School (UCD).
With this Graduate Programme are you now working in the industry of your choice?
Yes.
What were your first impressions and how easy did you find it to become integrated at Deloitte?
My first impressions was of a very friendly team environment in the company. Everyone was always willing to help out when needed and that made you feel a lot more comfortable at the start. There were events organised which made it easy to get to know people and make friends.
Can you describe a typical day in your role?
A typical day involves: Interacting with clients and building relationships with them so I can help them with their queries and issues. This could be through face-to-face meetings or phone calls. Attending meetings with managers/directors/partners to get feedback on my work, to update them on the status of audit file and to learn more about our clients. Using analytics and Deloitte audit tools to work on the audit file. I review controls that our clients have around financial reporting and I perform tests on the significant balances in their financial statements. I liaise with the bank and solicitors, if necessary. Delegating work and helping more junior members of the team with that work.
Have you ever felt daunted by the level of responsibility presented to you while working in Deloitte? If not, why do you think that is?
Yes, it can be quite challenging and sometimes there is a lot expected of you. There is a really good team environment though so I always felt help was available if needs be. If you get more responsibility it’s usually a sign you’re performing well.
What do you feel makes a good leader in Deloitte?
A good leader in Deloitte is someone who is a good communicator and is good at working as part of a team. The better you can do this, the better the team will perform. A good leader also takes responsibility for their own work and performs that to a high standard.
What is the social life like while working at Deloitte?
It’s really enjoyable. Among year groups there is always a strong social life with regular after work events. Department and firm wide, there are connectivity teams and a sports and social committee who set up societies, organise parties and let people know the different activities that are on.
Do you feel you have managed to achieve a good work-life balance within Deloitte and, if so, what steps have you taken in achieving that?
Yes I think I have. The most important steps are working hard to get your work done and then planning and communicating with the other members of your team so they are aware if you have things on. The benefits of a work-life balance are regularly communicated to employees in Deloitte and the managers try to make that a reality.
What makes Deloitte stand out as an employer?
The culture set in the company makes Deloitte stand out. There is a friendly atmosphere, a strong team ethic and a good work-life balance. At the same time, it’s a professional environment with lots of learning opportunities and a good chance to grow your career.
What impact do you feel is made to the working environment by the diversity within the team at Deloitte?
I think because you are working within a diverse team you are being challenged with new ideas and contrasting perspectives all the time. This helps with your own development and enables you to see things differently.
Have you been involved in any of the Deloitte CSR activities?
Yes, I annually take part in the Deloitte Impact Day. This is a day where everyone in Deloitte is off work and volunteers in different projects around the local communities. This year, I helped out in a school in the inner city where we painted the school and planted trees. It’s a really fun day and a very rewarding experience.
Read more about our Graduate Programme in Audit.
Deloitte