Life at Deloitte

Name : Kristen Bentham

Position : Manager

Department : Audit and Assurance

University Attended : University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus

Degree Completed : BSc Accounting

Designation Completed : ACCA

Date that you joined Deloitte : August 2010

Manager, Audit

What do you like most about your role?

I work with clients from a variety of backgrounds ranging from small local companies to large international corporations. I am also exposed to a variety of industries including manufacturing, retail, banking and insurance. This allows me to interact with a range of knowledgeable and experienced Deloitte and client personnel with interesting perspectives to offer. I also enjoy the opportunity to pass down the knowledge that I have learned in my 4+ years with the firm to Junior Staff Accountants and Staff Accountants who recently started their career.

What attracted you to Deloitte?

As one of the Big Four professional firms, Deloitte has a sound reputation in the local, regional and international communities. While researching potential employers, I realised that Deloitte has a vast professional network with opportunities to pursue career paths not only in audit but in other exciting areas such as tax, consulting and financial advisory services. I was also attracted by the possibility of going on secondment to another country.

Describe your day to day role

My role as a Senior involves collaboration with Managers and Partners to ensure the effective completion of audit engagements. The role of a senior is an exciting and multi-faceted one which involves a number of tasks including assisting in the development of the audit plan, coordinating with the client to obtain audit evidence required and supervising and coaching junior team members to ensure effective and efficient completion of audit testing. I am also responsible for reviewing financial statements to ensure compliance with applicable financial reporting standards. My role affords me the opportunity to liaise with specialists from other Deloitte offices with areas of expertise ranging from investment valuation to actuarial services.

What else have you been involved with since joining Deloitte?

I served as the Treasurer on the Deloitte Social Committee for a two year period. During this period, I was able to work with the nominated committee to help plan and execute a variety of social activities. Example activities include movie nights, sporting events, picnics, island safaris and Christmas parties. I have also participated in the annual impact day events hosted by our local office. IMPACT Day has allowed me to volunteer my time towards a number of meaningful charitable projects such as decorating and organizing a library for a public school and renovating areas of a local children’s home. Finally, I have been fortunate enough to assist the firm in recruitment drives at the local university by meeting with potential candidates to share my experiences at the firm to date.

What is Deloitte’s role in your longer term career goals?

Deloitte has actively supported my attainment of the ACCA designation. The firm also supports my involvement in continuous learning activities ensuring that my knowledge and experience remains up to date with relevant developments in the field. Time will tell what the future holds for my career path, however, I am absolutely certain that Deloitte has paved the way for me to succeed in any endeavor through the development of strong technical, analytical and leadership skills. Having an assigned mentor has helped me ensure that I meet my performance and development goals throughout every stage of my career path.

What have you enjoyed most?

I have enjoyed the opportunity to work and interact socially with talented professionals not only in the local Deloitte office but in other offices within the Caribbean and Bermuda region. I love the existing open door policy which has allowed me to approach Managers and Partners without hesitation - the opportunity to learn from them has been invaluable. Finally, I appreciate the fact that the firm has recognised and rewarded my effort and dedication by awarding me with the 2012 Employee of the Year Award and through continuous promotions.