Sofie’s story about improving local communities through financial analyses

Sofie has always been passionate about contributing to society and strengthening the welfare state. Her focus on societal impact has been a driving force throughout her career, and her Master’s in Economics only reinforced this motivation.

Sport centres are vital for communities, and they provide a space for people of all ages to engage in physical activity, socialize, and build a sense of community. So, how can Deloitte help ensure that sport centres continue to operate and are prepared to meet future demands?

Sofie’s passion lies within the public sector, where the focus is on providing core services to citizens. For citizens living in peripheral areas, sports centres can become a lifeline. This is precisely why she found this project to be particularly interesting.

Strengthening Local Sport Centres

Sofie is part of a project that emphasises the role local sport centres play in enhancing the quality of life for citizens. Her team has been working closely with a local sport centre, conducting a thorough financial analysis of their current and future budget. The goal of this, is to identify areas where the centre can become more financially efficient, ultimately enhancing their operations and ability to serve the community.

The employees behind the sport centre are committed to provide the best possible services. They are dedicated to improving the lives of citizens, such as the young and the elderly in the community who benefit greatly from the opportunity to engage in activities together. Sport centres also provides people from different backgrounds the chance to come together and take part in activities such as gymnastics or swimming. Sport centres like this provide equal opportunities for all to participate. The purpose behind the project was important for Sofie:

It was crucial that the sport centre could continue to operate, especially because it is located in a peripheral area, where there may not be many other options.

For young people in particular, these centres can be a lifeline, providing a safe and supportive environment where they can socialize and engage in activities. If it were to shut down, it could have a significant impact on the area. It is a key factor in attracting and retaining residents, ensuring that these centres can continue to operate is essential for the well-being of the community and the individuals who call it home.

Gaining a Deeper Understanding

Sofie emphasises that it is important to approach a project like this with a holistic understanding of the operation and the employees involved, since it impacts daily lives, rather than simply analysing it from a detached perspective. To truly understand how it functions, the team had to observe in action. This involved observing a gymnastics class, getting an introduction to the café, and observing how it operates. By taking a thorough tour, Sofie and her team gained a deeper understanding of the economy, the operational efficiency, but also how the sport centre fit into the broader community:

It is not enough to simply analyse them from a distance. To truly understand their impact, one must experience them firsthand.

The next step was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the operation. This included a 360-degree evaluation of how the sport centre functions, identifying areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. Sofie’s team also conducted a budget analysis to inform future budgeting decisions, identifying areas where cost savings could be achieved without compromising the quality of services offered. By taking a data-driven approach, the team was able to gain a deeper understanding of the operations and identify areas where they could make meaningful improvements:

I hope that our efforts have made a difference and that the current management have gained a better understanding of the sport centre operations and the potential for meaningful improvement. 

Using Expertise to Enhance Community Life

Sofie believes that by using our Deloitte skills and knowledge we can make a positive impact in the society. By working with clients to improve their operations and services, we can enable them to serve their communities and make a meaningful difference in people's lives. By leveraging our expertise, we can ensure that these services are accessible, effective, and that they continue to serve the needs of the community for years to come.

At the heart of any public project is the goal of improving the lives of citizens, the aim is to make a positive impact on the community. However, it is important to remember that these changes should have a lasting impact, and that they should be approach with care and consideration:

Impacting and improving citizens’ quality of life is a strong motivator for me, as is the desire to contribute to society. It provides a sense of purpose that goes beyond simply optimizing processes and increasing profits.

Sofie's passion for the public sector is driven by the desire to improve core services to citizens. Her work on sports centres in peripheral areas highlights the importance of taking a long-term view and considering the needs of individual citizens. By doing so, we can ensure that our efforts have a meaningful and lasting impact on the community.