Rajiv Raymond Prakash

Senior Associate – Assurance and Advisory (Audit), Deloitte
Bachelor of Business in Accounting and Information Systems

Now working at Deloitte, business alumnus Rajiv Raymond Prakash loves being able to apply his understanding of accounting and information systems to benefit the company’s clients.

“My job involves offering a robust range of assurance solutions to our clients to ensure everything they’re viewing is true and fair. These assurance engagements are vastly different based on the industry and client you’re working for. We usually perform our work through assurance engagements, which involves lots of analysis, professional judgement, scepticism, controls testing and substantive testing to improve the overall efficiencies for our clients’ businesses.”

The exposure gained through this job is one that is hard to gain elsewhere, says Rajiv who is proud of recently completing his Graduate Diploma in Chartered Accounting.

“To be able to work with some of the country’s biggest clients, help them solve their business problems and constantly learn on the job is something I value immensely. The fact that every day is different is a motivating factor and gives you many options to expand your career. Working at such a large firm gives you a great social aspect too – there are so many people you get to interact with on a daily basis.”

Supported to thrive
Deciding to study business at university was easy, says Rajiv who chose to study both accounting and information systems.

“As someone who has always been a numbers person, I found accounting to be a great way to implement this in my daily life while being challenged and thinking of ways to problem solve. Being a technology fan throughout my life, I also thought information systems would be a great addition to this. I chose AUT because of its reputation and history of success stories, as I knew a degree from AUT would open up many pathways and opportunities for myself.”

He thoroughly enjoyed his time at university.

“AUT gave me many different opportunities not only to learn, but to interact, gain exposure and practical experience, and help to bring me out of my shell. One of the highlights of my time with AUT was the fact that all my lecturers knew me by name, which made me feel so much more welcome and valued as a student.

“I was lucky to have the chance to use many of the student services throughout my time at AUT, including to help me plan my degree, the courses I should take and the overall structure of how I wanted to study. I was also able to access the free CV check service prior to applying to jobs and internships, as well as getting tips when going through professional interviews.”

Advice for other students
Rajiv – who graduated from AUT in 2019 – has some great advice for other students.

“Don’t be afraid to challenge the norm and never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. You may not always be comfortable with what you’re doing at a point in time, but you always have opportunities to explore your options.”

Make the most of the opportunities, he adds.

“Take every opportunity, use all the resources around you and create a network.”