Sharra Ann Maxwell
Junior Associate, Audit Services, Deloitte
Bachelor of Business in Accounting
Bachelor of International Hospitality Management in Tourism
Being able to experience life at Deloitte while she was still a university student was one of the highlights of her studies, says Sharra Ann Maxwell who now works in Deloitte’s audit services team.
“For the final-year workplace experience as part of my Bachelor of Business I was placed in Deloitte’s Auckland office. I enjoyed meeting the other interns as well as experiencing corporate life. It was an amazing experience, with the Deloitte staff happy to take the time to coach us and nurture our understanding. Although we already had the knowledge we had learnt in our university classes, it was amazing to put what we had learnt into practice.”
As well as gaining invaluable insights and knowledge during her placement, she was also offered a graduate position at Deloitte, starting just two weeks after her workplace experience ended. She loves her role as an auditor, and being able to examine and evaluate company financials and internal controls.
“I see my role as vital in promoting transparency and trust in financial reporting; aiding organisations in making well-informed decisions. I conduct financial statement audits, assess risk and identify areas for improvement in clients’ internal controls. Additionally, I ensure adherence to relevant accounting standards, such as GAAP or IFRS, while preparing comprehensive audit reports that provide insights into the financial health of the organisations I work with.
“Building strong relationships with clients is essential, as it helps me understand their business operations and financial processes. I collaborate with a team of professionals to execute audits efficiently, while staying updated on changes in accounting standards and industry trends to offer informed advice.”
Finding a new path
For Sharra, the COVID-19 pandemic was a key factor in her decision to pursue accounting as a career.
“In mid-2020, I had just completed a Bachelor of International Hospitality Management at AUT, and it was a time of disarray and I had to put aside my plans of becoming a flight attendant. Throughout high school, I had always enjoyed maths and anything numbers related. My mother, who is an auditor, had always encouraged me to pursue accounting, and so I figured why not. Accounting and auditing will be around through significant world events like pandemics and the advancement of AI.”
Deciding to return to AUT for a second degree was easy for her.
“I chose AUT because I really enjoyed the team environment that AUT fosters. During my studies in both hospitality and business I’ve made lifelong friends. In addition, AUT encourages a collaborative environment to ensure that everyone thrives and no one is left behind. I was particularly proud of completing my degree while working part time, and sometimes even full-time, to support myself.”
Advice for other students
Sharra, who completed her Bachelor of Business in early 2024, has some great advice for other students.
“Everyone runs on a different timeline and not everyone will know what to do for a career right off the bat. Move at your own pace and don’t rush through life”
She also has some wise words for those who are about to move from university to their career.
“It’s alright to have imposter syndrome. It’s normal, especially when you’re starting out in your career. All that matters is what you do to mitigate that feeling.”
