Tarka Duhalde

Job title:

Accountant in the audit department at Deloitte & Touche (qualified chartered accountant).

What degree did you study?

BSc Chemistry from Kings College, London.

What are your main duties of work?

My job involves travelling (even overseas) to different clients. I examine their accounts, test transactions and disclosures and check that figures presented to the shareholders in the annual accounts are true and fair. My day to day duties include managing and training junior staff, liaising with clients, attending and planning meetings, preparing reports and liaising with senior managers.

What are your favourite aspects of the job?

The job is very varied, I get to learn new things and travel. Also, working for a big accountancy firm has many professional and social benefits. There is also the flexibility to transfer overseas or just to other departments, such as tax or corporate finance, if you want to.

What kind of salary can a graduate expect to earn in this job?

Who you choose to train with will determine your starting salary, but a graduate will usually earn between £20,000 and £25,000 per year when starting the training. Each time exams are passed, you will get a pay rise. When you qualify, you can expect to earn at least £35,000 per year.

How has your degree helped you?

A science degree helps my ability to problem solve and analyse information presented to me.

Any further information?

It takes three years to qualify as a chartered accountant. In those years you usually have to pass nine exams and gain relevant work experience. The company you work for will pay for the exams and give you time off to attend college lectures.