'As external advisors we can perform operational, tactical and strategic work'
Working in Financial Crime Advisory sounds like a
spy movie. Of course it is not, but Wendy Stuffers,
Senior Manager, and Guido Penzhorn, Director,
both at Deloitte Forensic & Financial Crime, still find
the work exciting. In terms of content, there are
plenty of challenges, even if it doesn’t involve
catching criminals.
[Draft Header 1]
[Draft Header 1]
'You can participate in corruption investigations or help organise the operation
of financial
institutions in such a way that it is difficult for criminals to abuse the
financial system,' says
Wendy Stuffers. 'Our goal is to create a fairer society. And we do this, for
example, by
advising our customers in their customer due diligence approach.
As external advisors we can perform operational, tactical and strategic work in
a period of
just six months. My work really gives me a kick, there is speed but also going
into detail.
After a hard day's work, I come home full of energy.'
[Draft Header 2]
[Draft Header 2]
Uniquely, Deloitte has a dedicated Financial Crime Advisory team. The department
has
therefore built up a good reputation in the market and mainly works for large
banks and
insurance companies. 'The work content is incredibly interesting. Also because
Deloitte does
not just take on every assignment', Guido Penzhorn says.
'We are a commercial company, but our main concern is to create real impact. We
want to
make a difference, for our customers but also for society. I see myself as a
problem solver.
One minute I am flying to London for an emergency, the next I am explaining to
the client
what needs to be done to prevent fraud or money laundering.'
[Draft Header 3]
[Draft Header 3]
No two days are the same, but it is always about people management, Guido
continues. 'We
are consultants and we work with people. With the customer and with colleagues.
To make
more impact, we regularly join forces with other service lines such as Risk
Advisory,
Consultancy or BPS. And our team itself consists of various backgrounds, from
work
experience at banks to the Public Prosecution Service, the police and Interpol.
I myself
moved from South Africa to Amsterdam three years ago. At the time, I chose
Deloitte not
only because the work content is challenging, but mainly because the people are
open and
relaxed.'
Wendy agrees: 'As far as I am concerned, Deloitte has one of the healthiest
corporate
cultures and that is because we are open and honest with each other. You can
really be
yourself here. However, it is important that you don't take yourself too
seriously', she
laughs.
[Draft Header 4]
[Draft Header 4]
As an employer, Deloitte understands what is important, Wendy says. 'We are very
aware
that people are the most important part of the organisation. Our expertise is
what the office
sells and so we are very well looked after. Deloitte wants to attract the best
people and also
motivate and support them to be the best.' Guido adds: 'All companies are taking
measures
during the pandemic, but Deloitte also really keeps an eye on whether we are
doing well.
There are many initiatives to support us during the time we juggle home and our
working
life. There is a contribution for babysitters during the day and the coffee that
we now miss
at the office, is being compensated. Totally unnecessary of course, but it is a
nice thought.
And during the beautiful winter weather, we all got three hours off to go ice
skating. Simply
because it is fun to do and Deloitte wants us to enjoy it.'
