For companies it’s mandatory to prepare financial statements in order to report about their financial performance in the past year. Then Marnix and his team come around to do the auditing of the report. 'Take, for instance, a bakery. How many buns were sold? What were the costs of the ingredients and the wages? And how much money remains ‘bottom line’? However, we’re also interested in the suppliers, the types of buns that are being sold, and the payroll system. We look at every aspect of a company, whether it’s the bakery round the corner or a high tech multinational, because the basics are similar. We delve into all aspects of the organization, which means we interact with the people within the company. The numbers are just the result of a process. We want to understand that process. That’s a challenging, interesting, and most of all crucial job. We play a key part in the financial ecosystem and contribute to the trustworthiness.'

Human interaction As a Manager it’s Marnix’ job to direct an assignment from A to B. ‘That involves everything from planning the audit to signing the audit report. I manage the team and make sure that every team member knows what to do. I’m also the point of contact for the client. We discuss the progress of the audit and I provide the answers to any questions the client might have. Most of my time is spent with the clients. That human interaction is actually the best part of my job’, he explains. ‘Whether it’s colleagues or clients, I get to meet so many young and talented people. That’s what inspires me and what drives me.’

An immediate connection Even though Marnix is still quite young (28), he has been working at Deloitte for almost nine years. ‘During my second year of Accounting at Hogeschool Utrecht I did an internship at Deloitte, which I liked so much that I decided to stay’, he says passionately. ‘When I applied for an internship, I went to all Big Four offices. But Deloitte was the only one that I immediately connected with. The interviews were fun, open and personal. I knew Deloitte would offer me the perfect place to work.’ During those nine years he took several steps in his career. ‘At Deloitte you get many responsibilities and opportunities from the very beginning. If you want to, you get plenty of opportunity to develop your skills. Personally I prefer looking ahead and focusing on a goal in order to take the next step in my career. But you’re the master of your own path. Everyone gets to choose their own unique way.’

The future of our profession Marnix loves to do internal projects as well. That’s why he is also the Leader of the Global Young Audit Forum. ‘Our forum gives a voice to young people within Deloitte all around the world. How do we see the future, and what strategy is important to us? We provide assistance and ideas. The fact that Deloitte attaches so much value to our input, is unique. Despite our young age we have considerable influence.’ Marnix has a clear vision of the future. ‘The role of an auditor will only become more important’, he says passionately. ‘We are a layer of protection that assures that companies report accurate and complete information. We are an independent party that provides an opinion on whether that is true or not. Such a quality mark is now also relevant for non-financial information, including sustainability and social impact. In fact, non-financial information will become more important than financial information. Developments like these offer huge potential for us as an Audit team.’

Plenty of opportunity ‘I really like working at Deloitte, he concludes. ‘Almost anything is possible, but you’re in charge. There is plenty of opportunity. It’s up to you to decide what you want to do.’ For instance, Marnix’ choice for an international career was a deliberate move. ‘I like travelling and discovering new cultures. In the last two months I have worked with clients in Italy, France, the UK, Switzerland, and the US. But that doesn’t mean that my work-life balance is gone. On the contrary, my job energizes me. The work-life balance is different for everyone, and Deloitte is very much aware of that. You’re fully flexible and able to follow your own agenda. Open communication and transparency are key. For me, that means that everyone knows that I don’t work on futsal nights’, Marnix laughs.

CHOOSE YOUR IMPACT You will share your talent with the 1.800 colleagues of Deloitte The Netherlands various Audit & Assurance departments. Within our teams, cooperation and personal development are key. View all Audit & Assurance vacancies [/vacancies/audit-accountancy] and connect your future to Deloitte. View all Audit & Assurance vacancies [/vacancies/audit-assurance]