OUR RESEARCH - YOUR SKILLS: INDUSTRY INSIGHT
HPD Exclusive Report
Sarah Shillingford Graduate Recruitment Partner, Deloitte.
I
n an industry full of made sense, all the variables say in the position of the fi rm for
numbers and fi gures, why were taken into consideration, years to come. In my experience,
are interpersonal skills so and all assets and liabilities were people with that sort of infl uence
important? accounted for. Interpersonal skills are always hard nosed, fi rm,
aren’t tax deductible, hence they rigid and sometimes borderline
Deloitte’s London headquarters had no place in an accounting terrifying.
are impressive. Walking through fi rm. Not anymore, says Sarah
their pine panelled corridors, Shillingford, Deloitte’s Graduate Sarah is the antithesis of what I
one could quickly see why they Recruitment Partner. had presumed. A relatively small
are so renowned in the glossy woman, she nonetheless carries
world of accountancy and Sarah is responsible for ensuring a presence that was confi dent,
fi nancial services. Twenty years that the second largest accounting assertive, yet non-threatening.
ago a place like that would have fi rm in the world continuously
immediately conjured up images recruited the most able staff to Her demeanor was welcoming
of emotionless, pale suited old ensure Deloitte’s position at the and friendly. Her red jacket and
men, focused on nothing more top table, Sarah’s position is softly spoken manner could have
than ensuring that the numbers clearly one that will have a major just as easily been that of a primary
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HPD Sept ‘09 - Feb ‘10