Growing her future with Deloitte

Sierra Cabral started with Deloitte Bermuda as an intern in 2012 and is now a senior manager within its Audit & Assurance practice. We caught up with Sierra to learn how Deloitte’s Graduate programme helped her to launch her career

What made you choose a career in accounting? I have my nana to thank for piquing my interest in accounting as she held a CA. She has always been an important female role model and showed me that anything is achievable if you put your mind to it. It became evident during my high school and university courses that I would thrive in accounting. The opportunities available with a CPA designation are limitless and I can take this globally recognised designation anywhere.

How did you pick your university and major? When my top choice, Saint Francis Xavier University located in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, accepted me, there was no question that I would attend. It is a great university and made a positive impression on me during my university tour. In addition, it is a smaller campus and has a homey feel with a close-knit community. I entered the Bachelor of Business Administration programme with a Major in Accounting. However, after my first year, due to personal reasons, I transferred to Dalhousie University and obtained my Bachelor’s in Management with a focus in Accounting. Selecting Accounting as my focus aligned with my goal of obtaining my CPA professional designation following graduation.

Why a CPA? Highly qualified accounting professionals are always in demand. The CPA designation affords individuals with critical knowledge and analytical and decision-making skills. Following my university graduation, the obvious next step based on my immediate professional goal was to obtain my Canadian CPA. I had the end goal in mind. While at university, I connected with the CPA academic advisor to ensure that I had all the prerequisite classes to enter the CPA Professional Education Programme (PEP) as soon as I started full-time employment.

Why did you choose Deloitte Bermuda?

I initially worked at Deloitte Bermuda as an intern in 2012 and was offered a full-time position upon graduation from university in September 2014. Accepting the position was a no-brainer as I had established a great relationship with the firm and thoroughly enjoyed the internship. Accepting the position ensured my five-year goal to obtain experience within one of the ‘Big 4’ global accounting firms while completing the Canadian CPA programme was fulfilled. I successfully completed the CPA programme in December of 2018. I have the leadership and coaches of Deloitte to thank for my success within the firm.

Why is a typical day like for you? No two days are alike, which I enjoy as I am constantly challenged and engaged. I enjoy supporting and coaching my team members, communicating with our clients, and addressing their needs, performing audit file reviews, and collaborating with the HR team to support our students’ needs while continuing the development of my skills and knowledge which will allow me to advance in my career here at Deloitte.

What is the most challenging accounting problem you’ve had to solve? A recent challenge I’ve encountered involves the upcoming implementation of the IFRS 17 standard, which became a reporting requirement in January 2023. Due to the complexity of the implementation for one of our clients, the audit team required the appropriate involvement from our actuarial specialists and the client to develop a solution for them. Using resources and the Deloitte global network, we provided our clients with meaningful insights and tools to finalise their analysis by researching accounting solutions.

What is one piece of advice you wish you had been given when you started your career? Ask questions and utilise the knowledge of those in your network who already have many years of experience.

How have you made an impact at Deloitte? Since being promoted to senior manager, in addition to providing quality audits to my clients, I have had the opportunity to involve myself in various aspects of our student programmes. My involvement includes co-leading the Deloitte DEEP Summer internship, recruiting graduate hires, and mentoring those within the firm working towards obtaining their CPA designation. Supporting students at Deloitte and helping them shape their career paths is just one of the ways that I make a real impact through meaningful, value-added work. I encourage students to apply for the student opportunities available at Deloitte Bermuda.