Deloitte is one of the world's largest professional services firms, offering a comprehensive range of services, including audit, consulting, tax, financial advisory, and risk management. The firm operates across various industries, helping organizations transform through innovation and strategic insights. With a global presence in over 150 countries and more than 450,000 professionals, Deloitte has built a reputation for excellence, integrity, and commitment to client success.
This blog provides a complete understanding of Deloitte’s history, key milestones, mission, and core values to equip students with all the information needed to prepare for an interview at the company.
1. Overview of Deloitte
About
History and Founding Years
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, widely called Deloitte, is a global leader in professional services. With the highest revenue and largest team of employees worldwide, Deloitte ranks as the biggest network in its field. It’s also one of the prestigious Big Four accounting firms, making it a key player in the industry.
Founding and Early Years (1845–1933)
- 1845: Deloitte founded in London by William Welch Deloitte.
- 1880: Expanded to the U.S. with an office in New York.
- 1890: Opened the first overseas branch on Wall Street, followed by offices in Chicago and Buenos Aires.
- 1896: Haskins & Sells founded in New York, the first major U.S. auditing firm established by Americans.
- 1898: George Touche established offices in London and New York.
- 1933: Arthur Hazelton Carter advocated for mandatory independent audits for public companies in the U.S.
Mergers and Consolidation (1947–1989)
During this period, Deloitte and its associated firms underwent significant mergers, leading to the formation of Touche Ross and eventually Deloitte & Touche, expanding their reach and influence.
- 1947: George Bailey’s firm merged to form Touche, Niven, Bailey & Smart.
- 1960: Renamed as Touche, Ross, Bailey & Smart, later shortened to Touche Ross.
- 1968: Nobuzo Tohmatsu founded Tohmatsu Aoki & Co in Japan, which joined the Touche Ross network in 1975.
- 1972: Deloitte merged with Haskins & Sells, creating Deloitte Haskins & Sells.
- 1989: Merged with Touche Ross in the U.S., forming Deloitte & Touche.
Globalization and Diversification (1990–2009)
This era is characterized by globalization, significant mergers, and expansion into new services, including consulting and digital services, solidifying Deloitte's position as a global leader.
- 1990s: Adopted the name DRT International, later becoming Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu in 1993.
- 1995: Created Deloitte & Touche Consulting Group.
- 2000: Acquired Eclipse to enhance digital services.
- 2002: Merged with Arthur Andersen’s practices in the UK and several other countries.
- 2005: Became the largest accountancy firm in China after acquiring Beijing Pan-China CPA.
- 2009: Acquired BearingPoint’s North American public service practice.
Innovation and Technological Leadership (2010–2022)
This period highlights Deloitte's focus on innovation, technology, and expanding its service offerings through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, including ventures into blockchain and digital marketing.
- 2010: Expanded into real estate services by acquiring Drivers Jonas.
- 2011: Entered sustainability consulting by acquiring DOMANI and ClearCarbon Consulting.
- 2012: Expanded into mobile applications by acquiring Ăśbermind.
- 2013: Launched ConvergeHEALTH by Deloitte after acquiring Recombinant Data Corporation.
- 2016: Introduced blockchain consultancy Rubix and acquired digital marketing agency Heat.
- 2016: Formed a partnership with Apple Inc. to launch Enterprise Next.
- 2022: Ceased operations in Russia and Belarus due to the Russo-Ukrainian War.
Recent Developments (2023–Present)
In this latest era, Deloitte continues to advance its technological capabilities and service offerings, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and leadership in the professional services industry.
- 2023: Entered a supply contract with Henchmann to enhance contract drafting and negotiation software.
Deloitte India Overview
Deloitte India, established in 1993, is one of the largest professional services firms in the country. The firm operates through four key entities:
- Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP
- Deloitte Consulting India Private Limited
- Deloitte Tax Services India Private Limited
- Deloitte Financial Advisory Services India Private Limited
With over 70,000 professionals across 32 cities, Deloitte India is a significant member of the Deloitte global network.
Key Milestones in Deloitte's History
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1845 | Founded by William Welch Deloitte in London, establishing a reputable professional services firm. |
| 1880s | Expanded into the U.S., setting up a key presence in New York City. |
| 1970 | Merged with Haskins & Sells, enhancing its U.S. market footprint and services. |
| 1989 | Formed Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu through a merger with Touche Ross, laying the global foundation. |
| 2000s | Grew globally via strategic acquisitions and partnerships, expanding consulting services. |
| 2010s | Focused on technology and innovation, investing in digital transformation and AI. |
| 2020s | Committed to net-zero emissions by 2030, leading sustainability efforts. |
| 2020s | Achieved 51% Black representation at the partnership level in South Africa, highlighting diversity efforts. |
| Present | Consistently recognized as a top global brand, reflecting strong market presence. |
2. Company Culture and Values
Vision
Deloitte's vision and strategy, developed in collaboration with leadership and member firm partners from around the world, focus on working together As One across geographic, functional, and business borders to deliver excellence in all of the services provided by the member firms.
Core Values
Deloitte operates under a set of core values that guide its culture and decision-making processes:
3. Comprehensive Product and Service Offerings
Deloitte offers a vast range of professional services across various industries, enabling organizations to drive growth, manage risks, and achieve strategic objectives. Here's a breakdown of their key service offerings:
Audit & Assurance
- Audit: Deloitte provides industry-leading audit services that go beyond financial statement audits, helping organizations build trust with stakeholders and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Assurance: Includes internal controls over financial reporting, ensuring transparency, accountability, and accuracy in corporate disclosures.
Consulting
- Strategy, Analytics & M&A: Deloitte helps businesses with strategy development, mergers & acquisitions, and analytics solutions that drive transformation and competitive advantage.
- Customer & Marketing: Tailored solutions to enhance customer experience and marketing effectiveness, ensuring organizations stay ahead in rapidly evolving markets.
- Core Business Operations: Focuses on optimizing core business functions like supply chain, finance, and operations for better performance.
- Human Capital: Provides workforce transformation solutions, including leadership development, talent management, and organizational design.
- Enterprise, Technology & Performance: Helping businesses harness the power of technology to enhance performance and operational efficiency.
Financial Advisory
- Mergers & Acquisitions: Comprehensive advisory services for M&A transactions, helping businesses make informed decisions throughout the deal lifecycle.
- Restructuring & Performance Improvement: Assisting organizations in financial restructuring, turnaround strategies, and performance enhancement initiatives.
- Forensic & Financial Crime: Offering forensic services to detect and address financial fraud, financial crime, and corruption-related challenges.
Risk Advisory
- Cyber & Strategic Risk: Solutions to safeguard organizations from cyber threats and manage strategic risks, ensuring resilience and sustainability.
- Regulatory & Legal: Offering guidance on regulatory compliance, legal disputes, and corporate governance.
- Sustainability & Climate: Helping organizations navigate the transition to sustainable business practices, including climate risk mitigation.
Tax
- Advisory & Transactions: Providing tax advisory services related to transactions, mergers, and acquisitions, ensuring compliance and tax optimization.
- Outsourced Compliance: Offering managed tax compliance services, freeing businesses from complex regulatory tasks.
- Global Mobility, HR & Immigration: End-to-end solutions for managing workforce mobility, including tax, immigration, and payroll services.
Industries
Deloitte offers tailored solutions across a variety of industries, including:
- Consumer Products: Supporting consumer businesses in navigating trends and challenges in retail, automotive, and hospitality.
- Financial Services: Providing services in banking, insurance, and capital markets to drive innovation and manage risks.
- Government & Public Services: Partnering with governments to improve public services, infrastructure, and defense systems.
- Life Sciences & Health Care: Offering expertise in healthcare transformation, medical innovation, and pharmaceutical solutions.
- Technology, Media & Telecommunications: Helping businesses in tech and media stay ahead of digital trends and technological disruptions.
Deloitte’s broad range of services is designed to help businesses from multiple sectors thrive in a complex global environment
4. Deloitte India: A Local Leader with Global Expertise
Deloitte India, a crucial part of Deloitte’s global network, combines international expertise with deep local market understanding to offer tailored services across various industries. With a strong presence in the country, Deloitte India helps businesses navigate challenges, drive growth, and innovate.
- Part of Global Network: Deloitte India is an integral part of Deloitte’s global network, bringing international expertise to the local market.
- Comprehensive Services: Offers a wide range of services, including audit, consulting, tax, and advisory, tailored to meet the needs of businesses in India.
- Industry Coverage: Serves diverse industries such as finance, technology, consumer products, and government sectors.
- Local Insights, Global Solutions: Combines deep local market knowledge with global best practices to deliver innovative solutions.
- Commitment to Growth: Dedicated to helping Indian businesses grow, innovate, and navigate complex market challenges.
- Driving Positive Change: Focuses on fostering positive change and sustainable growth across various sectors in India.
5. Key Competitors of Deloitte
Deloitte is one of the largest professional services firms in the world, offering a wide range of consulting, audit, tax, and financial advisory services. However, it faces significant competition from both the Big Four accounting firms and other major consulting firms. Below are some of Deloitte's key competitors:
1. PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
Overview: PwC, founded in 1998 through a merger, is one of the Big Four accounting firms, providing services in audit, consulting, tax, and advisory.
Services: PwC offers audit, tax, advisory, and consulting services, with expertise in business strategy, technology, and financial services.
Market Position: PwC competes directly with Deloitte across audit, consulting, and advisory services, particularly in financial services and business transformation. Its global presence and strong consulting arm make it one of Deloitte’s closest competitors.
2. KPMG
Overview: KPMG, the fourth member of the Big Four, provides audit, tax, and advisory services globally.
Services: KPMG offers audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services, specializing in risk management, financial services, and regulatory compliance.
Market Position: KPMG competes closely with Deloitte, particularly in audit and risk advisory services. Its expertise in regulatory and compliance consulting makes it a formidable competitor in the professional services market.
3. Accenture
Overview: Accenture, founded in 1989, is a global professional services company specializing in consulting, technology, and outsourcing services.
Services: Accenture provides consulting, digital transformation, IT services, cloud computing, and business process outsourcing, with a strong focus on technology-driven solutions.
Market Position: Accenture competes with Deloitte in technology consulting, digital transformation, and IT services. Its focus on innovation, particularly in cloud computing and AI, makes it a leading player in tech-driven consulting.
4. Capgemini
Overview: Capgemini, founded in 1967, is a global leader in consulting, technology services, and digital transformation, with a focus on innovation and technology.
Services: Capgemini provides IT consulting, digital transformation, cloud services, and business process outsourcing, with expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
Market Position: Capgemini competes with Deloitte’s technology consulting arm, particularly in digital transformation and IT services. Its focus on cutting-edge technologies like AI and cloud computing positions it as a strong competitor in the tech consulting space.
5. EY (Ernst & Young)
Overview: EY, another Big Four firm, provides audit, tax, advisory, and consulting services to clients worldwide.
Services: EY specializes in audit and assurance, tax, consulting, and advisory services, with strong expertise in risk management and technology consulting.
Market Position: EY is a major competitor to Deloitte, particularly in audit and tax services. Its growing focus on technology and innovation, combined with its strong presence in emerging markets, makes it a strong rival.
6. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Deloitte, a global leader in professional services, has a strong focus on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The company is committed to improving education, sustainability, diversity, and community welfare through impactful initiatives. Below are some key CSR initiatives undertaken by Deloitte.
Awards and Recognition
- World's Best Workplaces™: Recognized as one of the "World's Best Workplaces™" for its positive work environment and culture.
- Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work: Ranked #24 on the list, marking 23 years of recognition for employee satisfaction and trust.
- Pride in Diversity Annual Workplace Equality Index: Achieved Gold Employer Status in Australia for LGBTQ+ inclusion, underscoring its commitment to diversity.
- Renfe-Commercial Alliances Awards: Honored in Spain as the Service Company Most Committed to Sustainable Train Transport, reflecting its focus on sustainability.
- Top Employers Institute Certification: Deloitte China was recognized as a Top Employer in China for the 16th consecutive year, highlighting excellence in talent management.
- Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Employer of Choice for Women: Recognized since 2003 for efforts towards gender equality in the workplace.
- Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards: Deloitte Global won three Silver Dolphin Awards for films on resilience, sustainability, and diversity.
- Employee Experience Awards: Won two gold awards in Singapore for Best Career Development Program and Best Diversity & Inclusion Strategy.
- Financial Times’ Diversity Leaders Report: Listed among the top 800 companies for promoting diversity and inclusion.
7. Future Outlook and Strategic Plans for Deloitte
Deloitte is focused on expanding its consulting, advisory, and technology services, with a strong emphasis on innovation and digital transformation. Below are some of Deloitte’s key strategic initiatives:
Focus on Digital Transformation and Innovation
Deloitte is heavily investing in digital transformation services to help clients adapt to evolving technology trends, including AI, cloud computing, and data analytics.
- Expanding digital transformation services across industries like healthcare, financial services, and energy.
- Developing AI-driven solutions to optimize business operations, enhance decision-making, and improve customer experience.
Sustainability and Climate Change Advisory
Deloitte is committed to helping clients address environmental sustainability challenges. The company provides consulting services related to carbon footprint reduction, sustainability reporting, and climate change risk management.
- Helping companies integrate sustainability into their business strategies to meet ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards.
- Advising clients on climate change regulations and how to achieve net-zero emissions.
Cybersecurity and Risk Management
Deloitte is expanding its cybersecurity services to help clients manage cyber risks, protect sensitive data, and navigate regulatory requirements.
- Offering comprehensive cyber risk solutions across industries, including financial services, healthcare, and government sectors.
- Expanding threat intelligence and incident response capabilities to help clients safeguard against cyberattacks.
Global Expansion and International Markets
Deloitte continues to expand its footprint in emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, while strengthening its presence in North America and Europe.
- Expanding services in high-growth regions to capture new opportunities and support local businesses.
- Collaborating with global clients to provide cross-border solutions in tax, audit, and advisory services.
AI and Data Analytics-Driven Services
Deloitte is focusing on expanding its AI and data analytics capabilities to help clients leverage data for better decision-making and performance optimization.
- Expanding the use of AI in industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing to drive innovation and efficiency.
- Offering advanced analytics services to help clients gain insights from their data and predict future trends.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
Deloitte is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. The firm is investing in programs that promote diversity in leadership, increase opportunities for underrepresented groups, and create a more inclusive work culture.
- Expanding diversity and inclusion initiatives across all global offices to enhance leadership representation.
- Creating mentorship programs and leadership development initiatives for employees from diverse backgrounds.
8. Latest News & Updates about Deloitte
Stay updated with the latest insights from Deloitte, including industry reports, strategic partnerships, and innovative business solutions. Discover how Deloitte is driving transformation across various sectors with its expertise in consulting, audit, tax, and advisory services.
9. Conclusion
Deloitte is a global leader in professional services, known for its innovation, client-centric approach, and commitment to sustainability. With a strong focus on digital transformation, AI-driven solutions, and cybersecurity, Deloitte offers exciting career opportunities across consulting, technology, audit, and risk advisory. Aspiring candidates can prepare for a rewarding career at Deloitte by aligning their skills with the company’s mission to help clients solve their most complex challenges.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Deloitte Candidates:
- Research the Company: Understand Deloitte’s business model, including its core services in consulting, audit, tax, and advisory. Be familiar with how Deloitte helps clients navigate challenges in digital transformation, risk management, and sustainability.
- Prepare for the Interview Process: For consulting roles, practice case study interviews. For technology roles, focus on coding, system design, and technical problem-solving. For audit and tax roles, be prepared to discuss compliance, regulatory standards, and industry knowledge.
- Demonstrate Cultural Fit: Deloitte values leadership, collaboration, and innovation. Highlight your ability to contribute to Deloitte’s client-centric culture and solve complex business problems.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest trends in technology, sustainability, and global business. Understanding these trends will help you stand out during the interview process.