Kris Maes

IT Risk & Governance Consultant

Bachelor in Applied Information Technology (Erasmushogeschool Brussels - 2009), Master in Commercial Sciences (HUB – 2010)

I assist and perform software license compliance reviews for major software vendors in EMEA and take an advisory role in Software Asset Management projects.

About 5 months after I started, I was staffed on a client assignment at a large bank in the Middle East. The complex nature of their environment and the cultural barriers gave both my soft-skills and technical subject knowledge a great boost.

I have taken part in multiple international projects. As Risk Consultant I was point of contact for the customer, gathered the required information remotely, performed onsite testing at the client site, and drafted the reports for internal review. To the extent possible, Deloitte involves me in a project from start to finish.

Clients and markets I have been involved with on license reviews differ greatly.  We work on assignments at small SME’s within the Benelux area to global enterprises with offices all over the world. These clients can be in all sorts of industries: Banking, Governmental, Insurance, Energy, Manufacturing, Telecom, Automotive, etc.

After the general new-hire training, knowledge is mainly gained on the job. By working with clients you continuously learn and will be able to apply this knowledge at future assignments. Deloitte involves you in client work at an early stage of the learning process, forcing you to step out of your comfort zone. Instead of learning from books, Deloitte gives you the chance to build experience and assigns you challenging tasks and responsibility while you grow.

All clients are different, no doubt about that! Reviewing or working in different types of (IT-) infrastructures creates new challenges and requires custom approaches, flexibility and continuous learning. On-the-job we build knowledge that we share and challenge within the team of experts and ultimately apply at future assignments. Language and cultural differences make cross-border assignments complex yet rewarding when successfully completed.

Soft-skills are key in compliance reviews. More than 70% of our daily work is client facing and communication is of an essence. Being transparent, honest and professional towards the client is our main focus. Since we assess IT-infrastructures and software deployments, technical skills or a strong IT-background and interest in new technologies are useful in the field.

Our team (CRC) is one family, one workforce, and a cohesive bundle of great individuals. We rely on each other for specific domains of expertise. Although they expect a great level of independency, my colleagues are always ready to assist me in case of doubts or questions. When travelling abroad with colleagues, you bond with them in an informal way, making working relationships even stronger.

Furthermore, every employee gets assigned a counselor and a mentor. Your counselor will assist you in steering your career, while your mentor helps you out with practical questions.

My job requires and offers flexibility and enables me to travel abroad. The variety of clients, markets and infrastructures presents different obstacles to overcome which requires staying alert in any situation. Deloitte tends to broaden your responsibilities at a high pace while you grow, allowing you to demonstrate your strengths and qualities.

Personally, the top 3 most valuable aspects of working for Deloitte are flexibility, international assignments, and the young and dynamic team.