Max Nugnes

Tell us about your degree - why did you choose it? What elements of the degree inspired you to study it?
I chose to study Accounting and Finance because I’ve always been interested in how businesses operate and financial decision-making. Studying Economics at A-Level introduced me to key financial concepts, and Maths strengthened my analytical and problem-solving skills. Accounting and Finance felt like the perfect combination of both.

Looking back, it was definitely the right path for my current role as an auditor at Deloitte. My degree gave me a strong foundation in financial reporting, analysis, and corporate finance. Beyond that, it helped me develop the problem-solving mindset and attention to detail that are essential in my role. Transitioning from university to a professional environment has shown me how much of what I learned applies in my role.

What was the best part of your studies here? What did you enjoy the most about your course?
The best part of my studies at the Business School was the combination of comprehensive course content, excellent facilities, and the opportunity to engage with a vibrant community. The course itself, which included modules such as a financial analysis dissertation, management accounting, financial accounting, corporate finance, and case studies, provided a solid foundation in both theory and practical application. These modules, particularly the financial analysis dissertation, gave me the chance to dive deep into complex financial topics and develop critical thinking skills that I apply daily in my audit role at Deloitte.

In addition to the academic content, the opportunities for extracurricular involvement were invaluable. Being part of the Leeds University Business School Society allowed me to network with industry professionals and gain insights into the business world. My time with Leeds Community Consulting was particularly beneficial, as it gave me hands-on experience in real-world business challenges and helped me develop problem-solving and teamwork skills. These experiences were essential in preparing me for the demands of the corporate world, and I am grateful for how they helped shape my current career path.

What was your experience of the student union, the city of Leeds and Yorkshire? Did you do any extracurricular activities during your studies? How did you enhance your personal development? What would you recommend to future students?
My experience with the student union at Leeds was excellent. It was a central hub that I always looked forward to visiting, whether to meet friends, grab lunch, or find a quiet spot to revise. The atmosphere made it a welcoming and comfortable place to spend time between lectures.

As for the city of Leeds, I absolutely loved it. It’s vibrant and full of life, and I made sure to immerse myself in everything it had to offer. From exploring the diverse restaurant scene and attending football matches to enjoying live music, events, and even joining in on the famous Otley Run, there was always something exciting happening in the city. It truly felt like the perfect place to study, live, and grow.

In terms of extracurricular activities, I made sure to stay active outside of academics. I was a member of the Leeds University Business School Society, which offered great opportunities for networking and learning from industry professionals. I also played football at The Edge throughout my time at Leeds, which helped me stay fit and build friendships. Additionally, being a project partner at the Leeds Community Consulting Society allowed me to gain real-world consulting experience, further enhancing my personal development.

For future students, I would highly recommend making the most of the extracurricular activities available. Leeds offers a range of opportunities to enhance both your academic and personal growth. Whether it’s joining societies, attending events, or exploring the city, getting involved will help you make the most of your time there.

How did your experiences at Leeds University Business School help you to advance your career?
I consider myself fortunate to have attended a university with such a strong business school. Leeds University Business School excels not only in its modern facilities but also in the variety of events it hosts, the quality of the lectures, and the diverse group of people I had the opportunity to meet. The experience provided me with a solid foundation in both academic learning and practical application, which has been instrumental in advancing my career. Beyond the knowledge gained in the classroom, the networking opportunities and the connections I made throughout my time there have played a key role in my personal and professional development. The Business School helped me grow, both as an individual and as a future professional, preparing me for my role in audit at Deloitte.

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School? Have there been any notable highlights?Since leaving the Business School, my career has progressed significantly, with one of the most notable highlights being landing a role as a graduate auditor at Deloitte, one of the Big 4 global accounting and professional services firms. During my time at Deloitte, I have had the opportunity to work on multinational audits of listed firms, which has been an invaluable experience in terms of both technical skills and exposure to the business world. Additionally, I’ve successfully passed the first two exams of the ACA, which is a testament to the solid foundation in accounting and finance that I built during my studies at university. The knowledge and skills I gained at Leeds have undoubtedly played a key role in my professional development and success at Deloitte.

What are your ambitions for the future?
My approach to the future is to have a plan in mind, but I’m also open to whatever opportunities arise along the way. The immediate goal is to complete my 3 year graduate scheme at Deloitte and become a chartered accountant. From there, I would love to expand my horizons by working overseas, which is a possibility at Deloitte. My top picks for locations would be New York, Australia, Canada, or even Italy, where my grandparents are from. In addition to this, I’ve always had an interest in pursuing an MBA at some point. For that, I can think of nothing better than returning to Leeds to do it - reconnecting with the university and further building on the foundation it helped me create.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to work in a similar role or industry to you?
The key thing to remember if you’re thinking of going into audit is that you’re not expected to know everything on day one. What’s far more important is your ability to learn and apply lessons learnt to the next task. If you’re considering it, look for experiences that give you exposure to the field whether that’s online courses, networking events, virtual internships like on Forage, or even talking to people in the profession to understand what the role entails. Also think about transferable skills from your current experiences like problem-solving, attention to detail, communication. Most importantly, don’t be put off by not having an the technical knowledge yet. The technical side can always be taught, but having the right mindset, curiosity, and willingness to learn is key.

What would you say is your defining memory of studying here? And would you recommend the Business School to others?
Graduation day would definitely be up there for multiple reasons. Having my family there in my university city was an incredible feeling, and seeing the pride in my parents see what I had accomplished during my time in Leeds made everything worthwhile. Graduating alongside the rest of my course, with whom I had built lasting relationships, was a highlight as well.

It’s also the little moments that stand out – those 9am lectures, revision sessions at the library with friends, or even a simple walk around campus. Those times really made my university experience special.

Without a doubt, I would highly recommend Leeds University Business School to others. I can’t speak highly enough of my time there. The combination of a solid academic foundation, excellent facilities, and a vibrant student life makes it an unforgettable place to study.

What advice would you give to students to help them get the most out of their time in Leeds?
To get the most out of your time in Leeds, I’d advise students to make the most of the opportunities available to them both inside and outside the classroom. Academically, don't be afraid to ask questions and engage with your lecturers – they’re there to help you grow and learn. Take advantage of the resources available, whether it’s the library, study spaces, or career services.

Outside of academics, get involved in extracurricular activities. Join societies, whether related to your course or personal interests, as they can offer valuable experiences and networking opportunities. Don’t miss out on the social aspects of Leeds either. The city has so much to offer, from its thriving restaurant scene and live events to the iconic Otley Run, which is a great way to meet new people and have fun.

Lastly, make time for yourself. Studying at university can be intense, so it’s important to find a balance. Spend time exploring the city, build meaningful relationships, and create memories that will last long after you graduate.