Internship @ Deloitte
In the vast topic of “data science,” useful knowledge and hidden information can be reviewed, analysed, and extracted from raw data using various procedures, theories, concepts, tools, and technologies. My journey of being a Data Science Intern in Deloitte Haskins and Sells has been an enriching experience until now.
The company has fuelled confidence to deal with clients and serve their needs. Being a part of the Statutory Audit Department, I have continuously been reviewed of the process of audit and risk assessment through E-Learnings. They have provided a huge support in developing a better understanding of my role and responsibility as an intern in the company. Throughout my experience, I have grabbed skills which are of utmost relevance in the industry and are tremendously useful in solving the problem statement which the clients provide. Few of those skills would be -
MACROS IN EXCEL
An Excel macro is an action or collection of actions that can be recorded, named, stored, and executed as many times as necessary and whenever desired using an Excel macro. It can be used to automate repetitive processes related to data manipulation and reporting that need to be done repeatedly by using macros. Macros are made using VBA, which stands for Visual Basic for Applications.
Visual Basic is a programming language in which these macros are written. I have built multiple automation projects using VBA script, few examples would be JE Testing Compilation, Cash Bank Substantive Testing, Bank Reconciliation, etc. Macros prove to marginally reduce time which is utilized in performing tasks manually. It minimizes manual intervention and eases the process by doing the same in one click. For instance, a macro can be designed to protect all worksheets at one go or save each worksheet as pdf. Here is the code:
An innovative part of Macros is that it is not limited to automation in excel. Through references in tools options, one can interface VBA script to Selenium library and even access Internet / Chrome Browsers to perform similar actions. I have created two macros which utilize this methodology and download GL and TB dumps into a specific folder in a single click. Excel sheets (.xlsx files) and online platforms can also be merged in macros to get a desired result. Through the course of developing macros in these recent months, I have realised how powerful macros are.
MICROSOFT POWER BI
Power BI is a group of software services, applications, and connectors that combine to transform your disparate data sources into coherent, engaging visuals, and interactive insights. The data could be stored in a hybrid data warehouse that is both cloud-based and on-premises, or it could be an Excel spreadsheet.
- Availability of Large Volumes of Data from Various Sources
Power BI has access to enormous amounts of data from various sources. It enables you to view, analyse, and visualise enormous amounts of data that Excel is unable to open. Power BI supports a number of significant data sources, including Excel, CSV, XML, JSON, PDF, etc. The data contained in the .PBIX file is imported and cached by Power BI using robust compression methods. - Features of Interactive UI/UX
Power BI improves the visual attractiveness of data. You can duplicate all formatting across similar visualisations thanks to its simple drag-and-drop functionality. - Exceptional Integration with Excel
Power BI makes it easier to collect, examine, publish, and distribute Excel business data. Excel queries, data models, and reports may be readily connected to Power BI Dashboards by anyone who is familiar with Office 365. - Features of Interactive UI/UX
Power BI improves the visual attractiveness of data. You can duplicate all formatting across similar visualisations thanks to its simple drag-and-drop functionality. - Exceptional Integration with Excel
Power BI makes it easier to collect, examine, publish, and distribute Excel business data. Excel queries, data models, and reports may be readily connected to Power BI Dashboards by anyone who is familiar with Office 365.
Recently I have learnt that Microsoft Power BI is indeed a powerful tool and works magic with all forms of data. On the basis of my contribution in using this tool indefinite times, I can define my role in the company as a Power BI developer where I build interactive dashboards utilizing data analytics and visualizations for the immediate client. I am constantly being mentored and guided by Analysts and Managers in the process of building and reviewing in order to present the best product to clients.
JOURNAL ENTRY TESTING
When the auditor wants to check the type, timing, and size of journal entries, journal entry testing is required. Recognizing the possibility of a major misstatement brought on by fraud is done when recording financial transactions.
When auditing transactions, the auditor should exercise caution and pay close attention to any transactions that seem off-the-wall. After the accountant records the transactions, the auditor should confirm all of them using the supporting documentation, and all entries should then be properly approved by a higher authority.
Journal entry testing in the company is utilized by performing testing and analysis using Spark and Scala. There are various exceptions provided by client for which there is a need to generate parameter and integrity results. Since, Deloitte has high profile clients, the data is huge and requires heavy coding in Spark and Scala to generate desired results.
Task : Given a Test Data of 10 clients to perform JET testing and fetch all parameter exception excel files and IR exception results. Followed the training videos of JET to obtain the desired results with the help of senior interns.
POWER QUERY
With Power Query (also referred to as Get & Transform in Excel), you may import or connect to external data and then modify that data to match your needs, for as by removing a column, changing the data type, or merging tables. When you’re ready to produce charts and reports, load your query into Excel.
Common data problems are simple to solve using Power Query. Most of our valuable time is frequently consumed by tedious manual procedures like cut and paste labour, column merging, and filtering. These operations are greatly simplified with the Power Query tool. With the help of this tool any operation and process which is done in excel can be fully automated, enabling fast delivery of client product.
A further advantage is that, in comparison to other BI tools, Power Query is simple to use. The Power Query user interface is straightforward. Given how much it resembles the Excel interface, many users will find it to be cosy.
Apart from these, the team has been made aware of the company’s policies like Diversity and Inclusion , Independence, Privacy and Security through their E-Learning platform. It intends to diversify the technologies even more for interns to learn and explore. Overall, the experience is full of learning and upscaling oneself with the guidance of talented and skilled leaders and team members.
