PA of the Year; Meet the Finalists

Here is our second finalist for PA of the Year at the Natwest Women in Business Venus Awards, Sahdia Shah from Deloitte.
I have worked at Deloitte for over 7 years in the Private Markets Tax Team and work directly for a team of over 10 people including a Partner and 3 Senior Managers providing them with extensive EA support. I am a dedicated and integrated member of the team and I believe that the team see me as the “go to person” for non-fee earning responsibilities such as SAP, the process in which we take on new clients, billing, IT, etc. These responsibilities have also allowed me to be the SAP champion for the wider EA team which includes 8 EAs. One of my favourite aspects of the role is the variety not only from day to day but hour to hour. It can range from marketing and arranging travel in the morning, to taking on new clients, financials and diary management in the afternoon.
When I found out I was nominated for the PA of the Year in July by team, I was absolutely delighted. It was unexpected and I was very surprised when I got an email from the organisers stating that I had been nominated. I told my fellow EAs who were extremely supportive and very excited for me. It was not only great recognition for me but for the whole team as well. It was then an anxious wait till September when the semi-finalists were announced.
I was on holiday in October when I received the email to confirm that I was shortlisted to 1 of 3 finalists and the only EA from a corporate “Big 4” professional services firm.
When I told the news to other EAs, they were thrilled and are now rooting for me, both locally and nationally within the firm.
Not only am I now excited and anxious about the announcement in November, I also have to look for a new dress (and maybe new shoes and bag!) for the event!
The winner of PA of the Year will be announced Wednesday 26th November at the ICC.