Taylor Hynes

Briefly, explain what you do at Deloitte.

I run the end-to-end payroll needs of our clients. I manage a monthly client workflow, balancing the needs of each client, how we’re spending our time and how Deloitte can improve its processes—like reviewing payrolls, contracting, onboarding and invoice management. My daily tasks include a variety of client interactions to help operations run effectively and continually evolve with changing industry legislation and compliance.

How would you explain what you do to someone who knows nothing about Operate services?

Operate Payroll services are managing a client’s payroll needs from start to finish, while continuously focusing on high-quality service and compliance. During projects, a client’s needs can expand beyond payroll, and we often make connections into wider Operate areas at Deloitte like mobility or HR services. We have several different teams across multiple workstreams, but they’re all linked and working as one cohesive unit to create a streamlined process and experience for our clients.

Tell us about an Operate services project you're most proud of working on in your career.

Right now, I’m part of a project for payroll service delivery where we’re implementing a whole-scale reinvention of the way we work and engage with our clients. I manage a client portfolio of 60 shared clients operating globally, and we’re determining how we activate our people and strengths in a way that drives greater operational efficiency for our team and our clients.

What does a typical day of work look like for you?

I’m consistently focused on hitting daily metrics and delivering high-quality payroll solutions for our clients. There are also client communication and day-to-day issues that arise. It’s about juggling many different priorities. No day is the same and that is what I love. Each of our clients have their own unique needs—we work to identify where they’re struggling and try to find a solution or direct them to the teams who will best be able to support them.

How did you end up in Operate services?

I’ve had the privilege of working in accounting and payroll both in-house and in professional services during my career. I worked at a large US bank handling expat payroll, and in the film and TV industry as an assistant production accountant, before transitioning into Operate services in Deloitte UK, where I’ve been able to bring the wealth of experience I gained working in industry to the dynamic client-facing role I’m in today. At Deloitte, I really enjoy the different opportunities that come from connecting with clients and internal teams, globally.

What excites you most about your role? Why do you do what you do?

There’s never a dull moment in Operate services. There is immense scope and a variety of ways you can get involved and tap into opportunities. As long as you’re willing to take initiative, there’s always something new and exciting. The culture and environment we work in supports and encourages us to do our best work, so even at tougher times with deadlines or changing client needs, there’s an opportunity to learn and grow.

What's the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging aspect is also a great thing—working to meet deadlines. They go a long way in keeping things interesting. They force you to think on your feet and approach challenges in an organized way. It’s a lot like playing a game of Tetris—moving pieces around to see what components work best and need to be prioritized at a particular point in time.

What's a common misconception about working in Operate services?

People think Operate services roles are all about taking orders and working to the same requirements on a daily basis. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Operate is fast-paced, innovative, and tech-driven, with many opportunities. The everyday juggle of priorities requires you to be nimble-minded and think outside the box to deliver a holistic client experience.

What aspects of your career journey have taken you by surprise?

Moving from a creative industry environment to a consultancy has been pleasantly surprising for me. Deloitte also offers a lot of creative freedom when it comes to tackling problems and brainstorming solutions to better deliver Operate services to our clients. For me the focus has been less on rising through the ranks and more on learning my craft and enabling my teams to do their best work. This is a business that is supportive, experience-driven and ever-changing, where everyone’s opinion matters.

What advice would you give your younger self about working in Operate services?

Be brave, raise your hand, and grab opportunities when you are presented with them. It’s important to seek out spaces and people to find the roles and jobs that you’re interested in. There are many platforms that exist to showcase your skills and capabilities and leverage opportunities.

What do you like to do outside of work? And why is it so special to you?

During the COVID pandemic I got a puppy, Daisy, so I get to spend a lot of time with her because of the more flexible way we work these days. I love walking Daisy and going on walking holidays. I also enjoy spending time with my partner and her two kids and going out to dinner and exhibitions. Yoga and fitness are also a passion—any kind of mindfulness practice.

Note: The services and experiences described herein are intended to demonstrate Deloitte's experience and capabilities in these areas, however, due to independence restrictions that apply to audit clients (including affiliates), Deloitte is unable to provide certain services based on individual facts and circumstances. Therefore, the experiences and descriptions would not apply to services to audit clients.