Deloitte Middle East, a leading provider of audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services, hired 700 new people this year while continuing to deliver double digit growth, said the company’s chairman and chief executive.

“The firm is also investing heavily in its internal systems and in developing world-class expertise in such areas as cyber security, Private Client, and Enterprise Risk services, among others, added Omar Fahoum.

“Our center for corporate governance and the Islamic Finance Knowledge Center, among other specialized centers, are managed by experts in their respective fields that are being brought in to address the evolving needs of the Mena region and the growing demands and expectations of our clients.”

Fahoum made his remarks as Deloitte reported record global aggregate revenues of $34.2 billion for the fiscal year ending May 31, representing a growth 5.7 per cent.

In its fifth consecutive year of growth, Deloitte saw accelerated demand for its range of services in all regions of the world, a statement said.

Growth was led by Consulting, which experienced double-digit growth (10.3 per cent in local currency), followed by Tax & Legal (7.7 per cent). Financial Advisory and Enterprise Risk Services also experienced strong growth with 6.8 per cent and 4.2 per cent, respectively.

Audit experienced growth of 2.5 per cent, reflecting growth even after accounting for the network’s significant investment in quality around its audit service.

“By repeatedly forging new ground, Deloitte continues to stay ahead of the considerable disruption facing clients, our people, and the society in which we operate,” said Barry Salzberg, CEO of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

“Member firms remain sharply focused on their unique ability to address the specific needs of their clients through distinctive breadth of skills, deep industry knowledge and strategic investments, while bolstering trust in the marketplace, hiring and developing the best talent, and delivering value to society.”

Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) member firms grew by an aggregate 5.8 per cent in local currency. The Middle East continued to deliver double digit growth in revenues, whereas Europe in general, Italy, Germany and France demonstrated strong performance over FY13. Aggregate revenues for the sub region of Africa grew by an impressive 17.6 per cent.

As Deloitte’s businesses have grown around the world, the network has continued to recruit and develop the next generation of global and member firm leaders, training them to anticipate and tackle clients’ most complex domestic and international challenges.

In FY14, Deloitte member firms hired 54,000 professionals across the globe, growing its workforce by 3.7 per cent to 210,400. During this time, 63,000 Deloitte professionals—from 81 countries across all regions—have attended leader-led programs at the three Deloitte University facilities in the US, Europe and India.

“Deloitte professionals deliver outstanding value to clients and give back to the communities they live in, and we’re committed to investing in their development as leaders. That is why we continue to expand the deployment of the Deloitte University curriculum around the globe,” noted Salzberg. “These investments help to enrich careers, generate thought leadership, and ultimately deliver the services and solutions clients value most.”

“In the last few years it’s become clear that the only way we can truly address the major challenges facing society is through collective action. Deloitte recognizes our responsibility—and ultimately the benefit—to develop relationships with governments, non-governmental organizations, and other businesses to tackle these issues,” continued Salzberg.

“The expectation that businesses should take a leadership role in addressing the challenges facing society will continue to grow, and I’m proud that Deloitte is at the forefront of this movement.”- TradeArabia News Service