University of San Diego Takes Top Honors at Deloitte FanTAXtic Competition

A team of students from the University of San Diego claimed victory at the Deloitte FanTAXtic case study competition by presenting the best analysis on a complex, issues-driven business tax case. The national finals were held Jan. 12-14 at Deloitte University, Deloitte’s landmark campus for learning and leadership development.

“Students participating in this competition are getting real-world experience to prepare them for a career in tax, which requires a diverse skillset and innovative thinking,” said Steve Kimble, chairman and CEO, Deloitte Tax LLP. “I congratulate all of them for their technical proficiency and teamwork, as well as their critical and bold thinking to solve the complexities of this year’s business case challenge.”

Competition results

First place team: Andrew Cole, Michael Diaz, Simon Finnie and Barbara Machado each received $2,000 in scholarship money, and University of San Diego received a $10,000 institutional award.

Second place team: Loyola University received $1,000 per student and a $5,000 institutional award.

Third place team: Michigan State University received $500 per student and a $2,500 institutional award.

The other teams that participated were: College of William & Mary, Fordham University, North Carolina State University, Rutgers University, Syracuse University, and the University of Southern California.

“This competition provides an invaluable setting for students to prepare for a career in tax, interact with peers from other colleges and universities, and be inspired by knowledgeable professionals,” said Thomas Dalton, faculty advisor, University of San Diego. “Our students are given the opportunity to hone their communication, analytical and research skills.”

“The Deloitte Foundation helps prepare the next generation of future talent through case competitions across the business spectrum,” said Vickie Carr, partner, Deloitte Tax LLP and Deloitte Foundation board member. “FanTAXtic introduces students to today’s tax challenges and trends to provide a glimpse of what a career in tax could look like. It is so great to see teams work together and use their skills to deliver remarkable solutions to the business case.”

Each of the nine teams participating in the national competition won the Deloitte FanTAXtic contest in their respective U.S. regions. Before the final competition, nearly 60 teams representing over 40 colleges and universities participated in regional qualifier events at Deloitte offices throughout the U.S., Nov. 3-4, 2017.

Deloitte FanTAXtic originated in 2002 and is designed to familiarize students with the tax profession early in their academic careers. To learn more about Deloitte FanTAXtic, please email usnydeloittefoundation@deloitte.com.