Once I decided I wanted to become an accountant, I chose Assurance because it has a great diversity of work. There’s different legislation depending on the jurisdiction you’re working within, the accounting rules are always changing and you have different clients with different issues. At the end of the day we’re producing an audit opinion but there are a whole host of elements to that. You have to adapt to different client dynamics and problems, from simple to chaotic, so interpersonal skills are really important. At PwC you learn these skills as you progress to Manager.
I’ve been with the firm for 10 years; I qualified here in Dublin and after qualification spent 5 months on secondment in the US. As a result of that trip the people I worked for in the US asked me to go back so I was based in Boston for 3 years, returning home last year. Working with PwC overseas, you quickly realise that PwC really is a global firm and people can move very effectively between countries.
Career nurtured and supported
People here have always taken an interest in me and my career. There’s always been a long term vision with great support in guiding me onto my next steps. They’re very proactive in nurturing graduates through their contract and in my case beyond this to Manager and Senior Manager. This was the case even while I was away for 3 years.
My industry focus in the US was real estate so different to my Irish role which is providing technical IFRS and US GAAP support to the team on one of our largest public clients. But as a Manager, it’s always about client service no matter where you go. It’s making sure you’re meeting client expectations and looking after your team to deliver on those promises. The only real difference is the technical accounting differences between the US and Ireland.
There have been a lot of highlights and my period in Boston was just one. The opportunities I have been given were affirmation that I’d worked hard and I was being rewarded.
Work-life balance a priority
The Partners here are very focused on personal development and work/life balance. There’s a lot of work to do but the firm makes sure there are other activities planned either by PwC or making sure people take time out to get some balance. That atmosphere is pushed right from the top which makes everyone a close knit team, from your own client service teams to your entire group. There’s a strong sense of community and that’s been improved even further by the new offices.
There are lots of opportunities here and it is possible to move industry group and across the firm. Come in with an open mind and you will get opportunities and a great experience. That’s certainly been my experience.
