Being in a perfectly functioning team is wonderful

He has been with PwC for almost a decade, but in his case, there is no such thing as routine. As a financial services auditor, Jakub Kolář meets with the largest clients in the sector. However, he also likes focusing on smaller companies. “For us, it’s mainly about communication, so that’s what’s also very valuable to us when recruiting. Moreover, people should be able to help others and eager to learn constantly,” he says in our interview.

You’ve been with PwC for almost nine years. What brought you here?

You’re right. I joined PwC on 1 May 2016, after 10 years at a competing firm. Thanks to our success in international tenders, a number of clients moved here at that time, and when PwC approached me with an offer, I took advantage of it. I work in the same field as before, namely auditing and consulting for companies in the financial sector. I primarily deal with insurance companies, asset managers, securities traders, and pension and investment funds.

Have you thought about changing fields during nearly twenty years being in one sector?

Our advantage is that minor changes happen practically all the time as the client portfolio shifts. You often get to do non-standard work, such as accounting or transaction consulting, in short, something other than just repetitive tasks, so I don’t have a desire for change.

Speaking of clients, which type do you enjoy the most?

In terms of size, probably the relatively smaller ones. With them, I am closer to senior management and the shareholder structure, so I can see the impact of my work better. With large entities, I can’t see that far, although giant clients are less prone to external and internal problems.

Do you often experience any problems?

To a certain extent, all the time (laughs). It’s especially difficult at the end of February and March, when most of our most important clients’ deadlines coincide. Of course, I try to prevent potential problems, but some only arise during the completion of products and annual reports. At that point, we have to call everyone and resolve the specific issues with them. Fortunately, as a team, we always manage to get through it in the end.

What is essential in such moments?

As for the people we are in contact with, we put great emphasis on their social intelligence and competence. Our work is definitely not just about accounting, numbers, and poring over documents, but mainly about communication, whether within internal teams or with clients. Basically, those who are not capable of this cannot do the job well and effectively. Teamwork is also important to me. When we have a lot to do, we help each other as much as possible. However, the willingness to learn new things is absolutely essential, because they are an integral part of our profession due to its nature. Even if you know accounting and methodology really well, you don’t know all the nuances of a particular client or the entire industry.

You mentioned learning – how much emphasis does PwC place on development?

I don’t think anyone here can complain about a lack of training (laughs). The company offers a huge number of programmes, some of which are mandatory. It’s no secret that PwC trains all its audit staff with ACCA accounting certification. Once you pass the exams, you can continue your studies at the Chamber of Auditors of the Czech Republic, where you can obtain further professional certification. This is the basis of professional training at our company. Then there are other training courses on various methodologies and soft skills, countless e-learning courses, and so on. The company provides its people with sufficient resources and time for development.

And how about your time? Do you have any left to clear your head?

I enjoy a lot of things, but I don’t have much time for them. Of course, my family comes first, and then I also like sports. My dad, my friends, and I used to be really into windsurfing. Now I’m a member of the Bohemians fan club, so I go to watch football and sometimes play it myself. I also have a band that started back in elementary school. We’re called Zpěváčci Sokolov, we play punk rock and perform a few times a year, for example at Sedmička or Modrá Vopice. Last time we played at Sedmička, we had seventy paying customers, so that was quite a success (laughs).