I left university with no idea of what career to pursue, but at my first workplace, I discovered internal audit. I asked for advice from my friends working in external audit and concluded that, with an analytical mindset and ability to grasp new concepts, internal audit could be good for me.
I was inspired by my ACCA-qualified leader, who led by example. I realised ACCA could be valuable to me as I could acquire knowledge and also broaden my perspectives.
Compliance risk management is becoming an integral part of many organisations
During the 20 years of my career, I have worked across numerous organisations in internal audit, risk and compliance. My ACCA qualification helped me to acquire the good habits that I have utilised when progressing from an expert to a leadership role. However, without the right mentors along the way, I would not be where I am now.
I have had the chance to see how compliance matures in organisations over time. Initially, compliance meant having some internal procedures in place, a compliance officer and doing the bare minimum. With increasing awareness and accountability of senior management, compliance risk management is becoming an integral part of many organisations. This is particularly true in regulated institutions, such as banks. I believe the maturity of compliance mirrors maturity of the underlying organisation.
Through observing colleagues, having helpful leaders, and trying, failing and trying again, I found a way to succeed
Development and growth are not possible without stepping out of your comfort zone. After years in back-end functions, I decided to challenge myself and gain experience, such as in sales while working for a consultancy firm. I was responsible for acquiring customers, maintaining relationships and growing sales figures. Initially, I lacked customer-facing experience, and it seemed I was not likely to succeed in this role. However, through observing colleagues, having helpful leaders, and trying, failing and trying again, I found a way to succeed.
My favourite quote is from Epictetus: ‘You become what you give your attention to’. I feel, over time, I am more inclined to give attention to people and activities that I consider to be of value to me.
What I really like about my role is that it gives me an opportunity to work with people of diverse backgrounds, experiences and cultures. It is often an eye-opening experience, requiring time and patience, but always developing and rewarding. Whatever task I need to tackle, the fact that I can collaborate with interesting people makes me curious and boosts my motivation.
I built the habits that help me to be effective, so I can enjoy the journey, not only the ultimate destination
I consider becoming an ACCA member to be one of my biggest achievements. When I signed up to the ACCA programme, I was also promoted to my first leadership role. I was setting up a new team and function, and leading a corporate project, while bringing up a small child and studying for exams. All these experiences were completely new to me, and at times I struggled with the complexity of some tasks and too little sleep. However, I do not regret a minute of it. I built the habits that help me to be organised and effective, so I can enjoy the journey, not only the ultimate destination.
If I had law-making powers, I would ensure that all people have access to the basic life necessities that secure human dignity.
If I wasn’t a compliance professional, I would have loved to be a professional cyclist. When I am not at work I spend as much time as possible close to nature, regardless of the weather. I also read a lot, usually three books at the same time: one to acquire knowledge, another to use my mind and one for pleasure.
