Connecting with people and solving problems is one of the reasons I moved into consulting. While there is a steep learning curve, it has been extremely rewarding. In my new role in EY, I am working with different clients, which is always great, and I also get to develop myself professionally. Within my team, we focus on finance transformation, supporting clients as they digitise their finance functions and operations.
The move to digital is critical for businesses to be able to adapt and remain agile. When I consider traditional industries such as financial services, the disruption that is happening is growing, through regulation, customer expectations, new competitors, employee satisfaction and cyber risk. Investing in digital capabilities and platforms is required to manage these market impacts. Digitising legacy platforms and developing the capabilities to manage these new systems is a major challenge for organisations to ensure that they can service their customers.
A wave of global regulation is forcing businesses to understand how their operations impact society
Over the past year, I’ve moved to focus on sustainable finance, and it has been really interesting. I engaged in a number of projects and worked with CFOs as they looked to understand how new sustainability regulations can impact their organisations. There is a wave of global regulation forcing businesses to understand how their operations impact society and look beyond the financial statements. It is great being at the leading edge of these changes as they give organisations an opportunity to really consider the impacts their operations are having globally, even if they are a local operation.
This year has felt largely more optimistic than 2023. While the challenges of recent years persist and global conflict remains, we are seeing organisations moving to invest in their people and technology.
I recently joined the ACCA financial services network panel as I felt I needed to get more involved in the industry group where I have deep experience. ACCA has been very good to me. My qualification has provided me with opportunities I never considered when I started working in accounting. From considering the qualification to be the destination, I recognise now it is just the beginning of a journey.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help; in everything we do, someone has more than likely done it before
I’ve adapted my view of downtime over the years. Previously, it was going out with friends for dinner and to gigs. Now, I enjoy getting out for a run or a walk when I want to unwind or get perspective. I have two young boys and they keep me busy between coaching on the GAA team or bringing them to matches. I recently invested in an Xbox (for them, of course) and enjoy getting into a game of EA FC when I can…
I can point to a few important business lessons I have learned in my career. Firstly, don’t be afraid to ask for help, recognising that, in everything we do, someone has more than likely done it before. Secondly, invest in your network, whether friends, colleagues, family or acquaintances, as it is worth its weight in gold and will stand to you throughout your career. Finally, be respectful of people you engage with. If you are leading a team or working with clients, people will be drawn to you if you are positive and show respect to them.
