Seeing technology as a powerful enabler, I began my career in IT. However, I quickly realised that technology’s true value is evident only when it is integrated with an organisation’s financial integrity and performance. Finance is the language of business, and moving into IT audit at PwC allowed me to bridge the gap. I was inspired by the idea of not just understanding systems but also assessing how those systems protect financial data, enable accurate reporting, and safeguard and build trust.
As technology risk director at EY, I lead teams in delivering technology risk and assurance engagements. It is all about ensuring our clients’ systems are secure, reliable and aligned with regulatory and business expectations. I work closely with both business and technology leaders to assess risks, strengthen controls and provide insights that go beyond compliance to add real value. No two clients or challenges are the same.
Rapid digital transformation pushes us to innovate
I’m proud of building and leading strong IT audit teams that deliver real impact. One highlight that combined technical challenge and making a real difference was leading a complex statutory audit for a major bank. Not only did we deliver assurance under pressure, but we also helped the client strengthen its systems for the long term. I thrive on helping organisations navigate complex technology environments, mentoring the next generation of auditors, and seeing how our work builds trust and confidence in the marketplace.
It’s vital to keep pace with rapid digital transformation, while ensuring trust and resilience. We’re moving towards open banking, cloud adoption and greater use of AI, which creates both opportunities and risks. Cybersecurity, regulatory compliance and customer data protection remain top priorities, and the increasing expectations from regulators add an extra layer of complexity. Yet this pushes us to innovate – everything from embedding stronger cyber controls to leveraging analytics for smarter auditing, while helping organisations build resilience against emerging threats.
ACCA has been hugely valuable in my career. The qualification gave me a strong foundation in finance, audit and governance, perfectly complementing my IT background and helping to bridge the gap between business and technology. Just as importantly, the global ACCA network has connected me with professionals and insights that continue to shape my perspective and open new opportunities.
If I weren’t in accounting, I’d be a builder. I’ve always enjoyed creating things with my hands and seeing a project come together from start to finish. There’s something deeply satisfying about problem-solving, planning and turning an idea into a tangible, functional result such as a home or a piece of furniture. I love the sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing something I’ve created having value and purpose.
