My dad is ACCA qualified, so I made him really happy when I said I wanted to be an accountant. I have worked across many accounting areas and sectors, and at one point I ran my own accounting practice in London. I realised that I wanted something more dynamic and forward facing, and transitioned into consulting with global clients. I joined Mars earlier this year, after four years at KPMG. My current position combines that passion for stakeholder engagement and the opportunity to build deep organisational knowledge.
The digital transformation that I’m leading is creating a standard global process that meets local requirements. It’s a complex and dynamic role, and requires collaboration with cross-functional teams and a wide range of stakeholders. Mars is a unique organisation with multiple and diverse segments. This adds a layer of complexity to the transformation. We have truly great people, so every day presents a new opportunity to find out more about the organisation.
Embrace ambiguity and don’t be afraid of the unknowns
Achieving the ACCA qualification was a long and challenging journey; by the time I completed it I had two children! A couple of years ago I started an MSc programme and at the same time became a senior manager at KPMG. I nearly dropped out of the programme due to the demands of family life but I kept thinking about putting on the gown, as I couldn’t attend the graduation ceremony for my first degree.
The profession is changing fast and at the heart of this is technology. With billions being invested in artificial intelligence (AI) globally, finance has long moved beyond traditional ways of working to become a true driver of business strategy, and human judgment will play a big role.
Some of my great learning ladders are through working with colleagues. Younger people expect to understand the bigger picture and are coming in with fresh perspectives. They have a digital-first mindset and are willing to challenge traditional ways of working. Success in finance demands a dynamic blend of technology expertise, digital fluency and exceptional communication skills. Staying ahead is also about being curious and innovative.
Prioritise those human qualities that you can’t replicate with automation
My advice would be to embrace ambiguity and don’t be afraid of the unknowns. When I joined KPMG as a traditional accountant, ambiguity was something that I had to lean into. Finance has become one of those roles that intersects with many other areas, so you also have to be able to build solid networks, which will open doors.
The foundation of all professional success is trust and credibility. A couple of years ago, at an ACCA event, Paul Pollman, the former CEO of Unilever, said that a good leader is first and foremost a good human being, and that true leadership is putting the interest of others ahead of your own. That message has stayed with me in a world increasingly shaped by AI and automation. Human qualities like integrity, empathy and authenticity are more important than ever, so I’d also advise people starting off in the profession to prioritise those very good human qualities that you can’t replicate with automation.
