For me, accounting was never just about maths, but more a fascination with logic and the story that the numbers tell. Accounting is the language of business; it allows you to see beneath the surface of a company and truly understand it.
In my career in audit practice, I have moved from basic reporting to managing complex files. I have learned that behind every balance sheet there is a human organisation with its own unique challenges and realities.
I stepped out of my comfort zone in 2021, when I made the decision to move from Italy to Switzerland. While I remained in the audit sector, everything else changed: the country, the language and the professional environment.
Professional evolution only happens when you face uncertainty
The Swiss working culture is highly international, precise and structured. Initially, it was not easy to adapt to new regulations and a different pace of work. However, this experience was essential for my growth, as professional evolution only happens when you face uncertainty. It forced me to be more flexible and transformed me into a versatile, professional capable of working in any diverse team. It also proved to me that I could successfully apply my accounting skills anywhere, regardless of location or language.
I believe AI will have a very positive impact on our profession by automating repetitive tasks, allowing us to focus on high-level strategy and professional judgment. However, it also brings potential problems that audit firms cannot ignore. A major concern is data privacy, as auditors handle extremely sensitive client information and AI can expose firms to massive cybersecurity risks. Sharing client data on AI systems could lead to unauthorised access, exposing firms to severe legal and reputational risks, so it must be implemented with very robust security protocols.
If I had law-making powers, I would introduce regulations to incentivise companies to provide and promote physical activity for their staff, as a healthy employee is a more focused and motivated professional. This law combines my professional logic with my own passion for a healthy lifestyle.
There are similarities between a high-performance engine and a well-established audit process
What I enjoy most about my job is getting to see so many different corporate cultures. Every audit involves a new world where I get to meet different managers and see diverse approaches to business. This variety is what keeps me motivated. I have always enjoyed thinking analytically, and I like to find solutions to complex problems that are not just quick fixes, but are solid, credible and sustainable into the future. However, I do not exclude a move into the corporate sector later in my career, as I would like to experience driving a company’s strategy and operations from the inside.
This is my personal mantra: ‘In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.’ I find this quote fits with my daily routine. In audit, we often face tight deadlines or complex situations, but I always try to approach these ‘difficulties’ as opportunities to learn and improve myself.
When I am not at work, I need a mental reset. I love sports and any outdoor activity. The Swiss mountains are perfect for this – somewhere I can recharge my energy and find balance.
If I hadn’t become an accountant, I would have pursued a career as a mechanical engineer, as I have a great passion for cars and engines. One can see there are similarities between a high-performance engine and a well-established audit process; every part must work in perfect harmony to move forward efficiently.
