When I joined RAI, in 2022, the firm was only three years old. I had to step out of my comfort zone in moving from Grant Thornton to such a young firm. But joining this growing local practice meant I had to learn to be more flexible and to take on broader responsibilities. It was an exciting experience that has helped shape my confidence and professional development.
I love working in practice. It allows me to continuously learn and work across different industries, much more broadly than in a single organisation. I work with major clients, including some of the most significant businesses in the region. I enjoy the blend of technical tasks, problem solving and working with different people. In the future I can see myself moving into a policy development or strategy implementation role, where I can apply my experience and contribute to shaping frameworks and drive long-term improvement.
Firms that implement AI thoughtfully will benefit from it
AI is definitely improving audit quality. Firms that implement artificial intelligence thoughtfully will benefit from it. Tools such as data analysis and financial statement casting are reducing the need for accountants to do repetitive tasks. AI does has its challenges – it sometimes seems to have a mind of its own and can generate unreliable information that could affect audit quality. Regulators need to be up to date on the tools used by firms so they can effectively assess reliability and any potential risks. It’s very important that we continue to exercise our professional scepticism, with or without AI.
In my job, no day is the same as yesterday, and that suits me. Meeting new people, learning how businesses operate and analysing data to spot unusual patterns is something I find very engaging. I also enjoy training our junior staff and seeing them apply what I’ve taught, growing in confidence and skill.
A willingness to go the extra mile truly sets people apart. My favourite mantra is: ‘Outwork expectations and deliver beyond what is required.’ I believe in consistent effort and attention to detail.
Education systems should put more emphasis on critical thinking
Education should prepare people better for the real world. Rather than focusing on academic results, I would like to see education systems place more emphasis on critical thinking, practical skills and adaptability. Introducing financial literacy, digital skills, AI and problem-solving techniques into the education syllabus would prepare people better for real-world challenges. I would also like to see stronger links between schools and industry so that learning remains relevant as technology and job markets evolve.
If I hadn’t decided to become an accountant, I would have chosen medicine as a career. However, my working life has shown me that I really enjoy breaking down complex topics and helping others understand them, so perhaps I would now choose teaching or training instead.
Cycling gives me time to think and recharge. I’ve taken it up recently and it’s been a great way to stay active and disconnect from work.
