Celebrating a quarter of a century as a Chartered Accountant!

Today marks 25 years since I became a Chartered Accountant at PwC UK !? It’s quite unbelievable that a quarter of a century has passed since then and I never could have imagined where I’d be now and the career journey I’ve been on.? This September as we welcome over 1,000 new graduates I’ve reflected on what's changed, what I’ve learned and what advice I would give my younger self if I could!?

After studying Psychology at Durham University, I joined Coopers & Lybrand, a predecessor of PwC in 1995.? I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to do in the long term but I did want to work in London with lots of people my own age.? With a keen interest in business, accounting seemed like the perfect fit.?

It was a very different time then and instead of being issued with laptops and mobile phones, we were given large black briefcases for paperwork. The dress code was suits and smart shoes and I remember having a bottle green suit which was considered a bit edgy, as black, grey or navy was basically the uniform!?

The variety and excitement of auditing surprised me and I’ve always loved the job and the opportunities and experiences it’s given me.? Three years after joining the firm I qualified as a Chartered Accountant and I was looking forward to progressing through the firm.? Having decided it was time to start a family, I was also five months pregnant.? I continued to really enjoy my work but often felt different from my peers and clients. Working in financial services I have many memories in the early years of my career of being the only female in the room.??

When I look across the firm, as well as our clients today, it’s fantastic to see how much things have changed, how difference is celebrated and the huge steps that have been made to embrace and encourage diversity and inclusion. But there is still more to do.

As a part-time working mother, I sometimes questioned if I belonged in the business world. I was fortunate to have fantastic mentors and sponsors within PwC who offered me support and guidance.? The difference they made to me and my career is one of the reasons I’m so passionate now about everyone acting as mentors and sponsors to others.?

If I look back and reflect on what I’d say to my younger self, it would be to bring more of myself to work from the outset and speak openly about who I am. Early on in my career I never drew attention to the fact that I was a parent (I have three children who amazingly are all now adults) or that I was from a mixed ethnic background (my dad is Indian and my mum is English).? I was hesitant about highlighting anything that may have made others perceive me as different.??

Today we are much more open about diversity and the power that brings, be it in relation to gender, ethnic background or other things that make us who we are. Over the years what I’ve learnt is that being open is not just about you, it’s about the tone you set for others and the confidence this inspires.?

What I’d say to everyone joining us this month and anyone embarking on a new career is to think about what you enjoy and what you want from your life. You don’t need to decide it all at once. I’ve made decisions at each stage of my life, focusing on what makes me happy, and taking it from there.? I’ve had, and continue to have, a very fulfilling career and my husband and I have found a balance that works for us and our family.? The choices you make are personal, they might not work for others but you should feel empowered to make the right choice for you.