When people think about accountancy, they often think about numbers. But if you want to provide assurance over those numbers, you need to understand what sits behind them. How do processes work? Which systems are being used? And most importantly, which people are involved? That's what makes my job far more interesting than most people expect.
'I've learned that working quickly doesn't mean working carelessly. By making clear choices, you stay in control, even when things get busy.'
Esmée van de Velde, Manager AssuranceContent, processes and human connections
As an accountant, I provide assurance over the figures organizations share with the outside world, so investors, banks and other stakeholders can rely on them. To do that, I need to understand how those numbers are created. That means spending a lot of time talking to clients and regularly working on-site. It's exactly that combination of technical content, business processes and human interaction that makes the work so varied.
A more informal culture than expected
When I joined PwC, I expected a professional and business-focused environment. And it is. But it's also much more informal than I anticipated. You can approach anyone and start a conversation with anyone. Even the partners sit alongside the rest of the team. We work hard, but there's always room for fun and connection as well. I really appreciate that balance.
'Within our audit teams, we're encouraged to experiment with AI. At the same time, we stay critical about how we use it and the guidelines that come with it.'
Esmée van de Velde,Manager Assurance
Clear choices create clarity
One of the most important lessons I've learned here is that working quickly doesn't mean working carelessly. By making clear choices — understanding what's truly important and where you can work more efficiently — you keep a good overview. That creates calm, even when things get busy.
The same mindset helps me tackle complex challenges. By taking things step by step and focusing on what really matters, you create structure. As a result, challenges feel more manageable and it becomes easier to make good decisions.
Working smarter with technology
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in our work. Many routine tasks are faster and smarter than they used to be. That creates more time for the complex topics, improving quality and having meaningful conversations with clients and colleagues.
I personally use AI for things like analysing information, structuring large amounts of data and preparing reports. Within our audit teams, we're encouraged to experiment with these technologies. At the same time, we remain critical about how we use them and the guidelines that come with them.
'The challenge is bringing different perspectives together into one shared vision.'
Esmée van de Velde,Manager AssuranceBringing perspectives together
Another thing that makes working at PwC special for me is the collaboration. I've learned that you always get further together than you do alone. When you combine different perspectives, better solutions emerge and you learn from each other every day.
That's also what makes teamwork challenging. You work with colleagues who all bring their own ideas, experiences and areas of expertise. The challenge is bringing all those perspectives together into one shared approach.
Behind every challenge, process and number is a story. Curious about discovering that story?
Find out how your curiosity can make a difference at PwC.
